Brasov, Bran Castle, and the most impressive Palace of All

Awe, central Romania.  This country really is one of my favorites.  The people are lovely, there are beautiful mountains, colorful towns, and impressive castles.  In Brasov, we spent quite some time enjoying the city.  It is not large, but it is quite cute.  I was pretty happy to get some super cheap soft-serve ice cream.  Not that it was oppressively hot.  I just really like ice cream.

Near Brasov is Bran Castle, a fortress often referred to as Dracula's Castle.  In reality the castle doesn't have any connection to Vlad the Impaler.  The castle is maintained as a museum, and you can walk through its many furnished rooms.  There was one room dedicated to the different myths and folktales that contributed to modern tales about vampires.

South of Brasov is a castle very different from Bran Castle - Peleş Castle in Sanaia. While Bran Castle is a fortress, Peleş Castle is all about luxury.  Of all the luxurious castles we have visited in Europe this one is the most impressive of all.  Unfortunately we have no photos of the inside.  We took a tour, but cameras were prohibited.

The interior is fine woods and luscious fabrics.  Every surface is made of the highest quality materials.  Unlike palaces filled with marble, Peleş does not feel cold and unfriendly.  The warmth of the wood and silks make it feel hospitable.  It is most definitely my favorite castle.