Do you associate traveling to Transylvania with visiting its famous castles?
Don’t worry: you are not alone. Bran Castle is the most iconic, but it is by no means the only one! To prove this and help you discover them up close during your trip, we have put together a list for you:
Corvin Castle
Also known as Hunyadi Castle, it is a true symbol of the city of Hunedoara. It is one of the largest castles in Europe and rightfully earns its place on the list of the most beautiful in the world. The construction dates back to the medieval era, initiated by John Hunyadi, who had it built atop a rock.
To access the castle, you must cross the bridge over the Zlast River, which serves as a prelude to an imposing Gothic-style building with a courtyard of spectacular dimensions. Once inside, prepare for a journey to the medieval era: the women’s bath, the Diet Hall, and the Knights’ Hall are just a few of the perfect places to immerse yourself in history. It’s a place filled with stories and legends that will surely give you much to ponder!
Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)
Located in the Rucăr-Bran Pass, it was built over 600 years ago. In the early part of its history, the castle played an important role as a military fortress, and over time, it underwent several changes, shaping it into the structure we know today. An interesting list of names is associated with this castle: Louis of Anjou, Mircea the Elder, and the Hohenzollern family, among others.
But there’s more history: it was the favorite residence of Queen Marie, a significant historical figure who left her mark on the place, transforming it into a true architectural gem. However, as we have mentioned, Bran Castle is internationally known for the myths and legends surrounding Dracula, the protagonist of Bram Stoker’s book. In fact, this is the place that inspired the author to complete his work, which was based on the information he had about the castle and his readings on Vlad Țepeș.
Banffy Castle
Located in Bonțida (near Cluj Napoca), this castle comes alive every summer since 2013. That’s because during the summer, the Electric Castle festival is held here, one of Romania’s major events that has gained international recognition. Also known as the “Versailles of Transylvania,” the castle features Renaissance, Baroque, and Romantic architectural elements.
Its history is anything but tranquil, as it has witnessed numerous key moments. For instance, during World War II, when it was used as a hospital, it was severely damaged by German troops. However, it was not forgotten and has been restored through extensive rehabilitation efforts.
Teleki Castle
Located in the town of Gornești, just 17 km from Târgu Mureș, it is a true symbol of Baroque art. The building was designed by a Salzburg architect in the style of the Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava. It has 52 rooms and 365 windows! These numbers are no coincidence: they represent the weeks and days of the year. Its location might also ring a bell as the venue for the Awake festival at Teleki Castle. 
Now that you know more than just Bran Castle, which of these castles would you start your journey with?