Dracula’s Castle

The real Dracula’s Castle is Romanian fortress called Rasnov Citadel and referred to by locals as the “The Fortress of Fear”. It was built on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian mountains in the 13th century to protect nearby villagers from Turkish invaders.

Rasnov Citadel is the largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe. Within its walls are the remains of buildings that were once used as a school, chapel and homes for those seeking refuge.

At the center of the fortification is a 143 ft deep well that was dug by two Turkish prisoners who were killed at the end of its construction. Centuries later, when the well was excavated, there were human bones found at the bottom of the well.

Today, travelers to the site can visit a museum holding hundreds of years old weaponry, tools, books and clothing. One of its most famous artifacts is a skeleton of a woman still lying in a torture chamber beneath the floor.

Reports of paranormal activity include sightings of dark moving shadows, unexplainable sounds and cold spots. Noises such as footsteps and voices have also been reported and many shadowy entities have been seen including an old man and a young woman.

Paranormal investigations were recently conducted in Dracula’s Castle by the tv shows Ghost Hunters and Most Haunted.