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| The entrance to the
historic castle, above, which was built in a strategic location between Wallachia
and Ardeal (Transilvania), both for protection and to collect taxes from those passing
through. The castle was conquered in the late 1400s by Vlad Dracula's army, and he may
have lived here briefly during his occupation of Brasov. Early in our own century, It was
a summer residence for King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. (Jun/July 1998) |
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The
center courtyard looking up at the walkway and gallery, above. (Jun/July
1998) |
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| A heating stove, above.
These coal stoves, covered with glazed ceramic bricks, are still in common use in the
countryside, in private residences as well as in hotels and restaurants -- although most
are not as ornate as this Italian-made model. (Jun/July 1998) |
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Here
is the obligatory :-) photo, below, of the exterior of Bran Castle. Note that
there is not a vampire in sight! (Jun/July 1998) |
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A
spectacular view of the countryside and mountains along the road to Bran, above. (Jun/July
1998) |
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| Brasov: charming and
very civilized, above. It is the second-largest city in Romania, after Bucuresti.
Here, a view of the "Black Church" and of the red-tiled roofs of the city. The
smaller tower to the right of the church is that of the History Museum (formerly the city
hall) on the town square. (Jun/July 1998) |
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