Romania - Searching for Dracula

This country has seen a fair share of despots.

  • Welcome to my domain

    Welcome to my domain

    Vlad Tepes was a Wallachian ruler who fought against the Ottomans in the 15th century. The accounts of his cruelty was an inspiration for Bram Stokers book about Dracula, based on a nickname of Tepes.

    [Dracula statue at Curtea Veche, Bucharest]

  • Tranquility

    Tranquility

    This small monastery for nuns is a solemn oasis in the bustling city. Their library holds over 8000 books.

    [Stavropoleos Monastery, Bucharest]

  • Shine for me

    Shine for me

    This is the oldest church preserved in the city. It once served as the coronation place of Romanian kings.

    [Curtea Veche Church, Bucharest]

  • Noroc

    Noroc

    One of the oldest beer houses in Bucharest, opened in 1879.

    [Caru cu Bere, Bucharest]

  • Beneath the arches

    Beneath the arches

    This was the residence of Wallachian rulers for two centuries until 1660. Vlad Tepes (Dracula) enlarged the original fortress and surrounded it with stone walls in 1458.

    [Curtea Veche, Bucharest]

  • Tranquility

    Tranquility

    This small monastery for nuns is a solemn oasis in the big city. Their library holds over 8000 books.

    [Stavropoleos Monastery, Bucharest]

  • Mansion of megalomania

    Mansion of megalomania

    The hallway with the impressive stairs, designed to make the short Ceausescu appear taller when he arrived to greet his guests.

    [Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest]