Looking at the world’s most haunted places, you realise that the States have six and England, three in the Top Ten. And India? None. I wonder why. Perhaps you can tell me?While you think about it, let me tell you about the only one in Romania.
Built in the 15th century in Transylvania, it is called Bran Castle but we know it as Dracula’s Castle, linked to Bram Stoker’s horror story, ‘Dracula’.
Much better name, Bran is so ordinary. Vlan the Impaler lived there until he died in 1476. As his name suggests, he did pretty nasty things to his prisoners.
Today, Prince Dominic of Tuscany lives there, The Romanian government said he could in 2006. Why doesn’t he live in Tuscany?
I can guess. Today it is light, bright, and no need to scale the walls anymore. A lift has been installed. I ascended to Vlad’s balcony and marvelled how things had changed. No more inpaling.
Tea and cakes are served and the Prince can sometimes be seen waving rather embarrassingly to his subjects. One or two wave back.
Most look for evidence of Dracula and thirst for Vlad!
Contributed by Barbara Turner
