The Many Castles of Transylvania

Some are ruins, such as teh Castle of Alba Iluia, which is the first of these photos. This was the place where Michael the Brave made his entrance to teh city.

Others like Bietran are now UNESCO protected castles, and are tourist attractions.

Others, like Bran Castle are famous by the people who lived-- or didn't live there.  Queen Marie of Romania lived there, but not a Count Dracula.  Count Dracula was made famous by Bram Stoker, as was this castle-- Bran Castle in Transylvania.

As for others, they are ruins in a national park, and are left to fall into disrepair.  In this case, it is just as well since Elizabeth Bathory lived in these walls-- and she was a notorious serial killer.

These castles are of course a vital part to the history of Transylvania.