Alleged to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897), Vlad Tepes was born in Sighisoara in the building (above left) where his family lived for four years. There is no doubt of his bloodthirsty proclivities. A Wallachian prince, Vlad was in the habit of impailing his victims on wooden stakes and prided himself on how long they could be kept alive. He was known as "Vlad the Impailer" and also, more kindly, as "Draculea" or Son of Dracul (his father's name).
Stoker stayed in the Hotel Coroana de Aur (left) and had his character, Johnathan Harker, stay there on his way to meet Dracula. |
