Bran Castle – Dracula’s Castle

Bran Castle - Dracula's Castle by M Bielaczyc
Dracula’s Castle Art Print

Orders fulfilled by Aradani

From the Artist

Drawn as the cover for the Saga Zine, Issue #2. The zine featured an article about Strongholds, so why not draw the most infamous real world BBEG’s castle?

More About The Art


Bran Castle, commonly known as “Dracula’s Castle,” is a historic fortress perched atop a rugged hill in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. Nestled near the town of Bran, this medieval stronghold has gained international fame and has become synonymous with the fictional character Count Dracula, although there is no evidence that Bram Stoker, the author of “Dracula,” had Bran Castle in mind when writing his iconic novel. Constructed in 1388 to defend the strategic mountain pass against invading forces, the castle has a rich history that extends beyond the Dracula legend.

The architecture of Bran Castle is a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, characterized by its imposing towers, thick stone walls, and red-tiled roofs. The castle served various purposes throughout its history, including acting as a royal residence and a military fortress. Its strategic location and imposing structure make it a significant historical landmark in Romania, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Transylvanian landscape.

While Bran Castle is not directly linked to Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend, it has embraced its association with the vampire mythos. Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world who are intrigued by its connection to the Dracula narrative. The interior of Bran Castle houses a museum that showcases art and furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania, providing visitors with a glimpse into the castle’s royal past. Whether admired for its historical significance, architectural splendor, or Dracula-related allure, Bran Castle continues to stand as a captivating symbol of Romania’s rich cultural heritage.


About Michael Bielaczyc

Portrait of a Weird Artist - Michael Bielaczyc

Michael Bielaczyc has been working professionally in the art field since 2001 when he founded Aradani Studios with his brother Paul. Together they have exhibited across America selling both their artwork and costuming. He works in many mediums from oil paint to latex prosthetics, video to graphite.

In 2012, Michael started Lone Wanderer Entertainment with his long time friend Dane Clark Collins to publish books based in their dark fantasy world – Atheles. Since then he has authored 4 books and created the SagaBorn RPG system.

See more of Michael’s Art.