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May 13th:
Meet with our local guide in the morning and set off for our tour of Bran castle and Rasnov citadella.
Bran castle was Built around the 12th century as a stronghold and expanded to a castle in the 13th century. In 1919 the castle was given to the Royal family and queen Anna extensively renovated the castle so it became their summer residence getaway. The castle is still owned today by her decedents. The walls in the castle are over a meter think and many defensive structure can still be seen including the cannon windows, lookouts, tower and secret staircase.
Our guide was very knowledgeable and was great to have her showing us around exposing and telling stories about the castle and the different sections.
Next stop was Rasnov and the citadella. The site has been used a defensive structure for over a thousand years. It was possible a fortified church at start with and the. Became a more permeant defensive fort with two rings of walls. There was store of weapon and the people in surrounds areas has a small house/ room inside that was theirs to fill with supplies during peace time so that if the warning was sound they could flee quickly inside the walls. Another legend is that two ottoman prisons in 1623 were held at the castle and promised there release after digging a well. The promise was not kept and they inscribed the well with the words ' you have water but have lost your soul' . From the top provides great views over the surrounding areas. The shield of the area with three roses and that is carved into the rock inside.
Once back in Bravos we learnt a bit more history about the city including that it was settle in to the 11th century as a walled city that only German decedents could live in. Those who didn't live in the city were charged a toll each time they entered at one of the four main gates. It Was one of the old capitals of translyvania.
Spent what was left of the afternoon in the square enjoying the music and dancing while eating lunch. Went to the supermarket to get a few supplies for tomorrow as we have an early start on the train for Bucharest and will need some breakfast.
The fortified churches were built in small villages as a place were the locals could go and seek refuge during attack. There were small rooms built near the entry were weapons were stored so if there was an attack the men could grab them and defend the citizen from the fortified church.
The crown symbols the city of Bravos and the seven roots represent the seven city's of translyvania.
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miranda loving the blog entrys sarah! very interesting sis!