MEM - Wonderful Roads and Places
3 Poenari Castle (Ruins)
On the upper course of the river
Argeş, next to Căpăţâni an outpost
was built. Later a legendary castle
took shape here known as Poienari,
first mentioned in 1453.
The fortress was home of Vlad the
Impaler and many feel this is the
‘real’ Dracula’s castle! Vlad was the
inspiration for the fictional character
by Bram Stoker. According to the
legend in 1459 when Vlad became
ruler he ordered the arrest of all the
noble families who took part in the
murder of his father. As a punishment
they were impaled. There are lots of
different stories and legends about
the place but one thing is certain,
once you reach the top of the 1480
staircase the view is worth all the
effort. Take a camera and an inhaler
after marching up all those steps in
full biking gear! MEM