Built between 1873 and 1914 by King Carol I, it served as the lavish summer residence for the Romanian Royal Family It is a masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival styles. The interior features over 160 rooms decorated with intricate woodcarvings, Murano glass. It was highly advanced for its time, becoming the first castle in Europe to be fully lit by electricity (generated by its own plant) and featuring central heating, an elevator, and hot/cold running water.

Built in 1377 by the Saxons of Brașov, it was originally designed as a strategic fortress and customs post guarding the mountain border between Transylvania and Wallachia. It later served as a royal residence for Queen Marie in the early 20th century. In contrast to the open opulence of Peleș, Bran features narrow, winding corridors, hidden staircases, and simple, rustic medieval rooms. It is internationally famous as "Dracula's Castle" due to its resemblance to the fortress described in Bram Stoker's novel. However, the real-life historical figure (Vlad the Impaler) never lived here, though he may have passed through the region.