Haunted Castles of Transylvania

When most people think of haunted places in Transylvania, two names dominate: Bran Castle (Castelul Bran), often dubbed “Dracula’s Castle,” and the gothic Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor) in Hunedoara. But beyond these tourist icons lie dozens of lesser-known fortresses and ruins where Romania’s history, tragedy, and folklore weave together into chilling ghost stories. These forgotten strongholds, often perched on windswept hills or crumbling into the forests, are just as eerie—if not more so—than their famous counterparts. Here, the walls whisper of sieges, betrayals, and the restless spirits said to linger still.

Below, we explore some of Transylvania’s most overlooked haunted castles and fortresses, where the shadows tell their own tales.

Banffy Castle (Castelul Bánffy), Bonțida – The “Versailles of Transylvania” and Its Curse

Located near Cluj-Napoca, Bánffy Castle was once a grand baroque residence, a jewel of aristocratic splendour. Today, much of it stands in haunting decay, its crumbling halls echoing with the sounds of wind and distant footsteps. Locals call it “the Versailles of Transylvania,” but along with its beauty comes a legacy of misfortune.

During World War II, the castle was plundered and burned by retreating German troops, leaving behind a shell of its former self. Ever since, there have been reports of spectral figures drifting through the overgrown courtyards and shadows flickering in the shattered windows. Visitors claim to hear faint piano music—though no instrument survives within the ruins. Many believe these manifestations belong to members of the Bánffy family, mourning the destruction of their ancestral home.

Some also speak of a darker curse. Workers restoring the castle in recent years have reported sudden accidents, tools vanishing, and a heavy, inexplicable dread in certain rooms. Whether it’s lingering trauma or something more supernatural, Bánffy Castle carries an unmistakable atmosphere of unrest.

Făgăraș Fortress (Cetatea Făgărașului) – Moans Beneath the Moat

Făgăraș Fortress, rising from its surrounding moat, is one of Romania’s best-preserved medieval strongholds. While it now houses a museum, its past is far from peaceful. In the 17th and 18th centuries, its dungeons were notorious for cruelty. Prisoners were chained in freezing cells beneath the waters, often left to die slowly of hunger and exposure.

Today, guards and late-night staff report moans and chains rattling beneath the floors. Some tourists claim to feel sudden drops in temperature or see wet footprints appear along the stone corridors. The moat itself has a reputation; on still nights, ripples move across the water despite no wind, as if something stirs beneath the surface. Locals believe the spirits of the tortured still linger, their suffering etched into the very stones.

Rupea Fortress (Cetatea Rupea) – The Screams on the Hill

Standing on a dramatic basalt hill, Rupea Fortress commands sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. Its layered, circular walls date back to Dacian and medieval times, serving as a refuge in wars and plagues. But with such long use came countless deaths—from battles, sieges, and starvation during prolonged lockdowns.

At night, hikers ascending the hill have reported an eerie chorus of screams and whispers carried on the wind. Some describe seeing shadowy figures moving along the battlements, vanishing when approached. There is also a persistent legend of a “White Lady”—believed to be the ghost of a noblewoman who leapt from the tower after being forced into a loveless marriage. Her veil, locals say, can sometimes be seen fluttering against the dark sky.

Poenari Fortress (Cetatea Poenari) – Vlad’s Restless Watch

While Bran Castle often claims the Dracula spotlight, Poenari Fortress (near Curtea de Argeș, on the edge of historic Transylvania) was the real stronghold of Vlad Țepeș, the historical figure behind the vampire legend. Perched precariously atop a cliff and accessible by a steep climb of 1,480 steps, the ruins exude menace even in daylight.

Visitors speak of an oppressive silence broken by sudden gusts of wind. Some claim to have seen the outline of a tall, cloaked figure watching from the ruined towers. Others hear what sounds like distant battle cries and hoofbeats, despite the isolation. It is said that Vlad’s spirit still guards the fortress, bound to the place where he plotted revenge and ruled with terrifying force.

Iulia Hasdeu Castle (Castelul Iulia Hașdeu), Câmpina – Built for a Spirit, Haunted by Love

Though not a fortress in the traditional sense, Iulia Hașdeu Castle in Câmpina carries one of Romania’s most unique and poignant ghost stories. Built by scholar Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu after the death of his beloved daughter, Iulia, the small stone castle was designed according to instructions Hașdeu claimed to receive through séances. The father, a firm believer in spiritualism, believed the castle would allow him to communicate with Iulia’s spirit.

To this day, visitors report strange phenomena—whispers, phantom footsteps, and the soft playing of a piano (Iulia’s favourite instrument). Some even claim to see a young woman in white moving through the halls, thought to be Iulia herself. Unlike the darker hauntings of Transylvania’s fortresses, the energy here feels sorrowful but gentle—a lingering bond between father and daughter.

Why These Castles Haunt Us

What ties these castles together isn’t just their ghost stories, but the way they reflect Romania’s layered past. Transylvania’s castles are more than tourist sites; they are living remnants of eras marked by war, tragedy, and resilience. The spirits said to wander their ruins—whether vengeful, mournful, or protective—are extensions of that history, woven into the collective memory of the region.

For those willing to step beyond the well-trodden paths of Bran and Corvin, these sites offer something far more atmospheric. They are places where silence feels heavy, where the wind seems to whisper names, and where visitors leave with the uncanny sense they were not entirely alone.