Embrace the Spooky Spirit of Halloween with a ‘Vampire Apprentice’ Excursion at Burg Forchtenstein, Austria
Looking for a spine-tingling Halloween adventure? Look no further than the ‘Vampire Apprentice’ excursion at Burg Forchtenstein in Austria.
Families converge at this historic castle to delve into the intriguing tale of Vlad Tepes Dracula.
The event, aptly named ‘Draculade,’ immerses children in the legend through immersive costumes and hair-raising stories.
The highlight of the evening includes a captivating visit to the Ancestors’ Gallery within Burg Forchtenstein, where a 17th-century oil painting by Vlad Tepes takes center stage.
Prepare to embark on a torch-lit castle tour that promises to send shivers down your spine.
This historical journey allows children to step into the shoes of the enigmatic character himself.
The evening kicks off as parents assist their children in transforming into the iconic Dracula, complete with his signature cape. The path is aglow with eerie torchlight, transporting you to a bygone era reminiscent of the vampire lord’s time.
“I want to instill in my children a deep appreciation for experiencing history in a vivid and memorable way. This unique opportunity to learn about the history of Dracula in a mystical castle at night, or to hear it narrated, is truly exceptional,” shares Andrea Stupitz, one of the castle’s enthusiastic visitors.
Prepare for a night of spine-tingling thrills and historical immersion that your family will cherish for years to come.”
What treasures await in Forchtenstein?
“A Pivotal Moment of the Event: Exploring the Gallery of Forchtenstein Castle’s Ancestors
One of the most captivating highlights of the evening is the visit to the Gallery of the Ancestors at Forchtenstein Castle. Here, a remarkable piece of history awaits – a 17th-century full-length portrait of Vlad Tepes (1431 – 1476), the esteemed voivode of Wallachia, renowned by the moniker Dracula.
This remarkable portrait, nestled within the esteemed collection of the Esterházy Private Foundation, lends an invaluable historical dimension to the entire experience. It allows visitors to connect with the enigmatic past of Vlad Tepes, adding a layer of authenticity and intrigue to an already enchanting evening.”
Who was Vlad Tepes, the “real” Dracula?
T
Florian Bayer, the head of the collection at the Esterházy Private Foundation, provides insight into the historical persona of Vlad Tepes Draculea, depicting him as a ruler of his era who adeptly seized opportunities to implement his governance ideals and safeguard his nation.
Bayer emphasizes, “In the 14th, 15th, and later the 16th centuries, Vlad Tepes had already earned his status as a historical figure through a rich tradition of written accounts, paintings, and sketches, particularly within Central Europe.”
It’s worth noting that Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” published in 1897, gained immense popularity in the 20th and 21st centuries, spawning countless films and adaptations. However, the association between Stoker’s fictional Dracula and the historical Vlad Tepes only emerged during the communist regime, as a clever marketing strategy to lure tourists to Romania.
Archivist Bogdan Popovici from Brasov, Romania, draws attention to historical records pertaining to Vlad Tepes, underlining a surprising revelation: “Research I conducted with a colleague from Brasov a few years ago revealed that there was no link between the Bram Stoker character and Vlad Tepes until the 1960s. This connection was fabricated during the communist regime, primarily for the Western market, with the aim of attracting tourists.”
“Dracula” at Burg Forchtenstein presents a distinctive opportunity to delve into the intricate narrative of Vlad Tepes. It invites participants to separate fact from fiction and immerse themselves in an evening that combines eerie amusement with historical enlightenment.
Image:Getty Images
