Danube Cruise#6: Budapest: Dracula's Prison, Who Was Vlad the Impaler?
Descending into the Labyrinth
Prison cell in the Labryinth
In part 6 of our Vacation cruise, we're still on the Buda side of Budapest, at a place called Castle Hill. On this hill, there was a special underground prison where Dracula (yes, the actual person) was imprisoned. We'll tell you about that and 6 reasons it's famous.
THE LABYRINTH! Located in the Castle District, this was billed as "Europe's 8th most popular tourist destination." WHAT IS IT? - Underneath Castle Hill is a vast and complex system of natural caves and
passages that have been carved between them throughout their long
history of human use, which dates back to prehistoric times.
WHAT IS IT FAMOUS FOR? 1) Dracula, known as Vlad Tepes or "Vlad the Impaler" (who really lived) was imprisoned 2) Underground tunnels and caves were homes to people in the medieval times 3) It was a prison and a torture chamber under the reign of Hunydadis 4) It served as a shelter during World War 2. 5) It is supposed to be haunted by "the Black Count" who holds ghostly parties there. 6)The Turks began the connecting passageways, and three Turkish tombstones dating from as early as the 14th century remain from their occupation.
Vlad the Impaler
WHO REALLY WAS "VLAD THE IMPALER"? -Vlad III Dracula, known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula, was
Voivode of Wallachia three times between 1448 and his death. He is often
considered one of the most important rulers Wallachia had and a
national hero of Romania.
He was the second son of Vlad Dracul, who became the ruler of Wallachia
in 1436. King Mattias captured him in Transylvania and had him taken to Buda where he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. During that time, Vlad's wife Justina, committed suicide. His castle, "the Havasalfold" was robbed by the Turkish. Dracula's reputation for cruelty was known throughout Europe.
I'm a simple guy who enjoys the simple things in life, especially our dogs. I volunteer for dog rescues, enjoy exercising, blogging, politics, helping friends and neighbors, participating in ghost investigations, coffee, weather, superheroes, comic books, mystery novels, traveling, 70s and 80s music, classic country music,writing books on ghosts and spirits, cooking simply and keeping in shape. You'll find tidbits of all of these things on this blog and more. EMAIL me at Rgutro@gmail.com - Rob
THE LABYRINTH! Located in the Castle District, this was billed as "Europe's 8th most popular tourist destination." WHAT IS IT? - Underneath Castle Hill is a vast and complex system of natural caves and
passages that have been carved between them throughout their long
history of human use, which dates back to prehistoric times. 
6) The Turks began the connecting passageways, and three Turkish tombstones dating from as early as the 14th century remain from their occupation. 
