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. 

3 Minute Video Tour of Dracula's Prison: https://youtu.be/glJhg8hLiT0


NEXT: The Story of the Black Count Who Haunts the Labyrinth