Vlad the Impaler: genuine historic character (1431-1476) who ruled Wallachia intermittently; he showed a particular cruelty to Turks and unfaithful boyards; Romanian history depicts hum as an authoritative, just and brave ruler; his struggle against the Ottoman Empire was supported by Mathias Corvinus, Hungaty's king and by Stephen the Great, ruling prince of Moldavia.

A theme tour in Transylvania with places reating to Vlad the Impaler's real life story may include Brasov, Fagaras, Sibiu, Medias, Sighisoara, Aghires (Cluj county).

Dracula: best-selling fiction devised by the Irish writer Bram

 Stoker in the manner of the English Gothic novel; successfully promoted by the 20th c. Anglo-Saxon film industry; his name has been attached to Bran Castle, which actually belonged to Vlad the Impaler's grand-father, Mircea the Old, but was never owned, inhabited or visited by Vlad the Impaler himself.

In the Bargau River Valley, near Bistrita (the picturesque geographical area commonly associated with the dwelling of the vampire-count), a castle-like hotel was built during the 1980's; called the Dracula Castle, it provides excellent tourist service and allows one to indulge leisurely in a picturesque and legendary environment.