Transylvania, a region steeped in history, myth, and breathtaking landscapes, has long been a muse for filmmakers, authors, and television series creators. From awe-inspiring castles to quaint villages and mysterious forests, Transylvania provides the perfect setting for various narratives. This guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Transylvania, exploring famous films shot here, popular TV shows and animated films set in the region, and literary works that weave their stories around its mystique.
10 Renowned Films Shot in Transylvania
Transylvania’s unique blend of natural beauty, gothic architecture, and rich cultural history has attracted many filmmakers over the years. Here, we explore 10 prominent films that have utilized Transylvania’s charm to create compelling visual narratives:
1. Nosferatu (1922) Directed by F.W. Murnau, this silent horror film is a quintessential example of German Expressionism. Its eerie depiction of Count Orlok (a stand-in for Bram Stoker’s Dracula) has roots in Transylvania’s folklore.
2. The Wolf Man (1941) This classic horror film, directed by George Waggner, is set in a fictional Welsh town but was inspired by Transylvania’s legends of werewolves and other supernatural creatures.
3. The Brides of Dracula (1960) Directed by Terence Fisher, this Hammer Film production is a sequel to the 1958 Dracula, with several scenes shot on location in Transylvania, showcasing the region’s Gothic castles and atmospheric landscapes.
4. Charlie Countryman (2013) This action-comedy, starring Shia LaBeouf and Evan Rachel Wood, is set and shot in various locations in Transylvania, portraying the region’s vibrant city life and rural charm.
5. Cold Mountain (2003) Directed by Anthony Minghella, this Civil War drama used Transylvania’s Carpathian Mountains as a stand-in for its titular location in North Carolina.
6. Youth Without Youth (2007) Francis Ford Coppola’s enigmatic drama explores themes of time, love, and identity, with many scenes filmed in Transylvania, effectively capturing its unique beauty and mystique.
7. The Keep (1983) This horror film, directed by Michael Mann, was partially shot in Transylvania. The region’s eerie landscapes create a haunting backdrop for the movie’s supernatural plot.
8. The Brothers Bloom (2008) This caper comedy-drama, directed by Rian Johnson, features several scenes shot in Transylvania, showcasing its historic architecture and picturesque locales.
9. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011) This Marvel Comics adaptation, directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, was filmed extensively in Romania, including several locations in Transylvania.
10. Hotel Transylvania (2012) Though an animated feature, it’s worth mentioning that this family-friendly film, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, is set in a fictional castle in Transylvania, drawing on the region’s association with supernatural lore.
5 Captivating TV Shows Set in Transylvania
In addition to films, Transylvania has also been the setting for numerous TV shows. Here are five series that have creatively utilized Transylvania’s enchanting landscapes and legends:
1. Dark Shadows (1966-1971) This iconic American soap opera, with its supernatural themes and gothic aesthetics, drew inspiration from Transylvania’s folklore and mythology.
2. Penny Dreadful (2014-2016) Created by John Logan, this British-American horror drama frequently references Transylvania, particularly in its storylines involving Count Dracula.
3. Dracula (2013-2014) This British-American television drama, created by Cole Haddon, is a reimagining of Bram Stoker’s novel, with Transylvania being the homeland of the titular character.
4. The Worst Witch (2017-present) This British-German fantasy series, based on Jill Murphy’s children’s books, is set in a magic school located in a castle reminiscent of those found in Transylvania.
5. Castlevania (2017-present) This American animated series, based on the video game series of the same name, is set in a dark and gothic version of Transylvania.
5 Animated Films Set in Transylvania
Transylvania’s charm and mystique have also found their way into animated films, enchanting younger audiences. Here are five such films:
1. Hotel Transylvania (2012) This entertaining family film, directed by Genndy Tartakovsky, is set in a lavish resort in Transylvania where monsters can take a break from human civilization.
2. Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015) The sequel to Hotel Transylvania continues the story, further exploring the quirky and colorful world of Transylvania’s supernatural inhabitants.
3. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation (2018) The third installment in the series sees the characters embarking on a cruise for monsters, but the film still retains connections to its Transylvanian roots.
4. Van Helsing: The London Assignment (2004) This animated horror film serves as a prequel to the live-action film Van Helsing, with the titular character battling supernatural forces in Transylvania.
5. Scooby-Doo! and the Goblin King (2008) In this direct-to-DVD animated film, the famous Mystery Inc. gang travels to Transylvania to stop a wicked warlock from taking over the world.
Famous Books Set in Transylvania
Transylvania’s allure extends beyond the screen and onto the pages of numerous literary works. Here, we delve into three classic and three contemporary books set in Transylvania:
Classic Books
1. “Dracula” by Bram Stoker Arguably the most famous book set in Transylvania, this Gothic novel introduced the character of Count Dracula and established many conventions of vampire fantasy.
2. “The Castle in the Carpathians” by Jules Verne In this lesser-known work by Verne, the desolate landscapes and mysterious castles of Transylvania serve as the backdrop for a tale of love and supernatural horror.
3. “A Guest in the House of Israel: Post-Holocaust Church Theology” by Clark M. Williamson While not a novel, this theological text discusses the historic persecution of Jews in various regions, including Transylvania.
Contemporary Books
1. “The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova This contemporary novel weaves a complex tale of three generations of historians on the trail of Vlad the Impaler – the inspiration for Dracula – with several scenes set in Transylvania.
2. “The Keep” by Jennifer Egan A gothic thriller that jumps between contemporary America and a strange, old castle in Transylvania, exploring themes of imprisonment and the supernatural.
3. “Wildwood Dancing” by Juliet Marillier This fantasy novel, set in Transylvania, is a reimagining of the fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” with elements of traditional Romanian folklore.
Exploring Transylvania’s Filming Locations – Where to Go
Transylvania is a land of cinematic landscapes, from misty mountains and dense forests to medieval cities and imposing castles. Let’s embark on a journey through some of the region’s most iconic filming locations:
1. Bran Castle Also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” this landmark is a must-visit. Although Bram Stoker never visited Romania, his descriptions of Count Dracula’s castle closely match Bran Castle.
2. Sighișoara The birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (the inspiration for Dracula), this well-preserved medieval town has been used in several films and TV shows.
3. Salina Turda This ancient salt mine, turned into a futuristic amusement park, has served as a filming location for several sci-fi and fantasy films.
4. Corvin Castle One of the largest castles in Europe, its gothic architecture and dramatic towers have made it a popular location for historical dramas and horror films.
5. Cluj-Napoca Transylvania’s unofficial capital, with its combination of modern city life and historic architecture, has been used in contemporary films and TV shows.
Where to Sleep in Transylvania
Whether you’re looking for luxury accommodations or budget-friendly options, Transylvania offers a wide range of places to stay. Here are three luxury and three budget-friendly options:
Luxury
1. Bánffy Castle Located in Bontida, this castle offers luxurious accommodations and a unique chance to live like Transylvanian nobility.
2. Ice Hotel Situated in the Făgăraș Mountains, this hotel made entirely of ice offers a unique and luxurious experience.
3. Grand Hotel Continental Located in the heart of Bucharest, this five-star hotel offers luxury accommodations with easy access to many of Transylvania’s attractions.
Budget
1. Rolling Stone Hostel Located in Cluj-Napoca, this budget-friendly hostel offers clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.
2. Transylvania Hostel Also situated in Cluj-Napoca, this hostel offers affordable accommodations in a beautiful, historic building.
3. Retro Youth Hostel This hostel, located in the heart of Cluj-Napoca, offers budget-friendly accommodations with a unique retro theme.
Where to Eat in Transylvania
From traditional Romanian cuisine to international dishes, Transylvania offers a variety of dining options to suit every taste. Here are three budget and three luxury dining options:
Budget
1. Roata Restaurant Located in Cluj-Napoca, this restaurant offers a variety of traditional Romanian dishes at affordable prices.
2. Casa Ardeleana Also situated in Cluj-Napoca, this restaurant offers a mix of Romanian and international dishes in a casual setting.
3. Toulouse Café This café in Brasov offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and pastries at budget-friendly prices.
Luxury
1. Belvedere Restaurant Located in the Aro Palace Hotel in Brasov, this restaurant offers gourmet cuisine with a spectacular view of the city.
2. Acasa la Dracula This luxurious restaurant, located near Bran Castle, offers a variety of Romanian and international dishes in an opulent setting.
3. The Carpathian Stag Located in Brasov, this upscale restaurant offers a variety of gourmet dishes, including venison and other game.
Detailed Itinerary Day by Day
To make the most of your cinematic journey through Transylvania, here’s a sample three-day itinerary:
Day 1: Brasov Explore the city’s historic center, visit the Black Church, and take the cable car up to Tampa Mountain for a panoramic view. End the day with a visit to Bran Castle.
Day 2: Sighisoara Visit the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, explore the Citadel, and visit the Clock Tower for a breathtaking view. In the evening, enjoy a meal at one of the city’s traditional restaurants.
Day 3: Cluj-Napoca Explore the city’s historic center, visit St. Michael’s Church, and take a walk in the Central Park. In the evening, enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Cryptid Legends and Curiosities
Transylvania is a land of legends and myths, most notably the tale of Count Dracula. But the region is also home to other lesser-known tales of cryptids and supernatural beings. The forests of Transylvania are said to be inhabited by creatures known as “Paduroiu,” shape-shifting spirits that lead travelers astray. The waters of Lake Tarnita are believed to house the “Water Maiden,” a beautiful nymph-like creature.
Hidden Gems in Transylvania
Beyond its iconic attractions, Transylvania also offers hidden gems:
1. The Turda Gorge A natural reserve home to over 1,000 plant species and stunning landscapes.
2. The Merry Cemetery Located in Sapanta, this unique cemetery is known for its colorful tombstones depicting scenes from the deceased’s life.
3. The Village Museum in Sibiu This open-air museum offers insight into traditional Romanian village life.
What to Pack for a Trip to Transylvania
When packing for your trip, consider the weather (which can be quite chilly even in summer), the activities you plan to do (such as hiking or visiting castles), and the dress code of places you plan to visit (some churches require modest clothing). Essentials include comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, a power bank, and a Romanian phrasebook.
Transportation Tips
Transylvania is well-served by public transportation, including trains, buses, and minibuses. Renting a car is also a good option, as it allows greater flexibility. When traveling by train, opt for first-class tickets, as second-class compartments can be crowded. Be aware that English is not widely spoken by older people in rural areas, so learning a few basic Romanian phrases can be helpful.
So, pack your bags, charge your cameras, and get ready for an unforgettable journey through the cinematic landscapes of Transylvania!
