The Transylvanian castle of Vlad the Impaler (or Count Dracula) is an impressive 14th century fortress that last belonged to Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Queen Marie of Romania, until the Communists seized it in 1956. It was relinquished back to the family seven months ago on the condition that it was kept as a state-run museum for three years, whether it remained in the family or was sold.

Queen Marie’s grandson, Dominic von Habsburg, has decided that he wants the castle to be owned by the people of Brasov, who benefit from the tourism as well as the cultural heritage. He is asking £40m, with the hopes that the local council of Brasov will buy the castle. According to Aristotel Cancescu, the council president, the Brasov authorities are very interested in the acquisition.

Source: Times Online