Foreigners “hunt” the Gothic legends and mythical creatures of Romania, and not completely without reason. But they are a bit unimaginative to search only Bran Castle. Transylvania (and indeed, the entire Romania) abounds in weird stories from the distant past, but also in artifacts and places that keep the memory of some very dark legends.
The dark secrets of the Ardud Citadel take us to Middle Age Transylvania. Ardud Citadel was built by the Transylvanian Prince Bartolomeu Dragffy in 1481. In 1630, nobleman Alexandru Karolyi built a castle here, out of which only a tower will remain, restored in the neogothic style in 1896.
The locals still talk about the legend of the Ardud Citadel, centered around the figure of Francisc Rakoczi II, who lived in the city at that time and had brought the citadel to a point of being almost indestructible. The action takes place in the times of the anti habsburgic uprisings of 1700, when the Transylvanian leader of the insurgents was the very Francisc Rakoczi II. Frustrated by their defeat in battle, the Austrians infiltrated a handsome officer in the Citadel and trained him to seduce the daughter of the Prince.
The young woman in love divulged the secret of the hidden tunnel, but understanding her error, she confessed it to her father. Right before the Austrians’ arrival, Prince Rakoczi managed to flee, not before cursing the betraying daughter.
Legend has it that the girl still roams the tunnel, waiting to be saved by a “prince” who will kiss her three times under each of her phantomatic faces: snake, frog and bride. The young man who manages to win the challenge and the heart of the phantom will be taken through the tunnel to the hidden treasure, where gold, silver and precious jewels await.
If you find yourself fascinated by phantom stories, we invite you to travel to Transylvania by renting a car from us.