Romanian County Seeks Stake In Dracula's Castle

A county in Central Romania has expressed interest in purchasing the castle used by the 15th Century medieval ruler who inspired the tale of "Dracula" -- seeing the castle as an opportunity to increase tourism in the Eastern European country.

1 minute read

February 15, 2007, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Brasov County Council, in central Romania, was in talks with a foreign bank on a 10-year loan for that amount to get back the castle from its owners, who were living abroad, Aristotel Cancescu, president of the municipality, said recently."

"'We want to get involved in getting back the castle and running it because it would be a very good opportunity to further develop tourism,' Cancescu said."

"The Romanian central government in Bucharest has the first right to buy the castle, according to the country's legislation. Should it decline, the local council can make an offer, according to Lia Trandafir, a partner at the Bucharest-based law firm that represents the owners."

"Trandafir confirmed that the owners wanted €60m. She said any buyer was required by law to keep the castle as a museum for three years after the purchase."

FULL STORY: Romanian county seeks to buy Dracula’s €60m castle

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 in Bloomberg via Business Day

Community / Economic Development History / Preservation Europe

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