Bran Castle: A Unique Vaccination Center
It may conjure up visions of fangs and gothic horror, but the Romanian castle thought to have inspired Dracula’s home has now become a center for jabs of a life-saving nature.
Bran Castle: Hosting COVID-19 Vaccination Center
A site at Bran Castle in Transylvania is now hosting a COVID-19 vaccination center every weekend throughout May to encourage vaccinations among residents. Rising above the town on a rocky promontory, the castle is often said to be the inspiration for the home in Bram Stoker’s 19th-century gothic novel, Dracula. While the connection may be loose, the castle engages visitors with its spooky events, especially around Halloween.
Visitor Experience at the Vaccination Center
Those attending the vaccination center do not need to make a prior appointment and receive an illustrated “vaccination diploma” featuring a fanged healthcare worker after receiving a needle. Moreover, professionals administering the jabs wear fang stickers, enhancing the thematic experience. As an added bonus, vaccinated visitors are given free access to an exhibition of medieval torture tools.
Historical Significance of Bran Castle
Bran Castle was built in the 13th century and was subsequently destroyed in battle. However, fears of a Turkish invasion led to a new citadel being constructed in the same place in 1382. It transitioned into an administrative building during the 18th century and is now a museum dedicated to the art and furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania. The town of Bran was offered to her in 1920 in gratitude for her unification efforts.
Unique Views and Experiences
Visitors to Bran Castle will learn more about royalty than horror, as the queen’s belongings are placed throughout alongside engaging video footage. Those visiting for vaccinations can also admire sweeping views of the surrounding thick forest from its conical towers. It’s noteworthy that the US State Department advises against travel to Romania, and the country remains largely closed to most US travelers. Meanwhile, the UK has placed Romania on its ‘amber list’ for travel.
Global Vaccination Initiatives
Bran Castle is not the only tourist site worldwide serving as a vaccination center. For instance, the American Museum of Natural History in New York was a temporary vaccination site, as was Disneyland, California. Furthermore, in England, jabs have been administered within the historic 800-year-old Salisbury Cathedral. Recently, New York City announced that tourists from across the US could receive a one-shot vaccination in popular locations such as Times Square and Central Park.
