Newsletters
In the northern Anatolian city of Tokat, restoration work is currently underway at Tokat Castle—a hilltop fortress believed to have once held Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure behind the Dracula legend, as a prisoner. The project, aimed at preserving the site's historical integrity while making it accessible to visitors, is expected to open new doors for cultural tourism in the region.
Perched on a rocky hill overlooking the city, Tokat Castle is known locally not only for its strategic role through centuries of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, but also for its link to Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Count Dracula. Local tradition holds that the infamous Wallachian prince was imprisoned in the castle’s dungeon during the 15th century, a period when the Ottoman Empire exerted increasing influence over Eastern Europe.
Though exact historical evidence is limited, the claim has been enough to draw the attention of both historians and tourists. Restoration workers and archaeological teams are proceeding with care as they make the interior of the fortress, including the dungeon area associated with Dracula, safe for public visitation.
Officials overseeing the project stress the cultural and economic value of restoring Tokat Castle. The site, surrounded by the rich heritage of multiple civilizations, is seen as a gateway for heritage-driven tourism. Once restorations are completed, local authorities expect an increase in both domestic and international visitors, especially those interested in history, architecture, and dark tourism.
“Dracula’s traces remain here,” officials noted, adding that the fortress is not just a historic structure but a potential engine of tourism and cultural exchange. The goal is to preserve the castle’s original fabric while making it a focal point for explorers curious about both legend and legacy.
The ongoing restoration marks a significant step in reclaiming a lesser-known yet historically rich site in Türkiye. With its mysterious past and commanding views, Tokat Castle is poised to re-emerge as a cultural landmark—one that bridges myth, history, and modern exploration.
3 min read
