Bran Castle in Bran, Brașov, Romania Oct 31, 2025

Featured in today"s image is Bran Castle, one of Romania"s most iconic landmarks, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with myth and mystery. The fortress was built in the 14th century and has withstood wars, monarchs and shifting empires. During World War II, Bran Castle was turned into a hospital for wounded soldiers by Princess Ileana, who was trained as a nurse. But here, legends speak louder than history. Perched between the regions of Transylvania—renowned for its chilling tales—and Wallachia, once ruled by Vlad III Dracula, the castle evokes a haunting legacy. Vlad"s ruthless reputation inspired Bram Stoker"s 1897 novel "Dracula." Though the story is not set at Bran Castle, its looming form and persistent rumours of Vlad"s presence blur fact and legend, forever linking it to one of humanity"s most enduring tales.

© blue sky in my pocket/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Oct 31, 2023Pumpkins and squashes
Oct 31, 2024Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan 22, 2026Karlovy Vary, Bohemia, Czechia
Oct 16, 2024Jurassic Coast, Dorset, England
Oct 18, 2023Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA
Apr 19, 2024Ring of Brodgar, Orkney, Scotland
Feb 21, 2025Champaka Sarasi, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India
Nov 1, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Oct 9, 2025Pillars of Creation
Nov 25, 2024Maasai giraffes
Nov 3, 2023Pacific sea nettle jellyfish
Feb 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California, USA
Apr 20, 2025Yellow warbler in Canada
Nov 24, 2025Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh, India
Jan 7, 2025Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand
Mar 28, 2024Cherry blossoms in Shanghai, China
Dec 15, 2024Lake Misurina, Dolomites, Italy
Apr 16, 2025Kachina Bridge, Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah, United States
Feb 13, 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
Aug 10, 2025Lioness in Kenya
Dec 25, 2024Lakes of Covadonga, Asturias, Spain
Nov 10, 2025Black-tailed prairie dogs
Mar 27, 2025Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Acropolis of Athens, Greece
Jan 14, 2025Village of Zahara de la Sierra, Cadiz, Spain
Jun 8, 2024Confluence of Easter Creek and Killik River, Alaska, USA
Oct 3, 2023Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Sep 20, 2024Ocracoke Lighthouse on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina, USA
Mar 26, 2024Vinh Hy Bay, Vietnam
Aug 19, 2025Flysch in Zumaia, Basque Country, Spain
Feb 4, 2026Red kite in snow
Nov 12, 2024Arches National Park, Utah, United States
Jul 2, 2025Spine-cheeked anemonefish