Targoviste – Princely Court


The first mention of the city, is made by Johann Schiltberger Bavarian crusader in 1396, who visited the city during the preparations for the battle of Nicopolis.

During the reign of Mircea the Elder the town of Târgovişte became the capital of Wallachia.

Targoviste – Princely CourtIn 1436, Vlad Dracul, the father of Vlad Dracula Tepes (the Impaler), became ruler of Wallachia and moved to the Royal Court in Targoviste. Due to political reasons, Vlad Dracula Tepes and his brother Radu had to go to the Court of Sultan Murad the 2nd, as hostages. Vlad Dracula Tepes was released when his father died and ruled Wallachia in 1448 (when he was only 17), during 1456-1462, and again in 1476 when he was assassinated. In Targoviste Vlad Dracula became famous for his cruelty.

In 1459, during Sunday Easter, he impaled the old noble men and enslaved the young ones to build his Poenari Fortress. He accused them of murdering his father. Vlad the Impaler built Chindia Tower, the landmark of the city, for surveillance and defense purposes. It is partly built on a church and is 27 meters high and 9 meters in diameter. The legend tells that once you climb all 122 stairs, you will never forget Targoviste and will come back.

Inside the complex one can see besides the ruins and the Chindia Tower the royal church and "Sfânta Vineri" Church.