Curtea de Argeș

A former Wallachian capital famous for its dazzling Episcopal Cathedral, a masterpiece of ornate Byzantine-Ottoman architecture and royal necropolis. The town also preserves the ruins of the 14th-century Princely Court that gave it its name.

Things to do

• Curtea de Argeș Monastery — Marvel at the ornate 16th-century Episcopal Cathedral built by Neagoe Basarab, with its twisted spiral towers and intricate stone carvings.
• Royal Necropolis — Visit the tombs of Romania's modern kings and queens, including Carol I and Ferdinand, inside and beside the monastery church.
• Princely Court ruins — Explore the 14th-century Curtea Domnească complex that gave the town its name, including the Church of St. Nicholas.
• Church of St. Nicholas (Biserica Domnească) — Admire one of Romania's oldest surviving monuments with remarkable, well-preserved 14th-century Byzantine frescoes.
• Manole's Well — Stop at the legendary spring linked to the myth of master builder Manole, tied to the monastery's construction legend.
• Day trip to Poenari Castle — Climb the 1,480 steps to Vlad the Impaler's authentic cliff-top fortress on the Transfăgărășan road north of town.
• Transfăgărășan Highway drive — Head north from Curtea de Argeș to reach one of the world's most spectacular mountain roads through the Făgăraș range.
• Municipal Museum — Learn about the town's role as a medieval Wallachian capital through archaeological and historical exhibits.

Food to try

• Ciorbă de burtă — A rich, sour tripe soup seasoned with garlic and vinegar, a beloved staple across this region of Wallachia.
• Sarmale with mămăligă — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, served with polenta and a dollop of sour cream.
• Trout from mountain streams — Fresh păstrăv, often grilled or fried, sourced from the cold Argeș valley rivers and Făgăraș foothills.
• Bulz ciobănesc — A shepherd's dish of baked polenta stuffed with sheep cheese and topped with egg, reflecting Carpathian mountain cuisine.
• Țuică de Argeș — Sample the strong local plum brandy, a traditional aperitif offered warmly in the surrounding countryside.
• Cozonac — Sweet braided bread rich with walnuts and cocoa, especially popular around holidays and festive occasions.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly at the monastery — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the church, and women may be offered a scarf at the door.
• Know the legend of Manole — Locals cherish the folk ballad in which the builder walled his wife into the monastery to make it stand, so ask guides about it.
• Respect the royal tombs — The necropolis is a place of national reverence, so keep quiet and avoid flash photography inside.
• Use it as a gateway to the mountains — The town is the southern base for the Transfăgărășan, which is typically only fully open from June to October.

Nearby

• Cozia Monastery — 34 km
• Transfăgărășan Highway (Transylvania) — 52 km
• Horezu (Oltenia) — 53 km
• Horezu Monastery (Oltenia) — 53 km