Târgoviște

A former capital of Wallachia whose Princely Court and Chindia Tower recall the era of Vlad the Impaler. The historic complex and its museums make it a compelling half-day of medieval Romanian history.

Things to do

• Climb Chindia Tower — Ascend the iconic 15th-century watchtower built under Vlad the Impaler for panoramic views over the old princely complex and city.
• Explore the Princely Court — Wander the ruins of Curtea Domnească, the former royal residence where Wallachian rulers held court for centuries.
• Visit the Princely Church — Admire the frescoes and portraits of Wallachian voivodes inside the well-preserved Biserica Domnească within the court grounds.
• Tour the Museum of Romanian Police History — See a quirky collection tracing law enforcement in Romania, housed near the historic center.
• Stroll the Metropolitan Church — Visit the grand Orthodox cathedral rebuilt in neo-Romanian style near the princely complex.
• Walk the central Calea Domnească — Follow the tree-lined main avenue connecting museums, cafés and the historic monuments in the town core.
• Visit the Writers' Museum — Discover exhibits dedicated to Romanian literary figures at the Muzeul Scriitorilor Târgovișteni.

Food to try

• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, a staple of any Wallachian family table, often served with mămăligă.
• Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână — Cornmeal polenta served with local sheep cheese and sour cream, a comforting rural classic.
• Mici (mititei) — Grilled skinless sausages of seasoned minced meat, best enjoyed with mustard and a cold beer at a local terrace.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour tripe soup enriched with garlic, cream and vinegar, a beloved hangover cure across the region.
• Țuică de Dâmbovița — Strong plum brandy from the surrounding Dâmbovița county, traditionally offered to guests as a welcome drink.
• Cozonac — A sweet braided bread filled with walnuts and cocoa, baked for holidays and found in local bakeries.

Local customs & good to know

• Half-day is enough — The historic complex, tower and museums cluster together and can be comfortably explored in an afternoon.
• Dress modestly for churches — Cover shoulders and knees when entering the Princely Church or Metropolitan Cathedral, both active Orthodox sites.
• Learn the Vlad connection — Târgoviște was the seat of Vlad Țepeș, and understanding his history greatly enriches a visit to the Princely Court.
• Combine with a Bucharest day trip — The town lies about 80 km northwest of Bucharest, making it an easy rail or car excursion.

Nearby

• Sinaia — 48 km
• Peleș Castle (Transylvania) — 49 km
• Bușteni — 54 km
• Bucegi Mountains — 55 km