Things to see and do Târgovişte

The Princely Court(Curtea domnească) is a large complex of buildings with orange brick walls, set in a very pleasant park. It was built in the ^14th century by Mircea cel Bătrân (Mircea the Elder) and became the residence of the princes and the capital of Wallachia from 1415 to 1659. Vlad Ţepeş, who inspired the character of Dracula, lived here. His bust can be seen not far from the entrance to the complex. All that remains of the princely residence are the high ruins, where the square-shaped cellars are clearly visible. Resting on a pyramidal base, the Chindiei tower, 27 metres high and 9 metres in diameter, is the emblem of the city it dominates. It was from here that the closing of the city gates was announced at sunset, hence its name, which means "twilight tower". Later, it was used as an observation tower and then as a prison. Its current form (notably its windows) and neo-Gothic style date back to the ^19th century. You can climb to the top via a narrow staircase. On each floor, a small exhibition presents the history of the building and its princely dynasties. The view of the city and region from the roof is remarkable, but above all it allows you to appreciate the structure of the residence and imagine it as it was when it housed the princes. The complex also boasts two churches. The large princely church was built in 1583, and its Greek cross plan is a fine example of ^15th-century Byzantine architecture. The carved limewood iconostasis dates from 1697. The western wall features portraits of the greatest princes of the time. Although their names are written in Cyrillic, you may recognize Matei Basarab, Constantin Brâncoveanu or Mihai Viteazul. The large church bell dating from 1669 is on display in the gallery. The little princely church (Sfânta Vineri), further away, dates back to the ^15th century and is characterized by its cloverleaf shape. The Bălaşa house (^17th century) opposite takes its name from a princess, wife of Prince Constantin Şerban. At first, it housed the most destitute, then became a school. The site is particularly popular with Romanian tourists and schools, as the residence represents a symbol of the country's glorious past. For French-speaking visitors, a short guide in French is on sale at the ticket office. A map and text, displayed after the entrance, also provide some explanations.

Founded in 1645, the Moldavian-style church, reminiscent of the one in Iași, boasts well-preserved interior paintings. The monks' living quarters are charming, with flower-filled corridors and low white walls. You'll find a short explanatory text in French. Another interesting religious monument, the Sfântu Dumitru church, located strada Bărăției, was founded in 1639 by Dumitru Buzinca, one of Wallachia's most important boyars at the time.

To the south-east of the Princely Court, this museum, which occupies a fine mansion, illustrates the evolution of writing and printing in Romania: its appearance in Târgoviște thanks to the erudite prince Radu cel Mare, the printing of the first Bible in Romanian at the end of the ^17th century, the gradual transition from the Cyrillic alphabet to Latin... Among the manuscripts on display is the oldest preserved Romanian text. You'll also see a fine ^18th-century printing press.

Situated 4 km north of the city center, on the voivode hill, the monastery is known as a princely necropolis, where the remains of a major figure in Romanian history are laid to rest: Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave), the first sole ruler of the three Romanian principalities, for a few months in 1600. A large marble sarcophagus, sculpted by Frédéric Storck in 1913, houses his tomb. Built between 1431 and 1501, the monastery is a landmark of local medieval architecture. Its carved stone church is remarkable.

Close to the royal court, it features archaeological and historical collections. It occupies the former Palais de Justice, a monumental building dating from the early ^20th century. Next door, the art museum dates from the late ^19th century. Formerly the seat of the prefecture, it boasts an elegant, Baroque-influenced interior. On display are fragments of frescoes from the great church of the princely court, dating from the Brâncoveanu period, as well as works by the great masters of Romanian painting, such as Grigorescu and Pallady.

Close to the princely court, this museum occupies a historic building, built in 1701 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu as a home for his sons and restored in neoclassical style at the end of the ^19th century. It traces the history of the police in Romania, from its beginnings in the late ^18th century to the present day, through photos, uniforms, edged weapons and firearms. One room features a rich collection of police uniforms from all over the world.