POIENARI CITADEL
Perched on a Carpathian ridge at the foot of the Făgărăș mountains, this ruined citadel is considered the real castle of Vlad Țepeș, the Vlach voivode who inspired the character of Dracula. Built in the 14th century by Prince Negru Vodă to protect against Ottoman invasions, it has undergone numerous transformations, with the addition of towers and a keep. Vlad Țepeș, in particular, undertook an extension of the fortress during his reign, making it his second home. Legend has it that he took refuge here from the Turks in 1462, when they invaded the region. His wife is said to have thrown herself into the void to avoid ending up in their hands. Falling into the river below, she gave it its name: râul Doamnei, the river of the Princess. The Poienari citadel occupies a strategic position, at the entrance to the Argeș valley. It's reached by climbing a staircase of some 1,400 steps. Up there, you'll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Argeș valley, the Vidraru lake dam and the surrounding mountains.
You'll reach the citadel from the north, via the mythical Transfăgărașan road, or from Curtea de Argeș, some 25 km further south. In winter, as the Transfăgărașan is closed, access is only from Curtea de Argeș. Find out in advance whether the rehabilitation work has been completed and whether the citadel is open to the public again (www.muzeul-judetean-arges.ro/cetatea-poienari/).
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