Târgoviște, the former capital of Wallachia, is a city with a rich and fascinating history, located in southern Romania, about 80 km from Bucharest. Known for its significant role in Romania's medieval history, Târgoviște offers a variety of cultural and historical attractions, making it a perfect destination for those passionate about history and architecture.

How to Get to Târgoviște

Transport options:

• By car: Târgoviște is accessible from Bucharest via DN7 and DN71, and the drive takes about an hour and a half.
• By train: Târgoviște is connected to major cities in Romania through a well-developed rail network. Direct trains from Bucharest link the capital to Târgoviște in about two hours.
• By bus: There are also buses that regularly depart from Bucharest and other major cities to Târgoviște.

Târgoviște Tourist Attractions

1. Royal Court (Curtea Domnească)
This is the main attraction complex in Târgoviște, where the residence of the rulers of Wallachia stood between the 14th and 18th centuries. The complex includes the ruins of old palaces, churches, and towers, the most famous being the Chindia Tower.

2. Chindia Tower
The symbol of Târgoviște, Chindia Tower was built during the reign of Vlad the Impaler and served both as a defense tower and a watchtower. The tower offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

3. Great Royal Church (Biserica Mare Domnească)
This is one of the most important medieval churches in Romania, built in the 15th century by Vlad the Impaler. The church impresses with its Gothic architecture and well-preserved frescoes.

4. History Museum
Located in the city center, the History Museum in Târgoviște presents a vast collection of artifacts illustrating the history of the city and the Dâmbovița region, from prehistoric times to the modern era.

5. Dealu Monastery
A few kilometers from Târgoviște, Dealu Monastery is a site of great historical importance, being the burial place of Michael the Brave's head. The monastery offers a peaceful setting and a wonderful view of the surrounding area.

6. Romanța House (Casa Romanței)
A museum dedicated to Romanian light music and, especially, the romanță genre. Here, you can discover the history of this musical form and see exhibits dedicated to great Romanian artists.

7. Printing and Old Romanian Book Museum
Housed in the building of an old printing house, this museum is dedicated to the beginnings of printing in Romania and contains an impressive collection of old books and printing equipment.

Gastronomy and Accommodation in Târgoviște

Accommodation: Târgoviște offers a variety of accommodation options, from modern hotels to traditional guesthouses. The most popular places to stay are located near the city center, providing easy access to the main tourist attractions.

Gastronomy: In Târgoviște, you can enjoy traditional Romanian dishes as well as international cuisine. The city's restaurants and taverns are known for their hospitality and authentic dishes, such as tripe soup, sarmale, and tochitură.

Activities and Events

- Festivals: Târgoviște hosts several cultural and artistic festivals annually, including the Medieval Festival, which recreates the atmosphere of the old royal court with jousting tournaments, parades, and theater performances.

- Guided Tours: You can opt for guided tours of the city, which will reveal the secrets and fascinating stories of Târgoviște, from rulers and battles to local legends.

- Hiking: Around the city, there are numerous hiking trails that lead to the nearby hills and forests, offering picturesque views and excellent opportunities for nature lovers.

Useful Tips

- Tourist season: Târgoviște can be visited throughout the year, but spring and autumn are the ideal seasons, thanks to pleasant weather and beautiful natural landscapes.

- Currency: The official currency is the Romanian leu (RON). Most places accept card payments, but it's a good idea to have cash for local markets or small souvenirs.

- Public transport: Târgoviște has an efficient public transport system, including buses and taxis. The city is quite small, so many of the tourist attractions are accessible on foot.

Târgoviște is a city with great historical and cultural significance, offering visitors the opportunity to explore an important chapter in Romania's history. With well-preserved monuments, interesting museums, and charming natural landscapes, Târgoviște is a destination worth discovering for every history and culture enthusiast. Whether you're looking for a place to relax or a live history lesson, Târgoviște will captivate you with its unique charm.

Accommodation Recommendations: Hotel King, Hotel Nova, Pensiunea Calea Targoveților.