TârgovișteOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

The Rise of Wallachia's Capital

Târgoviște's story begins in the 14th century, though archaeological findings suggest earlier settlements. The city's name, derived from a Slavic word for "marketplace," indicates its early importance as a trade hub. Under the reign of Mircea the Elder (1386–1418), Târgoviște began its ascent, becoming the third capital of Wallachia. By 1431, it was formally recognized as the sole capital, a status it maintained until the late 17th century. This period saw growth, with fortifications expanded and the Princely Court becoming the largest in Wallachia by the mid-15th century. The city's location at the crossroads of trade routes between Transylvania, the Danube, and the Black Sea contributed to its prosperity.

Princes and Revolution

Târgoviște's history is intertwined with some of Wallachia's rulers. Vlad III Dracula, known as "the Impaler," used the Princely Court as his base of power in the mid-15th century, strengthening its defenses, including the addition of the Chindia Tower. The city faced numerous sieges and invasions during its time as capital, including being set on fire by Bayezid I in 1395. Later, in 1457, Vlad III punished the townsfolk for their alleged involvement in his brother's assassination, executing the elite and sending the young to work on Poenari Castle. The 17th century brought architectural development under Constantin Brâncoveanu, who reconstructed the princely palace and churches. However, by the end of the 17th century, Bucharest permanently took over as the capital. Târgoviște also holds a place in more recent history as the site of the trial and execution of Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena on December 25, 1989, during the Romanian Revolution.

• —Princely Court of Târgoviște (Curtea Domnească) — This complex served as the residence for Wallachian rulers for nearly three centuries. Explore the ruins of the princely palace, two churches (one from the 15th century, another from the 16th), and remnants of medieval fortifications.
• —Chindia Tower — Built by Vlad the Impaler in the 15th century and restored in the 19th century, this 27-meter tall watchtower is a symbol of Târgoviște. Climb its narrow stone staircase for views of the Princely Court and the city.
• —Princely Church (Biserica Domnească) — Located within the Princely Court, this 16th-century church contains original frescoes and a gallery of Wallachian rulers.
• —Museum of Military Tradition (Former Military Unit 01417) — This site, which opened to the public in 2025, is where Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena were tried and executed in December 1989. It offers insight into a moment of Romanian history.
• —Târgoviște History Museum — This museum houses artifacts from the Stone and Iron Ages, as well as from the Greek, Roman, and Dacian occupations, offering an overview of the region's past.
• —Museum of Old Printing Techniques and Old Romanian Books — Housed in the Arama House, an adjacent building to the main palace within the Princely Court, this museum displays old manuscripts and a 15th-century printing machine.

The best time to visit Târgoviște is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is mild, with average daily high temperatures above 23°C from late May to mid-September. Spring brings blooming flowers, while autumn offers foliage. Summers (July and August) can be hot, with average highs around 27-28°C, and are also the wettest months, particularly June. Winters (November to March) are cold and can be snowy, with average daily high temperatures below 7°C and lows around -4°C. Avoid winter if you prefer warmer weather for outdoor activities.

Târgoviște is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) northwest of Bucharest. The closest major airport is Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest, about 65 kilometers away. From Bucharest, reach Târgoviște by train from Bucharest North Railway Station (Gara de Nord), with the journey taking about 1.5 to 2 hours. Trains operate regularly. Alternatively, buses and minibuses run every 30 minutes between Bucharest and Târgoviște.

Within Târgoviște, the city center is walkable. The city also has a public transport network of buses and minibuses. For those driving, parking is generally easier to find than in larger Romanian cities. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. The pedestrian center on Alexandru Ioan Cuza Street is a place to find restaurants.