Targoviste has a good reputation and a very interesting history, not to mention the fact that there are a few tourist attractions that deserve our attention.
Targoviste is the largest city in Dambovita County and was royal residence and then capital city for over 300 years. During this time, the city was an important trades center, political and military spot, but also played an important role in the cultural and artistic life of Wallachia.
Nonetheless, Targoviste is no longer a capital city – as the center of the country`s political and economic activity moved 80 km, to Bucharest. Today, Targoviste is a small town, with around 90.000 inhabitants.
The first time the city was mentioned in a document was in 1396, but archeological diggins have shown the region has been inhabited ever since the Neolithic Age. Proofs of these facts are available at the Museum of Archeology.
Recent history has associated the city with the December `89 Revolution, as the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his consort, Elena Ceausescu, were executed here immediately after their trial and conviction.
Tourist attractions in Targoviste
Biserica Domneasca – The Royal Church – built in 1584 by the side of the Royal Court, it is made of brick in a Brancovean style, with portraits of nine rulers painted on one of the walls, as ordered by Brancoveanu.
Curtea Domneasca – The Royal Court – originally a fortress built during the rule of Mircea cel Batran, it fell into decay during the times of Petru Cercel.
Turnul Chiniei – The Chindiei Tower – built during the days of Vlad III Dracul, it is the symbol of the town today, although it had to be reconstructed after the Tatar assault. Today, it hosts a museum dedicated to Vlad Tepes.
Biserica Sfanta Vineri – Saint Friday`s Church – is the oldest Wallachian church to have been preserved in its actual shape up to date.
Casa Balasa – The Balasa House – located alongside the Church, the house was intended as a refuge for the Christians and founded in 1656 by Domnita Balasa.
There are, of course, other interesting sites to visit in Targoviste and you may visit all of them with our Targoviste rent-a-car services.