"Targoviste" Tirgoviste by mvtouring

Tirgoviste Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 26 photos

Targoviste

I was invited by a friend to spend Christmas and New Year with his family who lives in Targoviste. It was a great adventure and experience. Targoviste did not strike me as a very rich city, the run down apartment buildings and shopping centre also did not help much. However, the people were extremely friendly and old years eve on the square was something to experience. It was also the night/day that they became part of the EU so big parties were held all across Romania.

Targoviste and the heritage of Dracula:

Princely court

The Princely Court in Targoviste is where the capital of Wallachia was, and where Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula, ruled. Vlad took the throne in 1456. To repay boyars for taking him and his brother hostages, it was here that Vlad impaled a great many of his enemies after inviting them to a feast on Easter Sunday. His soldiers used the Sunset Tower as a lookout in Targoviste. Now it houses an exhibition illustrating Vlad's life. The Sunset Tower is great for taking panoramic photos of Targoviste. You have to climb a number of stairs, but it is worth it, and halfway you an stop off at the first balcony to take a little rest.
The Princely Church at Targoviste dates from the 16th century and was a place of worship for rulers who succeeded Vlad the Impaler. Inside, visitors can see frescos and icons which are currently being renovated.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Good food
Cons:Not tourist geared

Last visit to Tirgoviste: Jan 2007
Intro Updated Jan 16, 2007
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Reviews (15)

The little sidewalk churches - Tirgoviste

The little sidewalk churches Things to Do (8)

As you drive thru Romania, you will notice these little mini churches all along the way. They are used by the locals to... more travel advice

Restaurant in the park Restaurants (1)

It seems that everyone comes to the park situated just behind Dracula's castle (or the ruins thereof). The little... more travel advice

Traditional dancing Local Customs (1)

When you stay with the locals and have a party, they are bound to start doing traditional dancing. It is actually very... more travel advice

Hotel Dracula Hotels (1)

A really weird hotel opposite the site of Dracula Castle. Tall people will definately bang their heads against the... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All Lighting up
What to Pack (1)
The necessities

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Beggers
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Comments (6)

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grietjie Nov 12, 2010 at 11:10 PM

The atmosphere must have been electric on old year's eve when they became part of the EU. Great tips
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floriangn May 18, 2010 at 2:57 PM

Lovely page, really enjoyed reading your tips
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Riaiff Jan 27, 2008 at 9:29 AM

another very informative page Mariana, you are making my planning so much easier
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oisha Feb 16, 2007 at 7:00 AM

Hi Mariana - Romania is on my list so thanks for these great tips. Did you visit Canberra when you came to Aus?
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Diana75 Feb 3, 2007 at 2:55 PM

Lovely page, Mariana. You really knew where to look to find some hidden treasures of Targoviste. I hope you enjoyed your visit.
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sourbugger Jan 16, 2007 at 6:50 AM

fascinating little snippets of information here