· RO

Târgovişte

Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania

Step Back in Time in Târgovişte, Romania Nestled on the banks of the Ialomița River, Târgoviște, the captivating capital of Dâmbovița County, invites you to uncover its rich tapestry of history, culture, and charm. More…

#historical city#medieval architecture#Dâmboviţa county#tourist destination#cultural heritage

Stay & fly Things to do Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Târgovişte.

Top Hotels in Târgovişte

Top Flights to Târgovişte

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Târgovişte.

Tours

Discover the Historic Ruins of Târgovişte

Explore the ruins of the royal court and learn about the rich history of Târgovişte, once the capital of Wallachia.

Shopping

Shopping at PAVCOM

A bustling shopping center in Târgovişte offering a variety of shops, from fashion to electronics.

Outdoor

Nature Walk in Chindia Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a refreshing jog in Chindia Park, surrounded by tranquil water and lush greenery.

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Târgovişte.

Currency

lei | RON | Romanian Leu

Population

66965.0

Languages

Romanian, Romanian

Average weather

Târgovişte

Jan

3°-4°

Feb

6°-3°

Mar

11°0°

Apr

17°5°

May

22°10°

Jun

26°14°

Jul

29°16°

Aug

29°15°

Sep

24°11°

Oct

17°6°

Nov

10°1°

Dec

4°-2°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Târgovişte.

What people love

Traveling to Târgovişte, located in Dâmbovița County, Romania, offers several benefits and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the pros of visiting this historic city:

Rich Historical Significance: Târgovişte is steeped in history, having served as the capital of Wallachia in the late medieval period. It is known for its historical sites, particularly those related to Vlad the Impaler, a figure who inspired the Dracula legend.
Cultural Heritage: The city boasts a variety of architectural landmarks, including the Princely Court (Curtea Domnească), which dates back to the 15th century. This site includes the Chindia Tower, a symbol of the city, offering panoramic views of the surroundings.
Museums and Galleries: Târgovişte is home to several museums that provide insights into its history and culture. The National Museum Complex of Târgovişte includes the Art Museum, the History Museum, and the Museum of Printing and Old Romanian Books.
Scenic Beauty: The city is located near the Ialomița River and surrounded by picturesque landscapes. The nearby parks and natural areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Accessible Location: Târgovişte is conveniently located within driving distance from Bucharest, Romania's capital, making it an accessible destination for day trips or longer stays.
Cultural Events: The city hosts various festivals and cultural events throughout the year, offering visitors a chance to experience local traditions, music, and cuisine.
Local Cuisine: Visitors can enjoy traditional Romanian dishes at local restaurants, offering a taste of the region's culinary heritage.
Friendly Atmosphere: Târgovişte is known for its welcoming and friendly locals, providing a warm and hospitable experience for travelers.

Overall, Târgovişte offers a blend of historical intrigue, cultural richness, and natural beauty, making it a worthwhile destination for those interested in exploring Romania's past and present.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Târgovişte, Romania, could include:

Limited tourist infrastructure: Târgovişte is not as popular of a tourist destination as other cities in Romania, so the city may have limited accommodation options, restaurants, and tourist services compared to more well-known destinations.
Language barrier: English may not be as widely spoken in Târgovişte as in larger cities or tourist hotspots in Romania, which could make communication challenging for travelers who do not speak Romanian.
Limited transportation options: Târgovişte may have fewer transportation options for getting around the city and traveling to nearby attractions compared to larger cities in Romania, which could make it more difficult for tourists to explore the area.
Limited tourist attractions: While Târgovişte has historical significance as the former capital of Wallachia, it may not have as many tourist attractions or activities to offer visitors compared to other cities in Romania.

Please note that these are potential cons based on general information about Târgovişte, and individual experiences may vary.

Târgovişte, located in Dâmbovița County, Romania, is a city with a rich historical background, serving as a significant cultural and political center in Wallachia, one of the three principalities that eventually formed modern Romania.

Historical Overview

Medieval Period:
- Founding and Early Significance: Târgovişte was first mentioned in a document in 1396. It became the capital of Wallachia at the end of the 14th century, succeeding Curtea de Argeș. Its strategic location on trade routes contributed to its growth and importance.
- Voivode Mircea the Elder: One of the earliest rulers associated with Târgovişte was Mircea the Elder (1386–1418), who established the city as a stronghold against Ottoman expansion and developed it into a thriving capital.
- Vlad the Impaler: Perhaps the most famous historical figure associated with Târgovişte is Vlad III, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Dracula. He ruled Wallachia on several occasions during the mid-15th century. Târgovişte was one of his main residences and the site of his infamous acts of impalement against his enemies.
16th to 18th Centuries:
- Cultural Flourishing: The city continued to flourish as a cultural and political center. It was home to the first printing press in Wallachia, established by Macarie in 1508, which printed religious texts.
- Decline: The capital of Wallachia moved to Bucharest in 1698. This shift marked the beginning of Târgovişte's decline in political importance.
19th to 20th Centuries:
- Revolutionary Movements: Târgovişte played a role in various revolutionary movements, including the Wallachian Revolution of 1848.
- Modern Development: During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Târgovişte developed industrially and culturally, although it remained overshadowed by Bucharest.
20th Century to Present:
- Communist Era: During the communist era, Târgovişte became an industrial center. The most notable event in its recent history occurred in December 1989, when Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Romanian dictator, and his wife, Elena, were tried and executed in Târgovişte following the Romanian Revolution.

Important Landmarks

The Princely Court (Curtea Domnească):
- Historical Significance: This complex includes several buildings dating back to the 15th century and was the residence of Wallachian princes, including Vlad the Impaler. It features the Chindia Tower, a symbol of the city.
Chindia Tower:
- Description: Built during the reign of Vlad the Impaler, the tower is part of the Princely Court complex. It provides panoramic views of the city and is a key tourist attraction.
Dealu Monastery:
- Historical and Cultural Importance: Situated near Târgovişte, this monastery is significant for its architectural beauty and as the burial place of several Wallachian princes, including Vlad the Impaler's father, Vlad Dracul.
The Museum of Romanian Police:
- Cultural Landmark: Housed in a historical building in Târgovişte, this museum showcases the history and development of police work in Romania.

Târgovişte remains a city of historical importance, with its rich past reflected in its landmarks and cultural heritage.