Prepare for an unforgettable experience in the old capital of Romania. Curtea de Arges still keeps the charm of a city with a diverse heritage and a rich history, a cradle of culture and civilistaion, truly authentic. With a vast inheritance, which gives the city a welcoming tourism spirit, Curtea de Arges is a beautiful city, which you can easily descover it by any tourist strolling on the sidewalks who is willing to relax!

The citiy of Curtea de Arges, offers an unique touristic air, full of mistery, being the first capital of Romania. On the 29th of October, 2014, Princess Margaret, gives the title of Royal City to Curtea de Arges, in memory of King Mihai.

Touristic Landmarks in Curtea de Arges

1. CURTEA DE ARGEȘ MONASTERY

A true gem of our culture, architecture and history, Curtea de Argeș Monastery is an important landmark for Romanian tourism. It was built by Neagoe Basarab starting in 1514, while inside paintings were finished in 1527. Erected at the height of the Mediaeval Ages, the cathedral has distinctive features that are unique in Romania. An architectural masterpiece lending itself to be discovered by each and every visitor, it is ready to tell its stories and legends, which are not so few. Inside, it draws attention to its mural oil paintings executed by the French painters F. Nicolle, Ch. Renouard and the Romanian painter N. Constantinescu from Curtea de Argeș, as well as to the group of 12 columns representing the 12 apostles. Also, inside the cathedral, one can admire the Great Saturday Resurrection Gospel, written in gold letters by Queen Elisabeta of Romania.

2. THE ROYAL NECROPOLIS

The Royal Necropolis is placed right next to Curtea de Argeș Monastery and is another tourist objective of great importance for any visitor who is willing to know more about modern history. The new cathedral preserves, by and large, the mediaeval architectural style of the Princely Church. The entrance has a specially arranged space, on the porch, where the members of the Romanian royal family have their burial places. Their foundation stone was laid on the 10th of May 2009, in the presence of Her Royal Highness, Princess Heiress Margareta and Prince Radu. The last king of the Romanians, Mihai I, was interred here on the 16th of December 2017, in the new archbishopric and royal cathedral in Curtea de Argeş, next to his spouse, Queen Ana, who had also been buried there on the 13th of August 2016.

4. THE PRINCELY COURT AND CHURCH

An important place of worship, with a remarkable history in Argeș area as well as nationally, the Princely Church is a key objective for Romanian tourism. The church was built during the reign of Prince Basarab I, continued by Prince Nicolae Alexandru and finished after the completion of its mural paintings – which can be seen even today, for the most part. Architecturally, it was designed in the Byzantine style, masterfully blended with mediaeval elements characterizing the culture of Țara Românească. Inside, the cathedral hosts an icon that is unique in the world, showcasing Virgin Mary with child. A replica of this icon can be found at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Over 300 scenes of the original mural paintings dating back to the XIV-th century represent, according to specialists, one of the most valuable examples of Byzantine art in south-east Europe. The church has been included on the list of historical monuments and on UNESCO’s Indicative List of Cultural Properties.

5. THE ROYAL TRAIN STATION OF CURTEA DE ARGEȘ CITY

A true architectural gem, the Royal Train Station in Curtea de Argeș was built in less than a year at the request of the first king of Romania, Carol I, by following the designs of French architect Andre Lacomte. It was inaugurated on the 27th of November 1898, connecting Curtea de Argeș, Pitești and the capital city of Bucharest. It got its name of “royal train station” because all Romanian kings buried in Curtea de Argeș were brought here by train.

6. SÂN NICOARĂ RUINS

Sân Nicoară Church used to be a part of the old premises of the Royal Court and, as historians state, it was built at the end of the XIII-th century. Thus, this place of worship is even older than the Princely Church. It is believed that it has been built at the order of Princess Clara, the step mother of Vlaicu Vodă Voivode. Nevertheless, according to popular tradition, Sân Nicoară church was built at the order of Princess Marghite, the wife of the renowned Negru Vodă Voivode (Black Prince). Architecturally speaking, Sân Nicoară church is included in the same Eastern Byzantine art style, with a rectangular shape making up the nave, narthex, and a semi-circle abse. The church walls were made of layers of river stone and brick. Further archeological digs carried out in the church area revealed copper and silver coins, both foreign and local, as well as silver rings dating back to the XIV-th century.

7. THE MUNICIPAL MUSEUM

Inaugurated on the 29th of May 1969, Curtea de Argeș Municipal Museum shows to the public its valuable patrimony of over 12,000 exhibits (out of which more than 300 are part of the National Cultural Patrimony). This is organized in two permanent exhibitions placed, at the same time, in two separate sections, one dedicated to patrimonial assets, i.e. concerned with history and ethnography, and one consisting of the exhibition venue itself. The Museum hosts a permanent history exhibition displayed in 7 rooms representing the different periods in the city’s history, from oldest to newest, showcasing the following: bronze portrait busts of the voivodes who ruled over Argeș area; replicas of objects belonging to the Princes of Argeș (rings, implements, seals, swords, etc.), a rich collection of numismatics, medals and decorations, valuable archeological material. Of great historical and artistic value, the museum’s exhibits that are displayed in cases according to the standards and criteria of Romanian museology, originate from archeological finds uncovered in and around Curtea de Argeș city, as well as from procurements and donations.

8. “NOROCEA” HOUSE

“Norocea” House is one of the most beautiful historical monument-houses. In terms of its architecture, it combines Gorj with Argeș area traditional house styles. Norocea House has been, in fact, the home and work studio of painter Dumitru Norocea, who, between 1914-1924, restored the frescoes of the Princely Court, which was just a few meters away. Since 1969, it has been hosting the ethnography and folk-art exhibition of Curtea de Argeș Municipal Museum with over 12,000 exhibits. The museum has a rich collection of items used for various crafts practiced in Argeș area; visitors can also see folk costumes, stiches, fabrics and other objects used by Argeș dwellers in their households.

9. BELVEDERE HILL

We believe that this place deserves more attention than it currently gets—it is a hill, a mound, located in the eastern part of the city, at only a 8-minute walk from the city. It overlooks the city, giving us a chance to admire it from a great point of observation. This Belvedere offers a view over the main tourist attractions of Curtea de Argeș city, as well as over Cozia mountain and the main peaks of Făgărași mountains. As an added bonus, this place is ideal for those passionate photographers who are chasing sensational sunsets.