Curtea Veche: The Old Princely Court

Curtea Veche (Old Princely Court) is one of the most interesting sites in Bucharest's center. The site contains the ruins of Bucharest's former royal residence, which was destroyed by fire in 1718 and an earthquake in 1738. There are numerous theories about who built the court, with some experts concluding that it was built for Mircea the Elder. According to research, he ordered the construction of a fortress between the 14th and 15th centuries, which was later upgraded by Vlad the Impaler. The city and shops were located around the fortress at the time, which explains its significance in the city's history. Following the events of the 18th century, a new court was built nearby, and the site was given its current name.

After Vlad, the Impaler's rule, a 16th-century prince, Mircea Ciobanul, repaired the palace and established the surrounding Lipscani area as Bucharest's trading core by establishing a community of skilled craftsmen. Ciobanul built the Old Princely Court Church next to the palace in 1559. It was the place where succeeding Romanian princes were coronated for the next two centuries. The Old Court Museum, which houses pottery and artifacts discovered during an archaeological dig around the ruins, is also worth a visit.

Google rating: 4.1/5

Address: Strada Franceza 25-31, Bucharest

Open: 8 AM–7 PM