Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0248-721 446; Str Negru Vodă 2; adult/child 5/2 lei; 9am-6pm)
Curtea de Argeş
was an early capital of Wallachia, and these ruins from the 14th century mark the spot
where the court once stood. The main sight is St Nicholas Church, which dates from the
time of Basarab I (1310-52). Many of the frescoes are originals. The tomb of early ruler
Vladislav I Vlaicu (d 1377) stands in the main room. Vlaicu's tomb was first discovered
and exhumed in the 1920s. He was found buried wearing an enormous gold buckle (not
on display).
The wall paintings, painstakingly restored in the early 20th century, merit closer inspec-
tion. In the main room to the right, just below the upper window, look for a rare painting
of a pregnant Mary dating from 1370.
Curtea de Argeş Cathedral & Monastery
(Mănăstirea Curtea de Argeş; 0248-721 735; B-dul Basarabilor 1; adult/child 2/1 lei;
8am-8pm)
The cathedral and monastery complex here is considered one of the coun-
try's most important ecclesiastical sights. The church was originally built by Neagoe Bas-
arab (r 1512-21), with marble and tiles brought in from Constantinople. The current edi-
fice dates from 1875, when French architect André Lecomte du Nouy was retained to save
the complex, which was in near ruins.
The white marble tombstones of King Carol I (1839-1914) and his wife Elizabeth
(1853-1916) lie on the right in the church's entrance hall. On the left of the entrance are
the tombstones of King Ferdinand I (1865-1927) and British-born Queen Marie
(1875-1938). Neagoe Basarab and his wife are also buried here.
MONASTERY
Sleeping
PENSION
Pensiunea Ruxi $
( 0727-827 675;
www.pensiunea-ruxi.ro
;
Str Negru Vodă 104; r 80 lei; )
While the rooms are new and comfortable, the real treat is the homely atmosphere; the
family will go to heart-breaking lengths to make sure you're taken care of. The only par-
tial drawback is the town-centre location, about 1km from the Princely Court and 2km
from the monastery complex. Walk or take a local minibus. Breakfast costs 15 lei.
Pensiunea Casa Domneasca $$
( 0248-721 008;
www.casa-domneasca.ro
;
Str Plopiş 3; s 170-220 lei, d 190-240 lei;
)
Beautiful four-star
pensiunea
(B&B) with an elegant reception area and
PENSION
