Targoviste

nly 80 km northwest of Bucharest, on the beautiful hills south of the Carpathians, Targoviste is a small town with a glorious history. From the 14^th to the 17^th century this was the capital of feudal Walachia. The head of Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul), the first unifier of the Romanians, was brought here after his murder in Transylvania, and is now kept with respect at the Dealu Monastery, close to town.

his faded glory still shows up in the atmosphere of the old town. Take a walk along the streets and nice squares, to the monumental complex known as "Curtea Veche" (The Old Court). This is the place where the medieval palace of the king once stood. One can still see the remnants of the fortress walls, and the 16^th-century watchtower, ``Turnul Chindiei". Then visit the 17^th-century church founded by king Vasile Lupu, featuring the Byzantine architecture. Tîrgoviste is also a cultural center. Here was the workshop of the beloved Romanian modern painter Gheorghe Petrascu. You can learn about the history of printed books in Romania from 1508 to the present, by visiting the rare-books museum that was once residence of Princess Safta. It shelters manuscripts and maps, as well as rare books. Then check out the archaeological museum, where you will find Greek, Roman and Dacian artifacts.