Curtea Veche (Old Court), Bucharest

The Old Court (Curtea Veche) marks the birthplace of Bucharest as a city and was once the political nucleus of Wallachia. Established in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes鈥攂etter known as Vlad the Impaler鈥攖his was originally a princely residence and fortification, designed to protect the fledgling capital from invasions and political instability. Over time, it grew into a complex of royal buildings that included halls, churches, and administrative quarters. Though much of it now lies in ruins, the remnants offer a tangible link to the medieval roots of Romania鈥檚 capital.

The site became a centre of power for successive rulers, including Mircea Ciobanul and Constantin Brancoveanu, who each left their architectural and cultural marks on the court. A fire and multiple earthquakes in the 18th century led to its gradual abandonment, and the royal residence eventually shifted elsewhere. However, archaeological excavations beginning in the 20th century helped uncover the stone foundations, brick walls, and fragments of a time when this location served as the seat of the Wallachian princes.

Today, Curtea Veche stands as an open-air museum and historical site in the heart of Bucharest鈥檚 Old Town (Lipscani district), surrounded by cafes and cobbled streets. Visitors can explore parts of the preserved palace walls, the ruins of the old kitchens, and even the remains of Vlad Tepes鈥檚 cellar. The adjacent Old Court Church (Biserica Curtea Veche)鈥擝ucharest鈥檚 oldest church鈥攁dds to the medieval atmosphere, making this a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in the city's origins and royal heritage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bucharest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Curtea Veche (Old Court)
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Old Town Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania

Create Your Own Walk in Bucharest

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bucharest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Old Town Walking Tour

The Historical Center of Bucharest, or the Old Town, as the locals habitually refer to it, is one of the most beloved and attractive areas in the Romanian capital. The neighborhood is really beautiful a place to visit, and you can walk into it pretty much from anywhere in central Bucharest. Ion Constantin Br膬tianu Boulevard crosses the historic heart of the city from Piata Universitate... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles

Bucharest Introduction Walking Tour

Bucharest, the capital and cultural center of Romania, is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.

The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles

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