On the Footsteps of Dracula

In 1436, Vlad Dracul, the father of Vlad Dracula Tepes (the Impaler), became ruler of Wallachia and moved to the Royal Court in Targoviste. Due to political reasons, Vlad Dracula Tepes and his brother Radu had to go to the Court of Sultan Murad the 2nd, as hostages. Vlad Dracula Tepes was released when his father died and ruled Wallachia in 1448 (when he was only 17), during 1456-1462, and again in 1476 when he was assassinated. It is in Targoviste where Vlad Dracula became famous for his cruelty. In 1459, during Sunday Easter, he impaled the old noble men and enslaved the young ones to build his Poenari Fortress. He accused them of murdering his father.

In 1459, from his royal court in Targoviste, Vlad The Impaler refused to pay tribute to the Ottoman Empire. He won one memorable victory against the Ottomans when he disguised himself as a janissary and attacked the Ottoman army camped near Targoviste.

Vlad Dracula also built Chindia Tower, the landmark of the city, for surveillance and defense purposes. It is partly built on a church and is 27 meters high and 9 meters in diameter. The legend tells that once you climb all 122 stairs, you will never forget Targoviste and will come back.

The oldest written document about Targoviste Royal Court dates back to 1396. In the 17th century, the Royal Court was set on fire at the orders of the ottoman Empire and the capital of Wallachia was moved to Bucharest.

Featured products at Dracula Store

Light from Light: This 40/50 cm canvas features Vlad Dracula the Impaler's Royal Court from Targoviste.

Dracula's Victims Wooden Mask: Sculpure made by Burlacov Constantin in Targoviste, featuring Chindia Tower.

Painted Stone, Vlad's Royal Court: Hand-painted stone featuring Vlad Dracula the Impaler at his Royal Court. Professional work made by Burlacov Constantin in Targoviste.