It is the fortress tradition links to Vlad the Impaler, restored and reopened in April 2025.
About the place
The first tower probably dates from the early 14th century, and the larger curtain wall was probably built in the 15th century and is linked to Vlad the Impaler, according to the Argeș County Museum. The fortress served as a princely refuge, a treasury and a prison for disgraced boyars, and was abandoned in the second half of the 16th century. You climb about 1,480 concrete steps through the forest to roughly 400 m above the valley.
After about three years of conservation and restoration it reopened on 14 April 2025. Since 1 October 2026 it is open daily from 9:00 to 16:00, with the last climb at 15:00. Bears live in the area: the fortress has closed several times because of them, and at times visits are allowed only in groups formed at the foot of the stairs.
Good to know
- Wear good shoes and take water: there are many steep steps, and in winter they can be wet or icy.
- Buy tickets at the entrance or online through the Argeș Tourist Pass platform.
- Check the Argeș County Museum website before you go: the fortress can close at short notice because of bears or weather.
Opening hours
| Monday | 9–16 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9–16 |
| Wednesday | 9–16 |
| Thursday | 9–16 |
| Friday | 9–16 |
| Saturday | 9–16 |
| Sunday | 9–16 |
Hours may change on public holidays. Check before you go.