About Targoviste
A Romanian Property Company since 2004
Targoviste is the county capital of Dambovita. It is situated on the right bank of the Ialomita river in south west
Romania. Targoviste has a population of 74,000 making it the 26th largest city in Romania. One of the most
important cities in the history of Valachia, it was the country capital between the 15th and 16th century. The
name Targoviste is a Slavic name which the city acquired in the middle ages. It is derived from the word for
marketplace, referring to the place rather than the market itself.
Introduction
Early History
The area of Targoviste first inhabited is located at the Saint Nicholas-Geartoglu & Stelea Vechi Church. It was in
this area that the first fortifications were built. A small stone building surrounded by a brick wall & a moat,
probably belonging to a local ruler.
As the capital of Valachia, Targoviste faced numerous invasions. In 1395, it was seized & set on fire by Bayzid. In
1457, the townsfolk of Targoviste were punished by Vlad III Dracula for their involvement in the assassination of
his brother: the elite of city were killed, while the young people were sent to work at his castle.
The Ottoman invasion of 1462 did not reach the city, being prevented by Vlad III. However, in 1476, the
city was conquered by Stephen Bathory. Several other battles were fought near the city during the rule of
Neagoe Basarab & Radu of Afumati. In 1597, the Hajduks of Mihai Viteazul & Starina Novak fought & won a
decisive battle against the Ottoman Empire in Targoviste.
Modern History
Targoviste was the scene of the trial & execution of Nicolae Ceausescu & his wife Elena in December 1989.
Railway
Targoviste railway station is an important railway route, linking to Bucharest.
The railway was built by the VII Company of the railway of I Engineering
Regiment & the station building was inaugurated on 2 January 1884. Ploiesti -
Targoviste was inaugurated on 29 June 1946. The city is served by Teis halt,
Targoviste Nord & also the stops at Valea Voievozilor. The railway station is
open for both passenger traffic & freight with sales/reservation electronic
tickets for lines serving the large industrial operators of the city - MECHEL,
Otelinox, UPET, Erdemir, Romlux, Rondocarton & Artic.
Roads
Located at a crossroads of ancient trade routes, the city is easily accessed via main roads, DN71, DN72 & is located
just 80 km from Bucharest’s Otopeni International Airport Henri Coanda.
Public transport
In the town public transport is provided by bus and mini bus.
Twin Cities
Orvault - France
Miami - United States
Corbetta - Italy
Santarem - Portugal
Vellinge -Sweden
Castellon de la Plana - Spain
Activities & Amenities
Targoviste has excellent amenities which include banks, pharmacies, university & a range of supermarkets. Taxis,
railway station, fitness & beauty centre, park with lake & zoo. A range of museums, snooker, pool, restaurants &
night clubs. A good selection of Hotels & Pensions. A recent addition is a leisure complex with an Olympic size
swimming pool.