Curtea de Argeș Travel Guide

Explore the cultural and natural attractions of Curtea de Argeș, plan your itinerary and learn about the local culture and customs.


Introduction to Curtea de Argeș

Curtea de Argeș is a small Romanian city located in the Muntenia region, in the foothills of the Carpathians mountains. It’s famous for its stunning ancient architecture, including one of the most important churches in Romania, the Curtea de Argeș Monastery. The city is also surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your visit to Curtea de Argeș, from the city’s historic landmarks to its natural wonders and local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Curtea de Argeș

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Curtea de Argeș Monastery: This 14th-century monastery is a must-see attraction for architecture and history enthusiasts alike. It’s considered one of the most important and beautiful churches in Romania, featuring a unique blend of Byzantine and Romanian architectural styles.
  • Episcopal Palace Museum: The museum houses a vast collection of medieval and modern art, including sculptures, paintings, and other artifacts related to the history of the city and the region.
  • The Old Princely Church: Built in the 13th century, the church is a landmark of Romanian medieval architecture, featuring intricate frescoes and carvings.

Natural Attractions of Curtea de Argeș: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Vidraru Dam: The 166 meters high dam is one of the largest in Europe and offers breathtaking views over the Vidraru Lake and the surrounding mountains.
  • Transfăgărășan Highway: This famous road connects Curtea de Argeș with Transylvania, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Carpathians mountains and the nearby Balea Lake.
  • Cozia National Park: Located about 30 kilometers from Curtea de Argeș, the park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. It’s home to several rare plant and animal species, including the brown bear and the otter.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Curtea de Argeș

Curtea de Argeș is an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of hiking and biking trails to explore.

Best Hiking Routes in Curtea de Argeș

  • The Curtea de Argeș Monastery Trail: This easy 2-kilometer trail takes you to the famous monastery, passing through the forested hills surrounding the city.
  • The Cozia Monastery Trail: This challenging 12-km trail takes you to the Cozia monastery, passing through dense forests and mountain ridges.
  • The Vidraru Lake Trail: This easy 8-km trail takes you around the Vidraru lake, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the dam.

Best Biking Routes in Curtea de Argeș

  • Transfăgărășan Highway: This famous road is a favorite among bikers, offering over 150 km of scenic roads, challenging curves, and breathtaking views.
  • Sinaia – Bran Corridor: This 40 km route takes you from Curtea de Argeș to Bran Castle, passing through the beautiful medieval town of Sinaia and the Bucegi Mountains.
  • The Fagaras Mountains Circuit: This challenging 160 km circuit takes you around the entire Fagaras Mountains range, offering stunning views of the highest peaks in Romania.

Best Things to Do in Curtea de Argeș: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting Tours: The Curtea de Argeș region is known for its excellent wines, and several local wineries offer wine tastings and cellar tours.
  • Horseback Riding: Several local stables offer horseback riding tours in the surrounding hills and forests.
  • Rock Climbing and Caving: The nearby Fagaras Mountains offer some of the best rock climbing and caving opportunities in Romania, with several local operators offering tours and equipment rental.

Week-Long Itinerary for Curtea de Argeș

Day 1-2: Visit the Curtea de Argeș Monastery and its surroundings, including the Old Princely Church and the Episcopal Palace Museum.

Day 3: Explore the Vidraru Dam and Lake, including hiking and biking trails in the area.

Day 4: Take a scenic drive along the Transfăgărășan Highway, stopping at Balea Lake and the nearby Poenari Fortress.

Day 5: Visit the Cozia Monastery and the nearby Cozia National Park for hiking and wildlife watching.

Day 6-7: Take a day trip to the medieval town of Sibiu, exploring its historic landmarks and local culture.

Food and Drink Scene of Curtea de Argeș

Must-Try Dishes

  • Mititei: Grilled minced meat rolls flavored with garlic and other spices, usually served with mustard and bread.
  • Sarmale: Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with meat, rice, and vegetables, cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
  • Mici: Similar to mititei, mici are grilled minced meat dumplings, flavored with paprika, garlic, and other spices.

Local Beverages

  • Tuica: A strong plum brandy, considered the national drink of Romania.
  • Wine: Curtea de Argeș and the surrounding region are known for their excellent wines, including Feteasca Neagra, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir.
  • Beer: Several local breweries offer craft beer and lagers, including the popular Bucegi brand.

Where to Stay in Curtea de Argeș: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Posada Vidraru: A modern hotel located on the shores of Vidraru Lake, offering breathtaking views and amenities such as a spa, sauna, and indoor pool.
  • Pensiunea Rustic Vidraru: A rustic guesthouse located in the nearby village of Argesani, offering comfortable rooms and traditional meals.
  • Casa Irina: A cozy hostel located in the heart of Curtea de Argeș, offering dorm and private rooms, as well as a shared kitchen and lounge area.

What to Buy in Curtea de Argeș: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Crafts and Textiles: Curtea de Argeș is known for its traditional crafts, including handmade rugs, blankets, and embroidery.
  • Wine and Tuica: Several local wineries and distilleries offer bottles of their products, often packaged with traditional designs and labels.
  • Honey and Jam: The region is known for its natural honey and jam, made from locally sourced fruits and herbs.

Local Culture and Customs of Curtea de Argeș

Romania has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, strongly influenced by its history and geography. Curtea de Argeș is a reflection of this, with a unique blend of Romanian, Byzantine, and Ottoman traditions and customs.

Some of the most interesting aspects of local culture and customs include:

  • The Orthodox Church: Religion plays an important role in Romanian culture, and the Orthodox Church is the dominant practice in the country. Visitors to Curtea de Argeș can attend religious services and learn about the customs and rituals associated with the local church.
  • Folklore and Crafts: Romania is known for its traditional crafts and folklore, including music, dance, and artisanal products.
  • Local Cuisine: Romanian cuisine is a blend of local traditions and influences from neighboring countries such as Hungary, Serbia, and Turkey.

Best Time to Visit Curtea de Argeș

The best time to visit Curtea de Argeș is during the spring and summer months, from March to August. The weather is generally mild and sunny, with plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. The fall months can also be beautiful, with colorful foliage and fewer crowds.

Winter can be challenging due to snow and ice, but it’s a great time for winter sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy a cozy mountain retreat.

Do’s and Don’ts of Curtea de Argeș

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious or historic landmarks.
  • Try the local food and drinks, and explore the traditional crafts and music.
  • Learn some Romanian phrases and greetings to communicate with the locals.

Don’t:

  • Expect everyone to speak English, especially in rural areas and small towns.
  • Wear revealing clothing or swimwear outside of designated areas.
  • Underestimate the weather conditions, especially when hiking or cycling in the mountains.

Safety and Health

Safety in Curtea de Argeș

Curtea de Argeș is a relatively safe city, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, visitors should take the usual precautions when traveling to a new place, such as avoiding dark or deserted areas at night and keeping their valuables secure.

Health in Curtea de Argeș

Travelers to Curtea de Argeș should be up to date on routine vaccinations, and consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as rabies if planning to have close contact with animals.

It’s also important to bring any necessary medication and medical supplies, as pharmacies and clinics may not always be readily available in rural areas.

Getting to Curtea de Argeș: Transportation Options and Logistics

Curtea de Argeș is easily accessible by car, bus, or train.

Airports Near Curtea de Argeș

The closest major airport to Curtea de Argeș is Henri Coandă International Airport in Bucharest, located about 150 km away. From there, visitors can take a bus or rent a car to reach Curtea de Argeș.

Bus and Train Stations Near Curtea de Argeș

The city has its main bus station, offering regular connections to Bucharest and other nearby cities. There is also a train station in the nearby town of Pitesti, offering connections to Bucharest, Brasov, and other destinations in Romania.

Other Options

Taxis are also available in the city, but visitors should ensure they only use reputable companies or arrange for a ride through their hotel or hostel.

How to Get Around in Curtea de Argeș

The city center and its surrounding areas are easily walkable, with many attractions located within a short distance. For longer distances or exploring further afield, visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi.

Buses and minivans also operate in the surrounding areas, offering connections to nearby towns and villages.

Where to Go Next from Curtea de Argeș: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Sibiu: A beautiful medieval town, located about 150 km from Curtea de Argeș, famous for its historic landmarks and local culture.
  • Bran Castle: Located about 100 km from Curtea de Argeș, this famous Gothic castle is associated with the legend of Dracula and is a popular tourist destination.
  • Bucharest: The capital city of Romania, located about 150 km from Curtea de Argeș, offers a mix of historic, cultural, and modern attractions.

Conclusion

Curtea de Argeș is a magical destination that offers a unique blend of historic sites, natural beauty, and traditional culture. Whether you’re interested in hiking through the mountains, exploring centuries-old churches, or sampling local wines and cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this charming Romanian town.

Curtea de Argeș Monastery, the symbol of the city and in behind is Episcopal Palace Curtea de Argeș Monastery, the symbol of the city and in behind is Episcopal Palace Curtea de Argeș Royal Railway Station Curtea de Argeș Royal Railway Station The Princely Church of Saint Nicholas The Princely Church of Saint Nicholas Poienari Fortress Poienari Fortress Vidraru Dam Vidraru Dam Transfăgărășan Transfăgărășan Valea lui Stan Canyon Valea lui Stan Canyon