Vlad The Impaler, the original Dracula story

Vlad spent his early years at The Princely Court in TARGOVISTE, the old capitol of WALLACHIA, until his father sent Vlad and his brother Radu to the Turkish Sultan in Anatolya as hostages.

After the murder of his father, Vlad Dracul (Dragon), and his elder brother Mircea, who was buried alive by Wallachian Boyars (the aristocrats 2nd in line to the Princes), Vlad returned and was enthroned in 1456. His incarceration in Turkey and his experiences of the violent death of 2 of his close family members made him a harsh ruler, with many offences punishable by death. Vlad left a golden cup by a well, and such was the fear of punishment, that it was never stolen.

THE SUNSET TOWER

At the Princely Court, Vlad had a 27 metre Watch Tower built, so that his soldiers could see any enemy attack. The building is  called the Sunset Tower as the soldiers could look all around the town at sunset and  see that all was well. Now it affords wonderful views of the town and the surrounding hills. See photos.

They say that revenge is a dish best served cold and Vlad waited 3 years for his revenge.

THE PRINCELY COURT

At Easter the Boyars were invited to bring their families to a feast at the Princely Court. When they
had drunk their fill, the Boyars were seized by Vlads Guards and impaled on stakes which were  displayed around the town, but only after Vlad had finished eating. Only a few of the fittest men escaped death, and Vlad sent them to work on Poienary Castle or Citadel situated on the north crag of the village AREFU.

Vlad is thought of as the original Dracula, and Poienary Castle as Dracula's castle. He became known as Vlad Tepes (the Impaler),

Some of the Castle or Citadel, started in 1457 is still standing and can be visted by climbing1400 steps, then crossing a wooden bridge and onwards towards 2 crumbling towers. The prism shaped tower was Vlad's residence, and although remote and difficult to attack by surprize, the Citadel was surrounded by Turks, and the Impaler's wife chose to throw herself  to the fishes rather than face the Turks. Vlad is reputed to have escaped over the mountains  on a horse with it's shoes fixed on backwards. I have not visited the Citadel, so all the photos are from the Princely Court.

The Church as seen from the Sunset Tower.

Inside the Church at the princely Court.

Views from the Sunset Tower

Part of the Court is protected by see through plastic.

The historic location attracts Wedding parties to pose for photos.

Buna seara.