What Dâmbovita is known for

Târgoviște, formerly the capital of Southern Romania during medieval times before Bucharest assumed this role, holds historical heritage. The ruins of the former royal court reportedly are the town's primary attraction. In the 15th century, Vlad Ţepeş, famously known as "The Impaler" for his tactics against enemies, ruled from Târgoviște. The attractions available to tourists when visiting Târgoviște include the National Museum Complex, also known as the Royal Court, which is a centuries-old architectural ensemble that served as the residence and royal court for over three centuries. It houses structures such as the Great Royal Church, Chindia Tower, Royal Palace, St. Friday Church, and Balasa House, along with the History Museum. Chindia Tower, standing at 27 meters, is allegedly Târgoviște's predominant attraction. It features a stone-plated pyramid base and a cylindrical red brick body with three floors featuring openings and balconies. An internal spiral staircase leads to the tower's top, offering panoramic views of the court and the ruins of two princely palaces from the 16th and 17th centuries. Nearby, the Holly Friday Church, dating back to the 15th century, stands as another testament to the city's history.[6]

For people seeking outdoor recreation, there's the Ialomiţi Cave, nestled in the Ialomiţi Gorge near the source of the Ialomiţa River. Located at an altitude of 1,660 meters on Mount Bătrâna, the cave derives its name from the nearby Ialomiţa River, which originates around 10 kilometers away in the glacial cirque known as Obârșia Ialomiței. The hermitage at the entrance to the cave, initially built by Mihnea Vodă in the 16th century, played a considerable role in the atmosphere of the area, in terms of spirituality and religion. However, it burned down multiple times, with the last fire in 1961 marking its end. The hermitage has been rebuilt and can be seen at the entrance to this day. The cave itself, with a cumulative length of 1,128 meters, is partially accessible to visitors. It maintains a consistent temperature between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius and a relatively high humidity percentage ranging from 85% to 100%. Exploring its depths, people can encounter various underground formations.[7] 

Furthermore, the Bucegi Mountains offer a multitude of natural attractions and hiking opportunities. One of the local destinations is Babele (the Old Women), which is a  rock formation and reportedly one of the mountains' most famous features. Another attraction is the Romanian Sphinx, a natural rock formation resembling a human head created through wind erosion over thousands of years, inspiring numerous legends and myths. The highest point in the Bucegi Mountains is Omu Peak—accessible from various hiking trails—which is one of the 39 marked trekking routes. Climbers and cavers can also find adventures in the region, including Adanca Valley, Valea Poienii, and Rapa Zapezii. The Bucegi Plateau, accessible by cable car from Busteni resort in the Prahova Valley, is another recommended attraction known for its rock formations, particularly the Sphinx. For hikers, there are numerous trails leading to the plateau, including Jepii Mari and Jepii Mici, with varying levels of difficulty.[8]

Geography

Dâmbovita County boasts a geographical landscape encompassing mountains, hills, and plains. To the north, the Carpathian Mountains dominate, comprising two distinct massifs: the Leaota Mountains and the Bucegi Mountains. The Leaota Mountains are primarily composed of crystalline schists, with its highest point being Leaota Peak at 2,133 meters, while the Bucegi Mountains are characterized by gritstones, pudding stones, and limestone. Some of the notable peaks of the Bucegi Mountains include Omul, Doamnele, and Batrâna. The Ialomita Subcarpathians form a hilly region in the county's central-northern part, marked by a succession of hills and depressions. West of the Dâmbovita River's valley lies the Cândesti Piedmont, a lower hilly area ranging from 300 to 550 meters in elevation. Occupying roughly half of the county's area, the Walachian Plain comprises high plains along the Dâmbovita and Ialomita rivers and the low Plain of Titu. The region also provides natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, hard rocks in the mountainous areas, clays, and limestone. Additionally, the Subcarpathian region is known for its mineral springs such as those in Pucioasa, featuring sulfurous, chlorine-sulfurous, bicarbonate, and iodated-bromide waters, as well as salted springs.[2]

Bucegi Natural Park can be found in the northern part of Dâmbovita County. The park is a component of the international Natura 2000 network, known for its substantial bear population, diverse landscapes, and geological formations known as the Sphinx and Babele. Wind erosion has sculpted these conglomerate rock formations. The establishment of Bucegi Natural Park dates back to 2003, when it was designated by the Romanian government. Its primary mission is the preservation of traditional cultural landscapes while promoting sustainable human activities. Bucegi Natural Park encompasses fauna and flora, including rare and endemic species.[4]

The temperate climate, which is typical for Dâmbovita County, exhibits variations. High-altitude regions experience cold and humid conditions while lower-lying areas receive less precipitation and higher temperatures.[2] The warmest month in the county capital, Târgovişte, tends to be August, with an average daily temperature of 28°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 4°C, and it is also considered to be the driest month in Târgovişte because it generally receives 46 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 122 millimeters.[5]

History

Târgoviște, located in modern-day Romania, has a considerable history. Saxon colonists from Transylvania settled there in the 13th and 14th centuries, contributing to the city's growth. The town became Wallachia's third capital under Mircea the Elder (1383–1419). During the 15th century, it became a secondary residence for Wallachian hospodars, while In the 16th century, the rulers alternated the capital between Târgoviște and Bucharest, often for political reasons. Târgoviște developed as a trade hub in the 15th and 16th centuries, and by the 16th century, Romanians formed the majority of the population. Throughout its history as the capital of Wallachia, Târgoviște faced sieges and invasions. The population and economy declined gradually after the capital moved to Bucharest.[1]

In terms of the history of Dâmbovita County as a whole, research and archaeological findings conducted in the Arges, Ialomita, and Dâmbovita river valleys, as well as the historical city of Târgoviște, provide evidence of a human presence dating back to the Palaeolithic era. During the feudal period, particularly under the rule of Mircea The Old (1386 - 1418), Târgoviște and the surrounding region gained significance. Over the subsequent centuries, Târgoviște retained its role as the central princely citadel, hosting notable rulers such as Vlad Tepes, Radu the Great, Neagoe Basarab, Radu from Afumati, and Petru Cercel. However, in 1660, the area was partially destroyed by the Ottomans.[2]

In the annals of history, Dâmbovita County occupied a position in the central-southern expanse of Greater Romania, specifically within the northern domain of the Muntenia historical region. Its boundaries stretched westward to meet the counties of Muscel and Argeș, northward to neighbor Brașov County, eastward to adjoin Prahova County, and southward to connect with the territories of Ilfov and Vlașca.[3]