Muzeul Curtea Veche

The Muzeul Curtea Veche, known in English as the Old Princely Court, is a museum in the heart of Bucharest. Originally built in the fifteenth century as the residence of Vlad III Drăculea, the building was reconstructed in the sixteenth century by Mircea Ciobanul after the Turkish siege. Later princes such as Matei Basarab and Constantin Brâncoveanu renovated and expanded the complex, which, in addition to living quarters for nobles and soldiers, also housed a prison, a Turkish bath, and an ice room. Despite damage from fires, earthquakes, and wars, the ruin is now an important archaeological site. Since excavations began in 1953, you can visit the remains of the historic palace, which also served as inspiration for Mateiu Caragiale's novel. The adjoining church is considered the oldest building in the Romanian capital.