Chindia Tower

Welcome, students of history, to the formidable ruins of the Royal Court of Târgoviște. We are standing at the epicenter of medieval Wallachian power. …

We begin our detailed examination at the very foundation of the tower. Please direct your attention to the massive, truncated pyramid of pale stone upon which the red brick cylinder rests. …

Passing through the later-added entrance, we ascend slightly into the dark, vaulted chamber of the first floor. This area is widely believed by historians and archaeologists to have served as the Prince's treasury. …

We now begin the arduous ascent up the internal spiral staircase. Please step carefully; there are exactly one hundred and twenty-two narrow stone steps winding their way up the interior spine of the cylinder. …

Pausing on one of the middle floors, let us catch our breath and examine the primary offensive features of the tower: the defensive loopholes. Looking at the exterior of the Chindia Tower from the courtyard, you noticed these…

We have finally reached the summit: the open-air watchman's balcony. Stepping out from the dark, narrow confines of the staircase into the bright, open sky is a breathtaking transition. …

While we remain on the high balcony, I want to direct your attention downward and to the south, where you will see the magnificent, fully intact structure of the Great Princely Church. Analyzing the relationship between the…

As our scholarly tour concludes and we prepare to descend the narrow spiral staircase, let us take one last look from the balcony of the Chindia Tower. We have journeyed deep into the turbulent heart of the fifteenth century. …