Princely Church of St Nicholas
About Princely Church of St Nicholas
The Princely Church of St Nicholas stands in the south of Curtea de Argeș, in the former court of the rulers of Wallachia. It is the foundation of Basarab I (d. 1352), founder of the Basarab dynasty, and was completed under his son Nicolae Alexandru; the mural painting was finished in the 1360s, under Vladislav I (Vlaicu Vodă). It replaced an older 13th-century church whose foundations can still be seen outside, and from 1359 the first metropolitan see of Wallachia was based here.
The plan is the Byzantine inscribed Greek cross, with a single tower over the nave and three apses at the east end. The walls are built in courses of red brick and river stone, and the carved window frames date from the 17th century. The church was restored in 1911–1929, and the painter Dumitru Norocea, who worked on it, uncovered parts of the old painting.
What you can see
Inside, in the narthex, the 14th-century frescoes of the life of St Nicholas survive alongside layers of painting from the 18th and 19th centuries; in one spot, three superimposed layers are left visible. Above the entrance to the nave, Prince Nicolae Alexandru appears kneeling in the Deesis scene, and the narthex holds the gravestones of the Brătianu boyars.
In the courtyard you can see the foundations of the older church, the ruins of the 14th-century princely palace, the base of a lookout tower and the enclosure wall. The entrance is through the bell tower of 1838, with two wooden gates from 1967.
Good to know
The church, the bell tower and the enclosure wall are under restoration, with European funding, until May 2028; the monument is covered in scaffolding, and the interior can be visited.
Information verified on 28 October 2026.
- The outer masonry in alternating courses of red brick and river stone.
- The 14th-century frescoes in the narthex, with scenes from the life of St Nicholas.
- The spot in the narthex where the three layers of painting (14th, 18th and 19th centuries) are left visible one over the other.
- The foundations of the older church and the ruins of the princely palace in the courtyard.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Curtea de Argeș is ~42 km (~35 min) from Pitești on the DN7C, ~155 km (~1 h 50 min) from Bucharest via Pitești, and, on the DN73C, ~37 km (~55 min) from Râmnicu Vâlcea and ~47 km (~1 hour) from Câmpulung. The church is in the town centre, ~1.8 km (~3 min) south of Curtea de Argeș Monastery; from the town the DN7C continues north to Poenari Citadel, Lake Vidraru and the Transfăgărășan. The entrance to the complex is on Strada Negru Vodă, through the Municipal Museum's car park.
Public transport: Curtea de Argeș is the terminus of the Pitești – Curtea de Argeș railway line (check the timetable); the station is ~850 m from the church, about 10–12 minutes on foot.
- Where to park
The complex is entered through the car park in front of the Municipal Museum, on Strada Negru Vodă; from there you pass through the bell tower with its two wooden gates.
- Fees & discounts
Adults 12 lei, pensioners 6 lei, pupils and students 3 lei; children under 7 enter free.
- Rules
Modest dress, as in any Orthodox church: shoulders and knees covered. When a service is being held, do not walk around the church; photography inside is by agreement with the staff. Keep out of the restoration work areas.
- Facilities
Curtea de Argeș Municipal Museum next to the entrance · restaurants and accommodation in town
Frequently asked questions about Princely Church of St Nicholas
How much is a ticket to Princely Church of St Nicholas?
A ticket to Princely Church of St Nicholas costs 12 lei (pensioners 6 lei, pupils 3 lei). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Princely Church of St Nicholas?
Opening hours at Princely Church of St Nicholas: daily 09:00 – 17:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Princely Church of St Nicholas take?
A visit to Princely Church of St Nicholas takes about 45 min (the church and the courtyard with the ruins).
Can you visit Princely Church of St Nicholas with kids?
Yes, Princely Church of St Nicholas is suitable for children (short, mostly outdoors).
How do I get to Princely Church of St Nicholas?
Princely Church of St Nicholas is located at Strada Negru Vodă, entrance to the Princely Court, next to no. 2, Curtea de Argeș, Argeș County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Princely Church of St Nicholas?
The best season for Princely Church of St Nicholas: All year round (all year, during the day).
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