Curtea Veche

Vlad the Impaler's reign was dominated by conflicts with the Ottoman Empire, hence the necessity to permanently watch over and protect the southern border, the Danube, made him stay in the fortified town on the Dâmbovița banks. He issued a Latin document on 13 June 1458 from the area of current Bucharest. Then, on 20 September 1459, he issued a document in Slavonic, specifically referring to the "fortress" in Bucharest, his "princely residence". Other documents were issued in 1460 and 1461. Vlad would have been accompanied by his family, courtiers, and an army corps. During his reign, Mircea Ciobanul repaired the palace, and defined the limits of the city. File:Palatul Voievodal.jpg|Palatul Voievodal interior File:Palatul Voievodal oven.jpg|Palatul Voievodal oven ==Annunciation Church of Saint Anthony==

(2023) This princely church was built by Mircea Ciobanul in 1559, and is the location of his grave. The church is "the oldest religious building maintained in its original aspect in Bucharest". File:Bucharest - Biserica Sf. Anton 03.jpg|Biserica Sfântul Anton altar File:Bucharest - Biserica Sf. Anton 05.jpg|Biserica Sfântul Anton dome File:Biserica Sfantul Anton marker.jpg|Biserica Sfântul Anton marker ==Popular culture==

In its current role as a museum, the palace and neighbourhood inspired Mateiu Caragiale to write his novel Craii de Curtea-Veche. It is also at the center of efforts to restore the historic center of Bucharest. ==See also==