The oldest part of Bucharest lies around The
Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche) at the end of Str. Franceza. Archaeologists believe that this area was inhabitated
long before the 14th century because of pieces found here. But this area's time of glory came in the 15th century
when the reigning prince of Wallachia, Vlad the Impaler built his fortress here. Vlad's followers (like Price Mircea
Ciobanul - Mircea the Shepherd which ruled between 1545-52 and his successors between 1545-59 who also built the
nearby church) continued the add to the building, rebuilding, fortifying and modifying the fortress to their needs.
After almost 4 centuries, in the 18th century the building was left to ruins and the rulers of Wallachia moved to
the New Court in Dealul Spirii. A museum was founded in 1972 when the archaeological diggings revealed the remains
of the fortress. All that is left today is truncated pieces of wall and a few arcades. Address: Str. Franceza 23-31