Poenari Fortress

Poenari Fortress is a medieval fortification situated on a rocky peak at approximately 850 m altitude, above the Argeș Valley, near the commune of Arefu, Argeș County, approximately 4 km from the Vidraru Hydroelectric Plant on DN7C (Transfăgărășanul). The construction dates from the 13th century, initially built by local knezes. The fortress was significantly consolidated and expanded by Vlad III of Wallachia (Vlad Țepeș) in the 15th century, around 1456–1462. The fortified complex includes stone walls approximately 1–1.5 m thick, a defensive tower and an inner courtyard, arranged on a rocky plateau of limited surface area, with the architecture adapted to the steep terrain. Over time, the fortress sustained considerable damage due to landslides, with a significant section of the northern wall collapsing into the Argeș. The fortress is administered and partially restored, and is included in the List of Historical Monuments of Romania. Access is from DN7C, with visitors climbing approximately 1,480 steps cut into a steep slope, a route that takes around 30–40 minutes. From the summit, a panoramic view opens over Lacul Vidraru and the Munții Făgăraș.