Curtea Domnească Piatra Neamț

The Princely Court of Piatra Neamț, in Neamț County, is the medieval ensemble raised by Stephen the Great at the end of the 15th century, a voivodal residence from which survive the remains of the princely palace, the Church of Saint John the Baptist and an imposing bell tower. The great ruler of Moldavia built here, in a town set among mountains, a fortified court that served as a princely halt and a centre for administering the land. The Church of Saint John, a foundation of Stephen, is a remarkable example of Moldavian architecture, with stone walls, coloured glazed discs and the harmonious silhouette of the age, while the adjoining tower offers a fine view over the town.

The palace ruins, brought to light by archaeologists, complete the image of a medieval princely residence. Practical note: combine the visit to the Princely Court with a climb to the History Museum and with the cable car that leads to the Cozla ridge, from where the whole town can be seen.