Vlad "The Impaler" Tepes' Poenari Castle

Poenari castle was originally built in the early 13th century by the rulers of Wallachia. It is located on a canyon formed on the Argeş River valley, close to the Făgăraş Mountains in Southern Romania. In the 14th century, Poenari was the main citadel of the Basarab rulers. However, in the 15th century, realizing the potential for a castle perched high on a steep precipice of rock, Vlad "The Impaler" Tepes repaired and consolidated the structure, making it one of his main fortresses. He also used another castle, which is Bran Castle located near the border between Wallachia & Transylvania.