Neamț Citadel

<p>Neamț Citadel stands on Pleșu Hill, above Târgu Neamț town, at 480 m altitude. Built in 1370 by Petru I Mușat, the voivode who founded the Moldavian state. Stephen the Great strengthened it in the 15th century — in 1476, the citadel held off Mehmed II's Ottoman attack alone, while Stephen had already moved on to Suceava.</p><p>After the massive 2007-2009 restoration, it's one of Moldavia's most visitable citadels. Climb the trail from Târgu Neamț (15-20 minutes), cross the 50 m wooden bridge, enter the main gate, visit the towers (Four Brothers, Postern), the princely chapel, the weapons hall. Mannequins, exhibits, princely chairs.</p><p>Tip: come in the morning — summer afternoons make the climb tough. Ticket about €3. English guides available. The view toward Pietrele lui Vodă (legend-filled mountains) is magnificent. Closed in winter (snowy access), spring-summer-autumn ideal.</p><p>Neamț has a lot more — Neamț Monastery (Moldavia's oldest), Agapia Monastery (painted by Grigorescu), Bicaz Gorges-Red Lake, Bicaz Chei. Easily a week.</p>