Curtea de Argeș served as one of the most important early capitals of Wallachia, playing a pivotal role in the formation of the medieval Romanian state in the 14th century.

The city's foundation is traditionally attributed to Radu Negru, a legendary figure, or more historically to Basarab I, who established the first independent Romanian state and made Curtea de Argeș its princely seat.

The magnificent Curtea de Argeș Monastery, an architectural masterpiece built between 1512 and 1517 by Prince Neagoe Basarab, serves as the royal necropolis for many Romanian monarchs, including King Carol I and King Ferdinand.

The monastery is deeply intertwined with the tragic Romanian legend of Master Manole, who allegedly immured his wife in its walls to ensure the building's stability, symbolizing ultimate sacrifice for creation.

The Princely Church of Saint Nicholas (Biserica Domnească Sf. Nicolae), dating back to the 13th century, represents the oldest historical monument in Curtea de Argeș and showcases significant Byzantine architectural influences.

Located in the historical region of Wallachia, in the picturesque foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains, a part of the Southern Carpathians, the city benefits from a strategic and scenic natural setting along the Argeș River.

Curtea de Argeș experienced significant population growth during the communist era due to industrialization, though recent decades have shown a more stable or slightly declining trend, currently holding around 26,000 inhabitants.

Historically, the city's economy was centered on trade, agriculture, and craftsmanship, leveraging its strategic position on important commercial routes connecting Transylvania and Wallachia.

Today, the city's economy is diverse, with key sectors including light manufacturing (especially textiles and footwear), wood processing, the food industry, and a growing tourism sector centered on its rich historical heritage.

Traditional craftsmanship, particularly pottery, wood carving, and weaving, remains an important local tradition, reflecting the area's rich artistic heritage passed down through generations.

Beyond being a princely capital, Curtea de Argeș solidified its national importance by becoming the revered royal necropolis of Romania, thus acting as a symbolic heart for the modern Romanian monarchy.

The ruins of the Princely Court, including parts of the defensive walls and residential buildings, offer tangible insights into the administrative and residential functions of the former Wallachian capital.

The city annually celebrates "Zilele Curtea de Argeș" (Days of Curtea de Argeș), a local festival showcasing cultural events, concerts, and traditional markets, fostering community spirit and promoting local customs.

The Argeș River, which flows through the city, is not only a defining geographical feature but also historically vital for local agriculture, power generation (downstream), and urban development.

While not designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site yet, the Curtea de Argeș Monastery is on Romania's Tentative List, highlighting its outstanding universal value and significant contribution to cultural patrimony.