Romania · Bucharest and Wallachia

Lake Snagov

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Lacul Snagov

Snagov is a long, narrow lake in Snagov commune, north of Bucharest in Romania. Although its surface is small, its elongated shape makes it stretch from north-east to south-west. The lake and the nearby Snagov Forest are a protected natural area, and on an islet near its north-eastern end stands Snagov Monastery, where Vlad the Impaler is said to be buried.

How it formed

Snagov is a long, narrow lake north of Bucharest, stretching from north-east to south-west although its surface is small.

History

Snagov Monastery stands on an islet near the lake’s north-eastern end, and it is said to hold the last resting place of Vlad the Impaler. The Snagov Declaration was signed on 21 June 1995 in a villa on the lake’s shore.

Is Dracula buried here?

The monastery’s stone church dates from the 15th century and keeps the largest ensemble of 16th-century murals in Wallachia. The tomb attributed to Vlad Țepeș is a tradition, not a proven fact: no grave was found under the stone attributed to him, and other places such as Comana or even Naples have been suggested as his burial site. On the mainland, a collection of about 500 items related to Vlad Țepeș can be seen.

Nature

Both the lake and the Snagov Forest are protected natural areas, and together they protect a number of species. More help and assistance are needed to preserve its biodiversity.

Gallery

4 photos

Photo: Thomas Stellmach · CC BY-SA 2.0

Photo: Not known. Picture from internet (other articles and facebook etc.) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Marius-Ionut · CC BY-SA 3.0

Photo: Constantin Turmac · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Visit

Getting there

Nearest settlement: Snagov

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

The lake lies north of Bucharest, about 25–45 km depending on the route. The monastery is on an island, so keep to the rules of the protected area.

Reaching the island

You get to the island either over a pedestrian bridge or by boat from the shore (there are no ferries, and boats are rented from locals). It is usually open from 7:30 to 18:00, but check first. Some day trips from Bucharest combine the monastery with the Slănic salt mine.