Peles Castle

Peles Castle, in Romania, is considered one of the main attractions of the Prahova Valley. It was built between 1875 and 1914 in German Neo-Renaissance architecture, following the style of the evocative Bavarian castles.

It is rightly considered one of the most beautiful castles in Romania, despite being less famous and renowned than Bran.

The castle was built by order of King Carol I, who made it his summer residence after falling in love with this area. It stands on a hill in the Carpathian Mountains, along a medieval route (which still exists) connecting Transylvania with Wallachia. The interiors and rooms are sumptuous, finely decorated, and embellished with Murano glass chandeliers, embroidery, and frescoes.

An absolutely unmissable site in Sinaia, not far from Bucharest.

HOW TO GET TO PELES CASTLE

The castle is located in Sinaia, a two-hour drive from the Romanian capital. The town can also be reached by train from Bucharest North Station. The castle is located at Aleea Peleșului 2, just 2 kilometers from the Central Train Station. You can reach the destination in about 30 minutes on foot or by public transportation. Bus lines T1, T3, and T4 stop at Piateta Foisor, about 600 meters from the castle. A bus ticket costs 3 lei per person.

WHAT TO SEE

Don’t miss the Hall of Honor, which extends over three floors and features beautiful tapestries, bas-reliefs, sculptures, and finely carved wood-paneled walls. The Great Armory houses approximately 4,000 pieces of weapons and armor: swords, axes, sabers, firearms, and more. The Royal Library contains rare books handwritten in gold letters and bound in leather! The Castle also houses a small Louis XVI-style theater with a royal box, 60 seats, and remarkable murals by Gustav Klimt. The electrically operated glass ceiling is also noteworthy.

Don’t miss the seven terraces, decorated with sculptures, fountains, and Carrara marble vases. The building also houses a National Museum with one of the most important painting collections in Eastern Europe.