WHAT: One of the better decorated, inside and out, palaces that both Romania and Europe can give you WHERE: 45 km from the lovely town of Brașov, reachable by train HOW LONG: It depends on what parts of the castle you'd like to see, but let's say half a day at least just to keep it relaxed. If you come from Brașov make it a day trip - the area is gorgeous. HOW MUCH: Tickets have two price points: one for touring the first floor only (30 LEI / €6,5), and one for touring both floors (60 lei / €13,-). There is also an additional fee for taking photographs inside the castle.
It is said that the Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley was the inspiration for the castle of Beauty & the Beast, but when I climbed up the small village of Sinaia I thought that must have been a total lie. For me Peleş Castle is the ultimate setting of the iconic Disney film. I mean – look at those pictures. This castle knows how to cast a spell on you for sure, if alone its location.
When King Carol I of Romania visited the small and picturesque town of Sinaia in the foothills of the Bucegi mountains in the 1860s, he was captivated by its scenic location and commissioned the construction of an elaborately decorated palace there. The resulting castle is a masterpiece of German neo-Renaissance or ‘Schwarzwald’ architecture and is for sure one of the better ones I’ve seen in Europe.
Building the place took some ten years, but when it was finished, the Romanian royal had an extraordinary summer palace with 160 rooms. All of those had a different theme and decoration too, like art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows, Cordoba leather-covered walls and an extensive 4,000-piece collection of weaponry from Europe and Asia on display in the Weapons Room – with armour for men and their horses (the king was fond of anything military). Moreover the castle was in possession of hot water, central heating, electricity and a moving roof. Quite amazing at the time.
There is a secret passageway too (!) in the library that you can see if you opt for the longer tour. Also, the Music Room contained intricate pieces of teak furniture gifted by the Indian Maharajah of Kapurtala and was used as a salon by Queen Elizabeth. Plus the royals knew how to keep themselves busy with the building of a movie theater and concert hall. Do I need to say more? Money to burn in here.
Peleş Castle served as their residence until 1947. When Romania fell under Communist rule, Peles, along with other royal properties, were seized, and the castle was closed between 1975 and 1990. Apparently the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu was thinking about making it his residence too, but the caretakers of the castle told him that fungus growing inside would be bad for the health.
No idea whether this is true, but otherwise it has been such a brilliant move. After the revolution of 1989, it was reopened to the public as a museum and therefore we can all fortunately enjoy this place. It’s a great way to kind of get a clue of how luxury life must has been for the Romanian royals in the not so distant past. Don’t forget to buy a gingerbread cookies or a glazed apple, take a look at the stunning view to the Carpathian – Bucegi mountains and make your fairytale complete for a day!
