Summary
- History of the Castle of Peleș
- Our advice for a good visit of the Castle of Peleș
- - Duration of the visit
- - Ideal season
- - Additional information
- What to do when you visit the Castle of Peleș?
- How much does a ticket for the Castle of Peleș cost?
- How to book a ticket for the Castle of Peleș online ?
- Are there guided tours of the Castle of Peleș?
- Are there combined tours with other monuments?
- Opening hours
- How to access the Castle of Peleș?
- Where to park near the Castle of Peleș ?
- Where to stay near the Castle of Peleș ?
Eager to discover Romania in Central Europe? Then don't miss to visit the Castle of Peleș, an unavoidable jewel of the country!
The Castle of Peleș is one of the most touristic attractions in Romania. Indeed, this monumental residence is undoubtedly the most beautiful castle in the country! Located in Prahova County, near the pretty city of Sinaia, the castle overlooks the Bucegi Mountains. This historical monument was the summer residence of the former king of Romania. Of a very neo-renaissance style, the Castle of Peleș is characterized by its pointed towers that seem to threaten the sky. With more than 160 rooms, the castle houses an impressive art collection, admired by thousands of visitors. If you would like to be part of it, we decided to tell you more about this monument of Romanian culture. Let's go and visit the Castle at Peleș!
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History of the Castle of Peleș
The construction of the Castle of Peleș was commissioned by Prince Charles of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen in 1873. The prince, who later became King Carol I of Romania in 1881, chose the beautiful region of Sinaia. It is here, at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, that the river Peleș flows, giving its name to the castle.
Interesting technical anecdote: at the same time, a power station was being built on the banks of the river Peleș. The castle will therefore be the first in Europe to have electricity!
The official inauguration took place on 7 October 1883, but the Czech architect Karel Liman continued to perfect the architecture. He chose to equip it with elements from the German neo-Renaissance style until 1914. After its nationalization in 1947, the Castle of Peleș became the residence of the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. After the fall of the dictatorship, the castles of Peleș and Pelișor were integrated into the tourist circuits.
Our advice for a good visit of the Castle of Peleș
Duration of the visit
In order to fully enjoy all that the Castle of Peleș has to offer, please allow a minimum of 3 hours for a visit. This includes the round trip to the car park and waiting for your guide.
Ideal season
The summer season is the one with the most tourists and the warmest temperatures. We therefore recommend that you opt for autumn or spring to visit the Castle of Peleș in the best conditions.
At the weekend the castle is full: think about it before you book your ticket for the Castle of Peleș.
Additional information
- People with reduced mobility can visit the castle of Peleș without any problem. In fact, admission is free of charge for them !
- Reservation is not obligatory, but it is advisable not to waste time.
- Photos are allowed but a supplement will be asked (see Prices).
- Animals are not welcome inside the buildings.
- Moreover, it is forbidden to eat, drink or smoke in the castle.
What to do when you visit the Castle of Peleș?
Upon arrival, you will have to wait in the company of your group. The castle of Peleș can be visited in groups and in the company of a guide employed by the castle.
- The visit begins with a grand entrance into the Hall of Honour. This is historically the first room where guests are welcomed! Contemplate the numerous wooded decorations and the sublime glass ceiling. The room is enhanced by the exceptional luminosity, modulated by sumptuous stained glass windows. They would have been custom-made in Germany by elite glaziers.
- You will then enter the armoury. Created at the beginning of the 20th century, it contains more than 4000 pieces from European and Oriental collections. Armour is on display, including a splendid armour for horses.
- The visit continues with the discovery of King Carol I' s personal office.
- Then, you will explore the library where the king was educated.
- Many visitors fall in love with the music room, which was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth. The king's wife, a scholar and cultured woman, carefully stored piano, violin and harp there. One of her friends, the maharajah of Kapurthala, is responsible for the authentic Indian furniture.
- The visit of the Castle of Peleș continues in the great Florentina Hall. Here you will have to raise your head: this grandiose room has the most beautiful ceiling in the castle, with exquisite gilding. Admire the glass chandeliers, admirably underlining the splendour of the place!
- Then the Hall of Mirrors, the Hispano-Moorish room and the Turkish lounge complete the tour.
You can also visit the Castle of Pelișor, a vast chalet adjoining the Castle of Peleș. Decorated according to the codes of Art Nouveau, it is an interesting optional visit.
How much does a ticket to the Castle of Peleș cost?
For the visit of the ground floor only :
- Adult: 30 lei, or 6€.
- Child/student: 7.5 lei or 1.5€. Students under 26 years of age are eligible.
- Retired: 15 lei, 3€.
For the visit of the ground floor + first floor:
- Adult : 60 lei, or 12€.
- Child/student: 15 lei or 3€. Students under 26 years of age are entitled to this.
- Retired: 30 lei, 6€.
For the visit of the Castle of Pelișor :
- Adult : 20 lei, 4€.
- Child/student: 5 lei or 1€. Students under 26 years of age are entitled to this.
- Retired: 10 lei, or 2€.
Important: the entrance is free for people with reduced mobility and children under 12 years old. In addition, to be able to take photos inside the castle, you will have to pay a fee of 35 lei, or 7€.
How to book online a ticket for the Castle at Peleș?
- You can book your ticket to visit Peles Castle online on the Bucharest Tourist Office website.
- In addition, tour operators offer excursion packages in which transport is also included. Prices vary between 20€ and 90€ depending on the options chosen.
Are there guided tours of the Castle of Peleș?
Please note that guided tours are required to visit the Castle of Peleș. Under no circumstances can you explore it on your own! Good, because the indications of the guide are precious and indispensable information to know everything about the place.
Are there combined visits with other monuments?
Many excursions combine the Castle of Peleș with the Castle of Bran. Bran Castle? Yes, it is indeed the castle of the famous vampire, Count Dracula! A twin excursion costs 400 lei or 80€ on average. It allows you to discover the sublime landscapes of Transylvania and Wallachia, and their two mythical castles!
Opening Hours
You can visit the Castle from Peleș from 9.15 am to 4.15 pm from Wednesday to Sunday. In summer, it is also possible to visit the Castle of Peleș on Tuesdays!
How to access the Castle of Peleș?
The Castle of Peleș is located north of Sinaia, 140 km north of Bucharest.
Organized excursions are available, which we recommend. But if you prefer freedom and the winding roads of the Romanian mountains don't scare you, opt for a rental car. Count 3 hours from Bucharest to come and visit the Castle of Peleș.
Once in Sinaia, the signs will guide you to it.
Where to park near the Castle of Peleș?
This splendid castle is one of the most visited tourist sites in Romania. However, the few parking spaces can be quickly taken, so park as soon as possible.
We recommend the small parking lot at the monastery, close to the castle. Less frequented, it is indeed the best option!
Where to stay near the Castle of Peleș?
Sinaia is a city that enjoys the proximity of its magnificent tourist sites.
- There are several hotels in the city. Some of them are housed in authentic traditional buildings. The style is typical of the region and will charm you for sure! The best ? A room at the Pensiunea Boema or at the Arca lui Noe, tourist must-sees.
- If you prefer to stay in a typical and authentic house, opt for an Airbnb.
Also read :
In which neighborhood to stay in Cluj-Napoca?
In which neighborhood to stay in Bucharest?
So, what are you waiting for to visit the Castle of Peleș?
