The architecture of Peles Castle is closely related to the recent history of the country. Built for the Royal Family, it has hosted major political events in the country, such as that in 1914 when the Romanian leaders decided to remain neutral in World War I.
Located on the outskirts of Sinaia, Peles Castle rises up from the Prahova Valley. Located in the heart of a picturesque park, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful castle in Romania. The architecture of this structure is strongly influenced by the German neo-Renaissance style, and to a lesser extent the Italian Renaissance. It stands at 66 meters tall.
Built at the request of King Carol I of Romania, construction of the castle began in 1873 and lasted until 1914, the year of the King’s death. However, it was opened in 1883 before reaching completion. The castle remained the property of the Royal Family until 1948, when it was confiscated during the communist regime and turned into a public museum in 1953.
The castle once again became the property of the Royal Family of Romania in 2007. It has been the cause of many conflicting emotions. In 1980, the Ceausescu family was planning on financing part of the renovations of the castle in order to make it their home. The museum specialists, knowing the destructive nature of the “conducător”, attempted to dissuade the family by telling them that there was fungus growing in the castle that was dangerous for their health. In the end, Ceausescu never obtained ownership of the caste.
Today Peles Castle is a museum and features various rooms decorated with tapestries, antique furniture and a collection of weapons.
Museum
Historical Monument
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Sinaia