Desirous of discovering Romania, in Central Europe? So don't miss visiting the Château de Peleș, a must-see jewel in the country!
The Château de 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 the Prahova department, close to the coquette city of Sinaia, the castle dominates the Bucegi Mountains. This historic monument was the summer home of the former king of Romania. With a very neo-renaissance style, the Château de Peleș is characterised by its pointed towers which seem to threaten the sky. With more than 160 rooms, the castle houses an impressive collection of art, admired by thousands of visitors. If you wish to be part of it, we decided to tell you more about this monument of Romanian culture. It’s gone to visit the Château de Peleș!
History of the Château de Peleș
The construction of the Château de Peleș is commissioned by the prince Charles de 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 Peleș River passes: it will give its name to the castle.
Interesting technical anecdote: At the same time, an electric power plant is built on the shores of Peleș. The castle will therefore be the first in Europe to have electricity!
The official opening took place on 7 October 1883, but Czech architect Karel Liman continued to improve architecture. He chose to equip her with elements from the Neo-Renaissance German style until 1914. After its nationalization in 1947, the Château de Peleș became the home of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. After the fall of the dictatorship, the Châteaux de Peleș and Pelișor are integrated into the tourist circuits.
Our tips to visit the Château de Peleș
Duration of visit
To fully enjoy everything the Château de Peleș has to offer, count, at a minimum, 3h visit . This duration includes the return trip to the parking lot and waiting for your guide.
Ideal season
The summer season is where tourists are the most numerous and warmest temperatures. We therefore recommend you to opt for fall or spring to visit the Château de Peleș in the best conditions.
On weekends, the castle is complete: think about it before you book your ticket for the Château de Peleș.
Additional information
- ♪ persons with reduced mobility can visit the Château de Peleș without any problems. Moreover, the entrance is free For the last ones!
- Reservation is not mandatory, but is advised not to waste time.
- Photos are allowed but a supplement will be requested (see Rates).
- Animals are not welcome inside the buildings.
- Plus, prohibition of eating, drinking or smoking in the castle.
What to do during your visit to the Château de Peleș?
Upon arrival, you will have to wait with your group. Indeed, the Château de Peleș is visiting by group and with an employee guide by the castle.
- The visit begins with an entrance, in large pump, in the Hall of Honour. This is historically the first room to welcome guests! Contemplate these numerous wooded decorations and this sublime glass ceiling. The piece is enhanced by the exceptional brightness, modulated by sumptuous stained glass. They were allegedly made tailor-made in Germany by elite snipers.
- You will then enter the Arms Room. Created at the beginning of the 20th century, it has more than 4,000 pieces of European and Eastern collections. There are armours, including a splendid destined for horses.
- The visit continues with the discovery of personal office of the king Carol I.
- Then you'll explore it library where the king taught himself.
- The heartburn of many visitors takes place in the music room, made upon the request of Queen Elizabeth. The wife of the king, a scholar and a culture fairy, has carefully stored piano, violin and harp. It is to one of his friends, the Maharajah of Kapurthala, that we owe the presence of authentic Indian furniture.
- La visite du Château de Peleș se poursuit dans la large room Florentina. Here you will have to lift your head: this grandiose room has the most beautiful ceiling of the castle, with exquisite gilding. Admire these glass chandeliers, admirably highlighting the spotlight!
- Then the mirror room, hispano-mauresque room and Turkish lounge Finish the course.
You can also visit the Château de Pelișor, a large chalet adjacent to the Château de Peleș. Decorated according to Art Nouveau codes, it is an interesting optional visit.
How much does a ticket cost to the Château de Peleș?
For the visit of the ground floor only:
- Adults: 30 lei, or 6€.
- Child/student: 7.5 lei be 1.5€. Students under the age of 26.
- Retired: 15 lei, or 3€.
For the visit of the ground floor + first floor :
- Adults: 60 lei, or 12€.
- Child/student: 15 lei be 3€. Students under the age of 26.
- Retired: 30 lei, or 6€.
For the visit of the Château de Pelișor :
- Adults: 20 lei, or 4€.
- Child/student: 5 lei be 1€. Students under the age of 26.
- Retired: 10 lei, or 2€.
Important: Admission is free for people with reduced mobility and children under 12 years of age. In addition, to be able to take photos inside the castle, you will have to pay a tax of 35 lei, or 7€ .
How to book an online ticket for the Château de Peleș?
- You can book your ticket to visit the Château de Peles online on the site of the tourist office of Bucharest.
- In addition, tour operators offer excursion packages in which transport is also included. Prices oscillate between 20€ and 90€ according to the selected options.
Are there guided tours of the Château de Peleș?
We need to know that guided tours are imposed to visit the Château de Peleș. In no case can you explore it alone! So much better, because the guide's indications are valuable information indispensable to know everything about the place.
Are there visits combined with other monuments?
Many excursions combine the Château de Peleș and Bran. Bran Castle? Yes, it is indeed that of the famous vampire, Count Dracula! A twin excursion costs 400 lei 80€ On average. It allows you to explore the sublime landscapes of Transylvania and Valachie, and their two mythical castles!
Opening hours
You can visit the Château de Peleș de 9:15 to 16:15 from Wednesday to Sunday . In the summer it is also possible to visit the Château de Peleș on Tuesday!
How to access the Château de Peleș?
The Château de Peleș is located north of Sinaia, 140 km north of Bucharest.
Organised excursions organize the journey, and that’s what you are recommended. But if you prefer freedom and the winding roads of the Romanian mountains do not scare you, opt for a rental vehicle . Count 3h from Bucharest to visit the Château de Peleș.
Once in Sinaia, the signs will guide you to Sinaia.
Where to park near the Château de Peleș?
This splendid castle is one of the most visited tourist sites in Romania. However, the few parking spaces can quickly be taken, park as soon as possible.
We recommend the small parking lot of the monastery, close to the castle. Less frequented, it is indeed the best option!
Where to stay near the Château de Peleș?
Sinaia is a city that enjoys the proximity of its grandiose tourist sites.
- The city has several hotels. Some are sheltered in authentic traditional buildings. The style is typical of the region and will charm you, for sure! The top? One room in the room Pensiunea Boema where to l’Arca lui Noetourist must-see.
- If you prefer to stay in a typical and authentic house, opt for a Airbnb.
So, what are you waiting for to visit the Château de Peleș?
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