A Brief History Of Pele Castle

Set against the scenic backdrop of the Bucegi Mountains, Peleș Castle is a stunning example of German Neo-Renaissance architecture. Regarded by many as one of the most charming castles in Romania, it features lavishly decorated rooms filled with unique art treasures. Most interestingly, the nearby Pelișor Castle (Little Peleș), part of the same complex, safeguards the heart of Queen Marie of Romania, one of the country’s most beloved monarchs.

Peleș Castle overlooks the quaint town of Sinaia, one of the favorite destinations of Romanian aristocracy. The views, the stimulating and refreshing climate, and the charming villas that dot the town prompted Romanian King Carol I of Romania (1866-1914) to pick Sinaia as the place of his luxurious summer residence, Peleș Castle. Throughout his rule and that of his descendants, the castle served as his official royal residence, welcoming dignitaries of the highest rank, as well as a home and a place of cultural significance, thanks to his wife, Queen Elisabeth, Queen consort of Romania, who was a poet and a painter.

From the point of view of its architecture, Peleș Castle is one of the most representative Romanian monuments built in the revival style. Works on the castle started in 1873. By the time it was completed in 1914, some of the best architects in Europe had brought their personal touch to a harmonious blend of styles.

The castle’s Moorish Room, which served as a gentlemen’s smoking room, features furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl, velvet curtains, and a Carrara marble fountain, a replica of a fountain found in a Cairo mosque.

Peleș Castle’s outstanding arms collection

The rooms host a rich collection of paintings, statues, furniture, tapestries, rugs, fine china, and ivory. Some of the Castle’s treasures include a unique old arms collection, the wood-carved spiral staircase, and the castle’s 400 stained glass windows, to name but a few. The castle’s theater room, whose ceiling painting and decorative frieze were made by Austrian painters Gustav Klimt and Frantz Matsch, hosted in 1906 the first film projection in the country. The castle’s old music room features canvases by Dora Hitz, the German-born court painter of the Romanian royal family, depicting fairytales put into lyrics by Queen Elisabeth, who wrote poetry and painted under the pen name Carmen Sylva.

The Peleș Castle complex also comprises the Pelișor Castle, the residence of Carol I’s nephew, King Ferdinand and his wife, Queen Marie of Romania. Revered for her diplomatic and charitable work, especially during World War I, the British-born granddaughter of Queen Victoria succeeded in becoming a well-loved figure of modern Romanian history. As per her wish, upon her death, her heart was first placed in a chapel in Balchik, a coastal town that briefly belonged to Romania, where she also built a castle. Since 2015, the monarch’s heart lies in the Pelișor Castle, where it was placed with honors in the presence of her descendants.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.