A completely new story which was born into a way more modern style, adjusted to the new generation that was coming up but which had its start in a place full of history that created an outstanding experience for the visitors of the current times.
Since our adventure trying to explore PeleÈ™ Castle came to an end quite fast due to the impossibly of passing the gates, we refused to turn around and return to the car before exploring the surroundings which were going to replace the disappointment from our hearts with lots of great energy and happiness.
And yes, that's possible even if you don't manage to cross the threshold of the castles, because every single tree, building, or decoration you will see around, helps in creating some memorable stories.
Of course, I won't lie saying that you should still visit the castles if you have the possibility, for a proper experience, but it's still nice if you just see them from the outside. 😊
Anyway, the thing that I really liked about this one, is that you can walk as close to it as possible, while its big brother can be seen only from the distance or from the main alley that comes from the parking lot.
This made us feel a step closer to history and admire the unique architecture both of the castles have.
Obviously, the name of the 2nd castle speaks for itself and you expect to see a much smaller construction than the main one, where even if the construction process (between 1899 and 1902) started after the main palace (between 1873 and 1914), it was still finished before that one. However, the architecture and main details remained the same due to the common artists that worked on both of the buildings, Karel Liman (Czech Architect) and Bernhard Ludwig (Viennese Architect).
While Peleș Castle represented the summer residence for the kings of Romania, Pelișor Castle was meant to also represent a summer residence, but this time for the main crown heirs of the royal family, named Ferdinand and Maria.
Even though both of the castles have been built in almost the same period, the furniture and interior decorations of the Pelișor Castle enjoyed a way more modern design that also represented a tribute to the innovations of artistic movements in the early 20th century, which was made possible with the help of Bernhard Ludwig.
For me, being located between the two castles, it was easy to observe the size differences between the two, but the big surprise came when we found out that Pelișor Castle comes with a total of 99 rooms in comparison with Peleș Castle which has 160.
The wonder was not created by the number difference between the two, but by Pelișor Castle which makes you believe it's almost impossible to shelter so many rooms while it measures one third of the total surface occupied by its big brother.
However, if you manage to get inside, you can still get lost through some of the most famous and interesting rooms, which are not stepping back when it comes to surprise the tourists.
It's true that over here you won't find armours or thousands of weapons you could see in the main palace, because we are still talking about the summer residence of two kids, but some of the main rooms are the following:
- Holul de Onoare (EN: The Hall of Honor) - where minimalism and simplicity have their say, the hall being panelled with oak coffers, where the main attraction is defined by the skylight adorned with stained glass, which represents an architectural element very specific to the art of the 19th century.
- Biroul regelui Ferdinand (EN: King Ferdinand's office) - dominated by solemnity. The whole furniture was picked in the style of the German neo-renaissance, from where the office was made of Walnut and decorated with three carved panels depicting the Peles, Pelisor and Foisor Castles.
- Biroul reginei Maria (EN: Queen Mary's office) - which is created in a style more representative for Romania, talking about the interior of the room which was adorned with the famous columns created by Brâncoveanu, and a fireplace specific to the traditional interiors of the country including furniture designed by the Queen. Of course, just like King Ferdinand, the Queen also left her touch on the chairs and the correspondence table that were decorated with her own symbols, namely the lily and the gamut cross.
- Dormitorul de aur (EN: The Golden Bedroom) - composed of unique pieces realized in 1909 in the workshops and schools founded by the King, following the sketches of the Queen. Each element was carved in linden wood and then polished with gold.
- Camera de aur (EN: The Golden Room) - which is the pivotal room of the Pelișor Castle that comes with very unusual decorations such as the gilded stucco walls bearing thistle leaves which represented a beloved motif by the Queen because it was showing off the emblem of the Nancy city (the capital of Art Nouveau), but also the furniture decorated with Celtic and Byzantine elements and the skylight in the shape of a Celtic cross placed on the ceiling.
Picture from: facebook (Romania Art & Architecture)
Picture from: efoartebine.ro
While Peleș Castle stands out through the numerous weapons it has, Pelișor Castle is more remarkable for its valuable collection of decorations belonging to the Art Nouveau style, remembering some pieces realizes by famous artists such as: E. Galle, The Daum Brothers, J. Hoffmann, L.C. Tiffany, Gurschner and many more.
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The thing that made the castle being easy to be remembered is not represented only by the faithful image of the Queen's tastes in unique architecture, but also by the passage of time, 118 years to be more precise, which are showing how things can last forever if the right people takes care of them.
I know we are talking about a royal property and probably that counts pretty much on the way it looks these days, but this shouldn't be an excuse to maintain something because there are lots of other such gems out there which were not owned by any kings or queens and which still deserve to be carried further.
Pelișor Castle not only that is located just 240 meters away from Peleș Castle but it also comes with something in plus from this one, because the tiny palace is considered the only Art Nouveau museum from Romania.
Of course, both of the castles worth to be visited, because you won't find too many things in common other than the architecture of the buildings, each one of them coming with unique rooms and decorations, but from these two, surprisingly, Pelișor Castle is the one considered with an inestimable worth given by a historical, memorialistic and artistic value which are creating an important component for the cultural dowry of the country.
Anyway, as I said in my previous post, if you plan to visit the castle/s in the future I still suggest checking out the official website for current details because the visiting hours are being changed quite often during this period. You can do so HERE.
Visiting Hours:
- Monday: closed ;
- Tuesday: closed ;
- Wednesday: 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM ;
- Thursday: 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM ;
- Friday: 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM ;
- Saturday: 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM ;
- Sunday: 9:15 AM – 4:15 PM .
Comparing Pelișor with Peleș Castle, over here tourists can visit only the ground and first floor of the castle with the mention that daily, between 1 PM - 1:30 PM a break is introduced for disinfecting surfaces and ventilating exhibition spaces.
Visiting Taxes:
- Adult Ticket: 20 RON / 4.06 EUR ;
- Pensioner Ticket: 10 RON / 2.03 EUR ;
- Student + Children Ticket: 5 RON / 1.01 EUR ;
Other Taxes:
- Photography: FREE;
- Videography: 60 RON / 12.18 EUR ;
Also, being a royal castle, the pictures and videos taken inside of the castles are not allowed to be posted on any social media pages or articles if it's not made a contract with this purpose. They usually can be taken only for personal use.
The full address of the castle is Aleea Peleșului 2, Sinaia 106100, and it's located 120 km from Bucharest, 60 km away from Ploiesti and 50 km away from Brasov.
In order to reach Pelișor Castle or even both of the amazing buildings, you have to follow the national road DN1 until you reach the mountain resort Sinaia, from where you will find lots of road signs that will lead you to the royal place. Most likely there will be indicators leading to Peleș Castle instead of Pelișor but since they are located in the same garden and just 3 minutes away from each other the same entrance, you can follow that way with no worries about it. However keep in mind that during the winter you can spend twice (or even more) time on the road, due to the street which becomes very crowded, but you can always opt in to travel by train.
SEE YOU IN THE NEXT TRIP! 🗾
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