Hello everyone. After visiting Count Dracula's castle, I headed to Sinai to visit the jewel of the southern Carpathians. Namely, we are talking about Peleš Castle and Pelišor. I believe, and I believe that you, who read this story, will agree with me and that this gem deserves a special place and that it should be separated from the story of travels through Romania.For me, coming to Sinai represents an encounter with a place that has been the center of Romanian royal history for decades. As I walk along the well-maintained path through the park, I know I am in the Carpathians, a mountain area that King Karol I chose at the end of the 19th century as the ideal place for his summer residence.
As I approach Peleš Castle, it is clear to me why the decision fell on this particular place - isolated but accessible, far enough from the capital, yet connected to it.
Peleš Castle began to be built in 1873, and was completed in 1883 as the residence of the Romanian royal family. I enter the castle aware of the fact that this is where Karol I spent a large part of his life and that Peleš was the first castle in Europe to have electric lighting thanks to its own power plant.At the entrance we were greeted by a curator who directed us to the slippers that we put on over our shoes. It is not allowed to walk in shoes on the carpets, which are not even original. And in order to take pictures, I had to pay Here on the ground floor we can visit several exceptionally designed and decorated rooms, salons and chambers. It is not at all surprising that the king arranged a series of rooms for guests, monarchs from other countries. An English room, a Turkish room, a Spanish room, so that each of them would feel as if they were at their own court. It is known that the king was a passionate hunter.The weapons collection is set up in the next room. Over 4,000 exhibits are on display in front of me, and the horse and rider in medieval armor are the ones that attract the most attention of most visitors. Both weigh 200 kg.
Enraptured by the beauty of the beautifully decorated staircase, we went to the next floor. You simply don't know which way to look first, where to turn, everything is like being in a vicious circle, simply, every detail stops your gaze.We take turns visiting the room for official receptions, a large music hall that was later transformed into Queen Elizabeth's literary salon. The paintings in the salon illustrate characters from the Queen's songs. The reception hall is rich in architectural details. The table and chairs are pieces of solid wood furniture so carved and decorated that you think there is a lace tablecloth over the table. The carving was so perfect, the backs of the chairs have the same work.Passing through more rooms, you cannot believe that all this beauty is located in just one place, in just one castle.
In front of the castle are statues of King Ferdinand and Queen Elizabeth, and she is currently embroidering on canvas.
After I finish the tour of Peleš, I go outside and head towards Pelišor Castle, which is located nearby in the same courtyard.Pelišor was built at the beginning of the 20th century, between 1899 and 1903, as the residence of Crown Prince Ferdinand and his wife Maria. From the outside, I can already see that the castle is smaller in size compared to Peleš.
I know that this castle was built at a time when tastes and artistic trends were changing, which is clearly visible in the interior. Queen Mary had a strong influence on the design of the space, and I know that she was very interested in art, symbolism and spirituality. The rooms are connected in a simpler way, and the decoration reflects the Art Nouveau style that was present throughout Europe in the early 20th century.I visit the living rooms and bedrooms, which seem more personal. I feel a difference in the purpose of the space – here the emphasis was not on representation, but on everyday life. I am particularly attracted to the Golden Room, a space that Queen Mary designed according to Byzantine models, with golden motifs and religious symbolism. I know that it was on Pelišor that King Ferdinand died in 1927, which gives this place additional historical weight.
I leave the castle and stop in the courtyard, looking at Peles and Pelisor next to each other. Although they were built in different periods and for different purposes, together they form a unique whole. And I am full of impressions and I have never seen anything so beautiful.
Thanks for reading my post
Dragan
