There are places we can always visit and others we can never come back from. This one is part of the second category locations.
There’s the Disneyland castle, Neuschwanstein castle, etc, however, there’s no castle like this one.
Peles is located in Romania, close to Sinaia - not to mention that it’s just outside the small town. High in the Carpathian mountains, full of great views and interesting stories, this place is always full of life. Many movies were filmed here - I am mainly talking about Hallmark productions. You will see Pelesh around Christmas or early spring on this channel.
There are plenty of similarities with other buildings all over the world. You will be absolutely right to say that but the atmosphere, scent and vibe of Peles couldn’t let me go. This is one of the castles I will keep visiting every once in a while. With a camera on hand.
This complex of buildings, once belonged to the Romanian royal family and it’s still owned by their ancestors. Admissions are high but every single RON spent, counts for sure. I wouldn’t recommend skipping the camera charge. Yes, you can take pictures with your cellphone but there are things you must have if not 4K, then 3D, eventually. It’s that cool! Waiting on a queue, at the castle ground is something typical whenever visiting during the holidays and weekends. You can get water and tidbits in your backpack for that half an hour to an hour. It just depends on how many groups have arrived at the same time you did. One of my recent trips had a short waiting time but the previous was a nightmare. Except the enthusiastic photographers and families with small children, you will have the time to check the courtyard. It’s small but we’ll decorated. What’s impressive is the hunting scene on these walls. As an artistic person, paid attention to the floral motives. I suspect there’s something for everyone because I swear, someone drew drinking people, too!
Upon entering, remember to take your swords, guns or knifes off! There’s a small security detector and you will be asked to wear those plastic bag shoes. Not all of these are new but they were worn in the shoe, not someone else’s head, after all. Tour takes around 40-45 minutes which will let you leave your backpack in the store room. There’s a bigger tour which includes the second and part of the other floors of this building which I have not tried yet. The first tour is still impressive which is why I wouldn’t mind postponing the second option. Each group has to wait until the other tour leave the second hall, so yes, 5 minutes waiting time for this area too. I will have to keep secret (the less spoilers, the better experience) however, I can share a thing or two:
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Many of the castle secrets are told separately for each group, so that tours could be interesting upon every visit;
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There’s a secret tunnel between the library and queen’s chambers which not every groups knows about;
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The office has a meeting section and one for private hearings;
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Mirrors at the ball room are from Italy;
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The queen loved small cupboards which is why some of the furniture looks like that;
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The arts room is full of paintings and windows have stained glass. All the images are from fairy-tales written by her;
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The first movie projection in Romania was performed in the small theater room which royal family really loved;
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This castle was one of the first buildings with electricity and even rooms have dust cleaning wholes on walls;
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Royal ancestors are still using the castle for Christmas or family gatherings;
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The ceiling of the great hall has the option to open for air refresh or to let the snow fall over the big Christmas tree during balls.
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Statues in the first small room inside this castle are impressions of the seasons in Sinaia. Each detail is giving you hint when you stop and take a closer look;
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The big hall is full of images of castles. These are the Seven-City Citadel castles built during the Osman Invasion times. All castles belong to lords and all of them are relatives;
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The St. George’s statue is entirely wooden and what you see in the big hall is original. It has never been replaced;
Remember to enjoy your experience and share with everyone else. I love taking the time to visit the nearby buildings - basically, the big passage building at the entrance of this complex. That used to be stables and servants chambers. Today you can find coffee shops, souvenirs and every once in a while baskets with berries. Some of the treats (the berries) are sold illegal but fruits are tasty.
What you should know is that Peles has a smaller and younger ‘brother’ called Pelesor Castle. That’s king’s nephew castle which has exactly the same design, only it’s smaller and has a bit brighter tones. It’s worth checking that castle as well, if you have the time. It’s just across the road, hidden between the trees.
For those who want to know how to get here, please check the following web sites:
Website of the castle (although it’s in Romanian. You can always use the Google Translate function). Yeah, it has not been translated in English.
Everyone who have already been here, you can share experience or a secret told during your visit by your local guide. Just to mention - no ghosts!
P.S. Remember to smile. Everyone here are very positive and always ready to help. That took me by surprise after the rude cashier encounter in the village.
(hope that’s correct in your language)