October 20, 2015

Two castles in one day – Peles and Bran Castles

Written By Admin

Drive from Bucharest to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain resort surnamed “The pearl of the Carpathians”.

Visit Peles Castle: one of Romania’s most beautiful palaces, once the summer residence of the Romanian kings and one of Romania’s most important museums. Built starting to 1875 the castle has 160 rooms, opulently decorated with leather, ebony, walnut and mother of pearl, with invaluable collections of art and furniture; very modern also, the castle was equipped with electricity (the first from Europe), central heating, elevator, vacuum cleaner and theater (cinema from 1910) room, since the beginning.

Next visit is just close to Peles Castle: Sinaia Monastery.

It was founded by Prince Mihail Cantacuzino in 1695 upon his return from a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai and named after the greatSinai Monastery. Thus the name of Sinaia derived from the Holy Mountain. The monastery consists of two courtyards surrounded by low buildings. In the centre of each courtyard Byzantine style churches were built. “Biserica Veche” (The Old Church)—dates from 1695 and follows the famous Romanian architectural “Brancovenesc” style, while the more recent “Biserica Mare” (The Great Church) was built in 1846. The initial plan was to hold 12 monks, to imitate the Twelve Apostles, but in time the number of monks grew. The monastery contains religious objects, icons, rare books and the exhibition of pottery and porcelain ware, dating since16^th – 19^th century. The Royal Family of Romania was supporting the maintaining of the new church, so paintings of King Carol I of Romania, Queen Elisabeth of Wied and Princess Maria of Romania could be found in the interior.

Departure from Sinaia to Bran.

In Bran, a typical Romanian village we stop for the lunch, taken in a dream country-side landscape (drinks included).

Visit Bran Castle: known as “Dracula’s Castle”, represent an important national monument and landmark of the Romanian tourism, due not only to the beauty of the Castle and the nearby landscape but also to the legend of Count Dracula. Built in 1377, the castle’s fame came first from Dracula’s legend then from the affiliation with the Royal Family who received it in 1920, as a symbol of gratitude for Queen Marie of Great Romania contribution to the achievement of the Great Union from 1918. The castle preserves the medieval atmosphere, being building on a 60 m high rock with a strategic, military and commercial purpose. It has four towers positioned at the four cardinal points. The walls are made of stone blocks, the rooms and narrow corridors constitute a mysterious labyrinth of ghostly nooks and secret chambers, whilst in the inner courtyard there are artesian wells, connected to an underground network.

Return to Bucharest.

Price:85 euro/person for 2 persons traveling and more includes transportation by car and professional guide assistance.

 Not  included:

-traditional Romanian lunch (from 7 euro/person)

-entrance fees: Bran Castle 5 euro/person, Peles Castle -from 5 euro/person.