Romanian Castles – January 2015

For a beautiful escape from Bucharest, especially in the heat of summer – drive about 2.5 hours to Transylvania – up in the Carpathian mountains and spend some time enjoying and touring Peles Castle. The castle built to be a summer residence and was inaugurated in 1883. It was home to the King and Queen of Romania – eventually it was closed during the Communist period – but reopened in 1990.

Guided tours are available daily and take one through a number of exquisitely decorated rooms. Highlights include the “armor” room; with over 3000 ancient pieces of weaponry in its collection – this room is filled with swords, shields, suits of armor and other medieval weapons – the main entrance room and the unique artworks displayed throughout the castle.

For more information visit the official website

As another “castle” visit consider visiting the “Dracula” or Bran Castle – located about an hours drive from Peles Castle. As with Transylvania and Bram Stoker there is a lot of wrong information in regards to the Dracula story and how it pertains to Romania. This castle is marketed as the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula (despite the fact that the author never even visited Romania) and knew nothing of this castle. So keep that in mind when visiting – visit solely for the beauty of this area and uniqueness of this particular castle! With that said, this is an extremely popular tourist destination.

For more information visit, www.romaniatourism.com/castles-fortresses.html#bran

Top 2 photos: Peles Castle – Bottom 2 photos: Bran or “Dracula” castle

Related posts:

Pele’s Castle and the Dracula Castle In Search of Dracula and Gothic Legends Foreign Funeral – Heartbreak in a Romanian Village Rural Romanian Village Homestay Anne Frank Museum, Amsterdam – January 2005