Romanian castles – the very-short list

Romania has a long and rich history. The place where fascinating history meets art can not be other than a castle. Hidden in the woods or in the middle of the cities, Romanian castles, although some degraded and forgotten, are treasures for tourists. We therefore decided to introduce you to some of the most famous castles in Romania that you must visit.

Bran castle, Bran, Brasov county

Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and placed on top of a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as to the myth created around Bram Stocker’s Dracula. Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle”, it was originally built as a fortress for the Teutonic Knights in 1212. It was later re-built by the Saxons to protect the city of Brasov and then transformed into a royal residence for Queen Marie of Romania.

The castle houses a stone dungeon, 57 rooms and even a secret passageway leading to the watch towers. Four of the floors can be visited, containing furniture, armoury and other items that belonged to the Romanian royal family.

Due to its connection with both Dracula and the Romanian royal family and its uniqueness, Bran was ranked 9 in top 10 most beautiful castles in the world conducted by CNN.

Website: www.bran-castle.com/

Peleş Castle, Sinaia, Prahova county

Built between 1873-1914, at the request of King Carol I (Romania’s longest serving monarch), the castle was the summer residence of the royal family. Unfortunately, he passed away only a few months after the castle’s completion and was buried on the premises. It currently works as a museum, where tourists can admire the glorious past of Romania’s royal hall impressive as well: The Arms, music hall, lounge Moorish, Florentine Room, Imperial Suite, Hall of Honor, and more. Its 160 rooms are decorated with the finest examples of European art, crystal chandeliers, stained-glass windows depicting German fairy tales and leather-covered walls.

Peles Castle was also the first castle in Europe to have central heating and electricity, produced by its own plant.

Website: peles.ro

Pelişor Castle, Sinaia, Prahova county

Pelişor Castle is actually a small palace, which, together with the Peles Castle, are part of the royal summer residence in Sinaia. Pelisor was built between 1899-1902, as a residence for Prince Ferdinand and his wife Maria. Unlike Peles, this castle has an art nouveau-style. Pelisor’s 70 rooms feature a unique collection of turn-of-the century Viennese furniture and Tiffany and Lalique glassware.

Website: peles.ro/program-si-taxe/

Cantacuzino Castle, Buşteni, Prahova county

Cantacuzino Castle is a “rival” of the beautiful and most famous Peles Castle. It dates back to 1911 and belonged to the Cantacuzino family. The impressive building was built in neo-Romanian style and is surrounded by a large park, landscaped with fountains, waterfalls and a grotto.

Today, inside the castle is an unique exhibition, which can be accessed in the reception hall. This includes Cantacuzino family coats of arms, collections of  paintings, sculptures and decorative items.

Website: cantacuzinocastle.com

Corvin Castle, Hunedoara, Hunedoara county

Corvin Castle also known as Hunyadi Castle is one of the most important monuments of Gothic architecture in Romania. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it is considered one of the spookiest buildings around the world by the Lonely Planet. Its dark history and the fact that many historians claim that here was kept prisoner the famous voivode Vlad the Impeller, the source of Dracula’s myth, brought Corvin Castle the reputation of a place of terror and disgrace.

Website: castelulcorvinilor.ro/?lang=en