Peleş Castle is built on the royal domain in Sinaia. Construction works started in August 1873 and were financed both of private accounts of Prince Carol and public funds. At the end of the 19th century, Peleş Castle was one of the most modern European royal courts, equipped with electricity, indoor elevator and central heating. In 1893 at Peleş was born the later Carol II, the first heir to the throne born on Romanian soil. Under the cornerstone of the castle are buried the first Romanian coins with the image of Carol I (banned by the Ottoman Empire).
The castle was finished in 1914 and has 160 rooms. Around the castle there were added other edifices such as Pelişor Castle (as a residence for Ferdinand and Marie) or the Foişor Hunting Lodge (initially, the hunting chalet of King Carol). After the abdication of King Michael, in 1948 the castle was confiscated by the communist authorities, being declared a museum in 1953. Subsequently, during 1975-1990, the castle was closed to the public. During Nicolae Ceauşescu’s dictatorship, Peleş Castle was transferred to the State protocol.
The castle shelters an impressive artistic heritage consisting of collections of stained glass, pieces of furniture and weapons containing items dating back to the 15th century.
The Romanian royal family doesn’t live at Peleş Castle; both Peleş and Pelişor Castle serve as museums and have no rooms for rent.
Further information is available on www.peles.ro.