ShtetLinks: Sinaia

In the 1873, King Carol I (Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen) began construction of his summer residence at Sinaia. Peles Castle's creation engendered nearby elegant hotels and casinos for the rich and famous. Beautiful wooded Prahova Valley, setting of Sinaia, presents downhill skiing, bobsledding, cross-country skiing, and skating. Year round, cable cars access the spectacular gorges of Bucegi massif in the Carpathian Mountains. Spas are a local specialty, while Peles Castle attracts visitors from around the world to the castle, Sinaia Monastery, George Enescu House Museum, and the Sinaia Casino.

Peles Castle
            Prince Carol of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen ascended Romania's throne in 1866 and began construction of the Peles Castle in 1873, based on the drawings of German architect Wilhelm Doderer. After 1876, Johannes Schultz supervised the construction of the 160 rooms with art, arms, and furniture collections. Officially opened in October 1883, building operations continued between 1893-1914 under the direction of the architect Karel Liman. Sharp vertical profiles, fragmented facades, and carved wood decorative elements dominate this German Neo-Renaissance castle. Other buildings constructed within and near the grounds of the castle offer hotel accommodations and recreation facilities.

Sinaia Monastery
        The Sinaia Monastery, built in 1695-1796 in a Brancovean style by Mihail Cantacuzino the Spatharus, houses a valuable manuscripts and art museum collection.

TOWN OF SINAIA INFORMATION LINKS:
Sinaia hotel information
Sinaia tourist information
Peles castle
Sinaia general information


Return to Prahova County  Home Page

 
 Compiled by Ellen Renck 

 

 

Updated by ER May 15, 2000
Copyright © 2000 Ellen Renck 

Jewish Gen Home Page | ShtetLinks Directory