Heritage & History · Sinaia
Castelul Pelișor
Smaller, warmer and more personal than Peleș, Pelișor in Sinaia is the only Art Nouveau castle in Romania and the beloved home of Queen Marie. An intimate residence, with a unique Gold Room and a story that still moves visitors today.
Book at MAXWhatsAppFoto: Nicubunu / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
At a glance
Distance from MAX ≈55 km Travel time ≈1h05 by car Time to spend ≈45–60 min Difficulty easy Town SinaiaOpening hours
Opening hours Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00 · Thursday – Sunday: 09:15 – 17:00 Checked on the official source 13 November 2026About the place
The Gold Room: the hidden heart of Queen Marie's castle
If you come to Pelișor expecting the monumental splendour of its neighbour, Peleș, you will be surprised. Here everything is more intimate, and the highlight of the visit is the Gold Room: a chamber whose walls are clad in gilded stucco, shaped into thistle leaves, the favourite symbol of Queen Marie. It is not a ceremonial hall, but a personal corner, imagined by a sovereign who wanted to live in a warm home, not in a museum. This tension between grandeur and comfort gives the whole castle its special charm.
A castle commissioned for the heir to the throne
Pelișor was built between 1899 and 1903 and inaugurated that same year, by order of King Carol I, who wanted a residence for his nephew and heir, Prince Ferdinand, and for his wife, Princess Marie. The plans bear the signature of the Czech architect Karel Liman, who had also worked on Peleș, while the interior decoration was coordinated by the Viennese Bernhard Ludwig. Smaller than Peleș, with dozens of rooms spread over several levels, the castle was designed from the outset as a family space, not as a building of representation.
The only Art Nouveau castle in Romania
Pelișor is considered the only Art Nouveau castle in Romania. Over the slender, elegant line of this movement, Queen Marie layered Celtic, Byzantine and Neo-Romanian influences, weaving them into an eclectic yet warm and personal style. Much of the furniture was made in workshops in Sinaia, and symbols such as the lily appear constantly in the decoration, like a discreet signature of the lady of the house.
The mark of an artist queen
Unlike many royal residences, Pelișor bears the vision of a single person: Queen Marie herself oversaw the arrangement, showing a sure taste for architecture and decoration. She preferred this smaller, more cheerful castle to the imposing Peleș, and every room reflects that desire for intimacy. It was also here that the royal couple's children grew up, among them the future King Carol II.
The place where two sovereigns passed away
Pelișor is not only a beautiful home, but also a place steeped in history: it was here that both King Ferdinand and Queen Marie passed away, in 1938. The queen's bond with this castle was so strong that, many years later, her heart was brought back to Pelișor, closing a circle of destiny. The visit thus takes on a moving note, beyond the artistic value of the interiors.
Temporarily closed (checked 12 October 2026)
Pelișor is closed for cleaning and conservation from 28 September to 3 November 2026. Peleș stays open until 1 November, then also closes from 2 November to 1 December 2026. Usual hours: Wednesday 10:00–17:00, Thursday–Sunday 09:15–17:00; closed Monday and Tuesday. Full-tour ticket: 30 lei adult, 7.5 lei pupils and students, 15 lei pensioners; children under 7 enter free.
How to get there and what is good to know
The castle is in Sinaia, in the Prahova Valley, on the same royal estate as Peleș, a short distance from Râșnov, where you are. It is worth combining with a visit to Peleș, the two castles being just a few steps from each other. As it is a museum under public administration, the schedule and fees may change, so check the schedule and fees on the official source before your visit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Pelișor Castle from MAX International?The driving distance and time from MAX are on the listing, calculated by road; open the exact route with the navigation buttons. For the visit, allow 45–60 min.
What is the MAX International Local Guide?A guide to attractions, trails and events in the Râșnov–Brașov–Bran area, designed as an information point for MAX International guests. Each attraction shows the distance from MAX, a map and access details.
How do I get to Pelișor Castle from MAX International?The route is available directly on the attraction's page, through the navigation buttons: Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps.
How far are the attractions from MAX International?It varies: some attractions are right in Râșnov (Râșnov Citadel, Valea Cetății Cave), others are further away, in the Prahova Valley (Bușteni, Sinaia). The distance and driving time from MAX are on each attraction's page, calculated by road.
Is the guide's information verified?Yes. Every published attraction has a confirmed official source and map. Opening hours and prices can change seasonally, so please check the official link before your visit.
Where can I check opening hours and prices for Pelișor Castle?On the official source: peles.ro. Opening hours and prices may change seasonally, so check before your visit.
Can I ask for recommendations at the MAX International reception?Yes. The MAX International reception and concierge can help with recommendations, transfers and bookings, based on the season and your preferences.
How do I reach the attractions without a car?The MAX reception can help with a private transfer or transport information. Nearby attractions (Râșnov Citadel, Râșnov town centre) are easily reachable on foot.
What is the best time to visit the area?The area is attractive year-round: summer for trails and caves, winter for slopes and cable cars. Each attraction indicates its recommended season.
Can I book accommodation near these attractions?Yes — MAX International Râșnov is a central base for exploring the area. See the accommodation section or message us on WhatsApp for availability.
Getting there
NavigateWazeApple MapsUber from MAXWhatsAppOfficial websiteHours and prices (official source)Opening hours and prices are confirmed by the site’s management, not by MAX.
Prahova Valley & Bucegi
All places in this areaIn this area
Telescaun Clabucet Predeal
- Outdoor & Trails
A chairlift in the Predeal resort, on the Clăbucet ski area, providing access to the slopes and to scenic viewpoints in the area.
~32 km · ~40 min by car · ≈2–4 hrs
DetailsNavigateGondola Sinaia – Cota 2000
- Outdoor & Trails
Take the gondola above the fir trees of Sinaia up to the edge of the Bucegi plateau, at Cota 2000. From here begin the routes to Babele, the Sphinx and Omu Peak, on one of the most spectacular cable ascents in Romania.
~52 km · ~1 hour by car · half a day
DetailsNavigateTelecabina Bușteni–Babele
- Outdoor & Trails
A cable car from Bușteni to the Babele plateau, in the Munții Bucegi, with swift access to the high-altitude trails and the landmarks of the area.
~45 km · ~55 min by car · ≈2–4 hrs
DetailsNavigateMasivul Piatra Mare
- Outdoor & Trails
Known as the "watchtower of the Bârsa Land", the Piatra Mare massif rises proudly next to Brașov, with its peak reaching nearly 1,844 m, canyons with stepped waterfalls, an ice cave and wild cliffs — a spectacular mountain just a short distance from Râșnov.
12 km · 18 min by car · half a day (mountain trail)
DetailsNavigate3 Smoked Olives Festival — Sâmbăta de Sus
- Events
A music and art festival at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains, in Sâmbăta de Sus (2026: 29 July — to be reconfirmed each year).
≈65 km · ≈1h by car
DetailsNavigateCetatea Făgărașului
- Heritage & History
A ring of water fed by the Olt, on which swans glide, a tower with walls three metres thick, and a fortress that no one has ever taken by assault: just a short distance from Râșnov, Făgăraș preserves six centuries of Transylvanian history.
64 km · 75 min · ≈45–60 min
DetailsNavigateSee all attractions
Back to the Local GuideEverything at MAX, in one place
1 December at MAX: a 3-night mini-break
See the packageAccommodation
Rooms and apartments for couples, families and groups
See the roomsRestaurant
Fresh dishes, breakfast and an à la carte menu
See the restaurantParking & Access
On-site parking, an EV charger and easy access
See the parking See all of MAX Book at MAXI'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager.