Heritage & History · Sinaia
Mănăstirea Sinaia
Active Orthodox monastery founded in 1695 by the high steward Mihail Cantacuzino, which gave the town of Sinaia its name. It has two churches, from 1695 and 1846, on the way to Peleș.
Official websiteWhatsAppFoto: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
At a glance
Distance from MAX 41 km Travel time 57 min by car Difficulty ușor Town SinaiaAbout the place
Current status (checked 12 October 2026)
Sinaia Monastery is an active Orthodox monastery and can be visited every day, during the hours shown on its official website. As it is a place of worship, dress modestly and be mindful of services in progress. The sources consulted do not state wheelchair or pushchair access, nor the usual length of a visit.
The monastery that gave the town its name
The monastery was founded by the high steward Mihail Cantacuzino after a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai, and it bears the name of Saint Catherine's Monastery there. The first buildings went up between 1690 and 1695, and it was consecrated on 15 August 1695. The town that grew up around it took its name.
What you see
There are two churches within the walls. The Old Church dates from 1695, from the founding. The Great Church was built between 1842 and 1846 and rebuilt between 1897 and 1903, when it took on its present appearance; the interior painting is by the Danish painter Aage Exner. The statesman Take Ionescu is also buried here. The churches are visited indoors, so part of the visit works on a rainy day too; the courtyard is open-air.
Opening hours and prices (checked 12 October 2026)
Hours: daily, 08:00–20:00, according to the monastery's official website and a summary of opening hours in the Prahova Valley checked on 2 August 2026. Days when the monastery is closed are not published. No admission fee is published — check the official source or call +40 244 314 917. Address: Strada Mănăstirii no. 2, Sinaia.
Getting there
From MAX International, drive towards Predeal, on the DN73A through Pârâul Rece or via Brașov, then along the DN1 into the Prahova Valley; Sinaia comes after Bușteni. By train, Sinaia has a station on the Brașov–Bucharest line. The monastery lies between the town centre and Peleș Castle, so you can see both on the same day. You can see the exact distance and time with the navigation buttons on this page.
Frequently asked questions
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 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.
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 MAXRent a car from MAXWhatsAppPrahova 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
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1 December at MAX: a 3-night mini-break
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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
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