There are days when I crave for rest and silence and Sinaia is the perfect place to go to in such moments. This beautiful town has kept its vintage charm, as many of the buildings date back to the beginning of the 20th century. Sinaia also answers to the cultural needs of the tourists visiting it, as you’ll see below.
So, here is a list of some of the places in Sinaia and its surroundings that are close to my heart:
Peles Castle
Sinaia is the town where the first Romanian king, Carol I, commissioned the erection of the famous Peles Castle, used as summer residence by the Romanian royal family until 1947. The castle has been completed in 1883, has 160 rooms and has been built in Neo-Renaissance architectural style.
You may visit it by selecting one of the available tours, every day from 9 am to 5 pm, except Mondays. Do not forget to purchase the audio-guide, it will prove to be handy. More information about the castle may be read here: http://peles.ro/
Sinaia Monastery
Sinaia Monastery has been founded by Prince Mihai Cantacuzino in 1695 and has been named after the Sinai Monastery on Mount Sinai (Egypt). This monastic establishment amazes by its imposing aspect. It has two courtyards, in the center of which you’ll find two churches: The Old Church, dating back to 1695 and the more recent Great Church, from 1846. You’ll also find here the grave of Take Ionescu, the former Prime Minister of Romania, who died after having eaten an infected oyster in Naples, in 1922.
During winter time, the monastery's museum and the old church are opened only on demand, for groups larger than 10 persons. Click on this link to find our more about Sinaia monastery: http://manastireasinaia.ro
Luminis Villa
Luminis Villa is, in fact, George Enescu Memorial House and is also located in Sinaia, on the bank of Prahova River. Here is where the famous Romanian musician George Enescu came as often as possible from 1926 until 1946, just before leaving Romania to move to Paris, because of the historical context existing in Romania after World War II. The villa has been built in the first quarter of the 20th century in Neo-Brancovenesc style. You'll find here more information about this charming memorial site: https://www.georgeenescu.ro/sectiile-muzeului_doc_25_casa-memoriala-george-enescu-sinaia_pg_0.htm
Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni
If you spend a larger period of time in Sinaia, you may consider visiting Cantacuzino Castle, situated in the nearby town of Busteni. Cantacuzino Castle has been completed in 1911 and belonged to Cantacuzino family.
The construction works have been conducted by the Romanian architect Grigore Cerchez, the same one who has designed the White Saloon ("Cherchez saloon") at Cotroceni Palace in Bucharest. Cantacuzino Castle is surrounded by a wonderful park and faces the beautiful Bucegi Mountains. You may enjoy the view while having lunch at the Castle's restaurant (http://www.cantacuzinocastle.com/).
Sinaia as a starting point for visiting Bucegi Natural Park
During winter time, Sinaia is a great resort for sky lovers, while in the warm season you will see this is a great hub for visiting Bucegi Natural Park.
You can reach this natural park from Sinaia either by taking the cable car or by driving through TransBucegi road and then hiking untill you reach the famous natural statues Sfinx and Babele or the well-know Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Peak.
As per accommodation in Sinaia, here are some of my favorite hotels, where you'll enjoy nice views, well-trained personnel and great service:
Rina Hotel (http://www.rinahotels.ro/)
Opus Villa (https://www.opusvilla.ro/)
Most restaurants in Sinaia serve decent food, but you should take into account that prices are pretty high. The best restaurant I have eaten at has surely been La Teleferic Restaurant (http://www.lateleferic.ro/), placed in the heart of Sinaia. Give it a try, but do not forget to book in advance.
Special thanks to Maria Stroe for some of the beautiful photos above.
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