**Peleș Castle** is a stunning neo-Renaissance castle located in the Carpathian Mountains near the town of Sinaia, Romania. It is one of Romania's most famous landmarks, known for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance. Here are some key details about the castle:
### 1. **History and Construction:**
- **Built Between:** 1873 and 1914, under the commission of King Carol I of Romania.
- **Purpose:** Initially intended as a royal hunting lodge for King Carol I, the castle eventually became the official royal residence for the Romanian monarchy.
- **Architectural Style:** The castle features a combination of neo-Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Baroque Revival styles. It was designed by architect **Johann Friedrich Wilhelm von Doderer** and built by the German company **Kunz**.
### 2. **Design and Architecture:**
- **Exterior:** Peleș Castle is distinguished by its fairy-tale appearance, with a grand facade, numerous turrets, and spires. It has a total of **160 rooms**, including the royal apartments, halls, and libraries.
- **Interior:** The interior is equally luxurious, featuring **rich woodwork**, **stained-glass windows**, **exquisite frescoes**, and **artworks** from various European artists. It has **historical furniture**, **fine tapestries**, and **ornate decorations** in different rooms, including the famous **Hall of Mirrors**.
- **Library and Art Collection:** The castle is home to a vast collection of art, books, and weapons, some of which were brought by the royal family from their travels across Europe.
### 3. **Surroundings and Landscape:**
- **Location:** It is nestled in a scenic forest at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, making it a beautiful backdrop for the surrounding nature. The view from the castle is magnificent, with the nearby **Sinaia Monastery** and **Peleș Park** adding to the area’s charm.
- **Garden:** The castle grounds feature manicured gardens and terraces, which are open to the public.
### 4. **Royal Significance:**
- **Royal Residence:** Peleș Castle was the summer residence of the Romanian royal family until 1947 when King Michael I was forced to abdicate and the monarchy was abolished.
- **Post-Royal Era:** After the fall of the monarchy, the castle was nationalized by the communist regime. In 1990, it became a museum, and it remains a major tourist attraction.
### 5. **Peleș Castle Today:**
- **Museum:** The castle is open to the public as a museum, offering guided tours that showcase the opulence and history of the Romanian monarchy.
- **Film Appearances:** It has also served as a filming location for movies and documentaries due to its striking architecture.
- **Accessibility:** The castle is easily accessible from Sinaia, a popular tourist destination, and is one of Romania's top tourist spots.
In addition to its impressive architecture and history, Peleș Castle stands out for its connection to Romanian royalty and its picturesque setting amidst the natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.