The Top Must-See Places in Sinaia and the Surrounding Area

The mountain town also known as the Pearl of the Carpathians, Sinaia is a place for a stay that is relaxing, invigorating, full of adrenaline and rich in history and culture. Built on cultural foundations and with the involvement of King Carol I, Sinaia is among the top tourist destinations in our country.

At an altitude of between 798 m and 1,055 m, the resort is surrounded by greenery, at the foot of the Zgarbura, Furnica, Culmea Izvorului and Colții lui Barbeș mountains, which seem to have always protected it. The name is a holy one, inspired by that of Mount Sinai.

Once you have checked in at the resort, you will want to visit its main sights. Here is a short introduction to each:

• Peleș Castle is without doubt top of the list, the landmark building for both the resort and our country. Built as the summer residence of the kings of Romania, its foundations were laid between 1873 and 1914. Even then, the building stood out thanks to a few features unique to the time. In 1875, dozens of gold coins of 20 lei were buried beneath the castle’s foundation stone. It was also the first electrified castle in Europe. It covers 3,200 sq m, with over 160 rooms and 30 bathrooms. It could be visited from 1947, after King Michael’s abdication.
• Pelișor Castle is built on the Peleș estate and, although not as imposing, it is quite grand, with 99 rooms decorated with fairly sophisticated elements, including walls covered in gold leaf. If you decide to visit, you should know that you will see Queen Marie and King Ferdinand’s Study, the Golden Room and the Hall of Honour.
• Another symbol of the resort is the international conference centre CASINO Sinaia, in Dimitrie Ghica Park. The main shareholder of the casino was Baron de Marcay, who owned the casino in Monte Carlo, hence the rumours that Sinaia’s is a faithful copy of the French one. Construction took only a year, and the building impresses with its distinctive architecture.
• Sinaia Monastery is the first building in Sinaia, dating back to the 17th century. Its location gives it a further advantage for visitors: it was meant to become a defensive fortress as well as a shelter for the many hermits of the Bucegi Mountains. The architecture bears the stamp of the original Brâncovenesc style, with Baroque influences.
• The “George Enescu” Memorial House is in the Cumpătu district and was built because of the artist’s sentimental attachment to the resort. Valued and supported by Queen Elisabeth, the young musician was able to study in a quiet corner of Peleș Castle, where he was often invited to give recitals. Before emigrating to Paris, the artist donated the villa to the Romanian state, so that it could serve as a rest home for people of culture and the arts.
• The Bucegi Reserve Museum is part of the Prahova County Natural Sciences Museum and is in the central “Dimitrie Ghica” park. It hosts numerous exhibitions, including specimens of the flora and fauna of the Bucegi, species that are endangered or rare. At the end of the visit, each tourist can note down their impressions and experience in a dedicated notebook.
• Let us not forget the mountain trails, which let us unwind, relax and try new experiences. They are a perfect chance to get moving and to taste the secrets and beauty of the Bucegi Mountains. The best known are the Zănoaga Gorge, Omu Peak, the Cross on Caraiman, the Izvorul Dorului Valley and the Franz Joseph rocks, with varying levels of difficulty.
• Skiing enthusiasts should not pass the resort by, as they can enjoy their favourite winter sports on slopes such as Cota 2000, Valea Soarelui, Poiana Stânii, Furnica, Malaxa and more.