Romania

Romanian Royal living.

Paloma, our motorhome has nipped up hill and down dale and she is now nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the picturesque town of Sinaia, Romania.

We are hiding out among the trees, this time not looking from shade from the sun, but a rest bite from this mornings relentless rain!

The weather has turned, last week we were boiling in the high 30’s now it less than 10 degrees outside, Michele has donned her Ugg Boots and Barts Bobble hat…. umm where are you hiding July.


It’s main attraction is Peles Castle, it is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many as one of the most stunning castles in Europe.

We made our way up the cobbled path, towards the top of the hill, at which point the stunning views of the building start..


The helpful signs tell that the castle was Commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 but not completed until just months before he dided  in 1914. The castle served as the summer residence of the royals for the next few years.

During Ceausescu’s (slightly crazy dictator) time it was used as a private retreat for leading communists and statesmen from around the world. Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Gaddafi and Yasser Arafat were all reported to have stayed here..

Peles Castle was the first European castle entirely lit by electrical current. The electricity was produced by the castle’s own plant. 

The first movie projection in Romania took place in 1906 in the castle’s Theater Room.

A short guided tour of the downstairs room is advalible for 30 Ron each, but the next English version was hours away, and with memories of many a Sunday quietly walking around national trust properties in the back of my mind, I just didn’t fancy this one.


We walked the garden and marvelled at the status in the grounds, even on this damp dismal day the landscaping is beautiful.


Almost next door is  Pelişor Palace.

King Carol I had the more subdued palace built  for his nephew, and future King, Ferdinand.


King Ferdinand’s wife Queen Mary acted as Pelişor’s interior designer, filling it with imported Viennese furniture, which is said to be divine, but no tours were operating when we were there.

Just down past the Carpark, we found the war memorial to the American troops who lost their lives here…


And finally for the day we made our way past the somewhat stunning town Casino.


And onto the monastery which was built between 1690 and 1695 and then in the 19th century, because of the great number of monks, a new monastery was built, called Curtea Noua (the New Court), thanks to the installation in the castle This was the first electric lighted place of worship in Romania.



Another epic church, I’m not sure I will ever stop being amazed how a country so poor can have such great treasures….


In the courtyard that surrounds the old church is the “Tache Ionescu’s” tomb, who was Prime minister during the World War I, he had an important role in the Unification of 1918, and is a Romanian hero, his tomb is now a place of pilgrimage for the good people of this country.

Paul.

3 thoughts on “Romanian Royal living.

  • You should look into rain boots! I can’t imagine a worse choice to wear .. Ugg boots??? They are for snow!!! Weren’t they heavy for walking around town? And suede is not rainproof! You look like you are having a great time, though. Just a little fashion advice!

    Reply
    • Shellthecobbler

      We are having a fab time – Michele says thanks for the tips

      Reply
      • Oh my goodness… here I am reading of your adventures and totally enjoying it..( I could almost feel I was there!)… and I came upon the lovely picture of Michele and then my little pea brain starts to turn and I recall a comment I had made. Not being that familiar with blogging, I was pleasantly surprised to see the post…. cause it helped me to recall the comment and all..,, Well, I have to say was I rude or what???? I must have been in a weird mood… is all I can say! Maybe I was just a little jealous… I don’t know!!! Please forgive me… no malice intended..,
        Now!! That said… really, plastic rain boots are so great in the rain… You guys know.. you’re English,? Right? Anyway , I’m sure you are well acquainted with the product of Wellies… et.al……. So , peace, my friends, safe travels…. I enjoy your articles very much! Gods speed! Patricia

        Reply

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