Peleș Castle, initiated by King Carol I of Romania, was built outside the commune of Podul Neagului, renamed Sinaia in 1874. The first noble houses appeared in 1875, and the construction of the Ploiești - Predeal railway began in 1876. The foundation of the castle was laid between 1873 and 1875, with the inauguration ceremony taking place on August 10/22, 1875. The construction took place on a 1000-hectare plot of land, purchased by Charles I in 1871.
The architects involved were Wilhelm von Doderer, Johannes Schultz, Émile André Lecomte du Noüy, and Karel Liman. Schultz proposed a Swiss chalet-style building decorated in the German Fachwerk style. In 1890, the Moorish Hall was added, and in 1894 Karel Liman took over the works, contributing various interiors and constructions, including the Queen Elisabeth Chapel, the Marble Gallery and the Concert Hall.
Originally a royal residence (1883 – 1947), the castle was nationalized in 1948 and turned into a museum in 1953. After 1990, it was reopened to the public. In 2007, after negotiations, the castle returned to the ownership of King Mihai I, but continues to be administered by the Romanian state.
The original plans were drawn up by Wilhelm von Doderer, inspired by French Renaissance castles and the style of Viennese edifices. Schultz was responsible for the first phase of construction (1879 – 1883), and Lecomte du Noüy and Liman made significant contributions afterwards. Art and furniture suppliers included renowned European houses such as Heymann, Bembé, and Zettler.
The castle has hosted important events, including the semi-centenary celebrated in 1933 by King Charles II. After 1948, the goods were transferred to various cultural institutions. In the 1970s, the pavilion underwent changes and became the protocol villa of the Romanian presidency.
The building's critical state of conservation led to its closure in 1975 and the transfer of the heritage to other locations. Massive restorations continued until 1989, and from 1990 the castle was reopened to visitors.
After 1989, the castle was restored and opened to the public. In 2007, Pelesul and the adjacent domain were returned to King Mihai I, but are administered by the Romanian state, with the exception of Foișor.
Sursa: peles.ro
