Royal Sinaia
Welcome to Sinaia! Almost the most popular mountain resort in Romania, Sinaia makes no one indifferent. But 200 years ago, here it was just a monastery. The evolution of Sinaia is closely related to that of the royal family of Romania. Carol I and Elizabeth, the first kings, established their summer residence here, Mary and Ferdinand the next royal couple raised their children here, including the next king, Carol II. And King Mihai, son of Carol II, was born in Sinaia.
The "Royal Sinaia" tour will take you to see the main buildings and historical monuments, showing you how the development of the resort was intertwined with the destiny of royalty.
How will the tour go? At each step, you can read interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will read instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the place of the next clue you have to solve a task. Type in the correct answer in the answer field (with the first capital letter) and press the "Next" button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal the story of the place you arrived. If you do not find the correct answer, you can always use the clues below the question or click on the "Show me the answer" button.
Starting point: Sinaia train station
Final point: Știrbey Castle, Sinaia
Length: about 4 km, with level differences
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
What you need: Internet and mobile phone
Let's go!
Welcome to Sinaia! Almost the most popular mountain resort in Romania, Sinaia makes no one indifferent. But 200 years ago, here it was just a monastery. The evolution of Sinaia is closely related to that of the royal family of Romania. Carol I and Elizabeth, the first kings, established their summer residence here, Mary and Ferdinand the next royal couple raised their children here, including the next king, Carol II. And King Mihai, son of Carol II, was born in Sinaia.
The "Royal Sinaia" tour will take you to see the main buildings and historical monuments, showing you how the development of the resort was intertwined with the destiny of royalty.
How will the tour go? At each step, you can read interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will read instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the place of the next clue you have to solve a task. Type in the correct answer in the answer field (with the first capital letter) and press the "Next" button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal the story of the place you arrived. If you do not find the correct answer, you can always use the clues below the question or click on the "Show me the answer" button.
Starting point: Sinaia train station
Final point: Știrbey Castle, Sinaia
Length: about 4 km, with level differences
Duration: 3.5-4 hours
What you need: Internet and mobile phone
Let's go!
Your tour of the city begins here at the train station. But to find out the story of this place, enter the main building and go out on the platform. As soon as you get out, turn left and walk until you come to an old steam locomotive displayed here.
Do you know the maximum speed of this locomotive?
Below the number of the locomotive 230039 is a bord with the sign for speed on it. What is the number on that board?
60
Exactly! 60 km/hour is the maximum speed of the locomotive. The model displayed here is a steam locomotive manufactured in 1907 at the LINCKE HOFMAN German Plant. Until 1978, it towed passenger trains and express or shuttle trains on the railways of Banat and Transylvania. Since 1980 they are no longer used in Romania.
Now return to the station building by walking on the platform and you will pass an old, black car. It is a Skoda VOS manufactured in 1948 and adapted to go on the railway (a trolley). It belonged to Ana Pauker, the communist leader of the 1950s. The windshield was broken during an attack with a projectile in 1949, and after that, the car was no longer used.
The first building in the whole station that you will find on the right side was part of the first train station that Sinaia had, a station inaugurated in 1879. The construction of Peles Castle had started in 1875. On this occasion, Sinaia was the first city in Romania that had a "royal station". The building that today houses the train exhibition was the reception hall of King Carol I.
The next building, open to travellers, was built in 1911 on the site of the former royal station in 1879, of which only the reception hall of Carol I, which you passed, has been preserved. New construction was needed because Sinaia had become so popular as a luxury resort that the old train station could no longer cope with the number of passengers. At the beginning of the century, trains such as the Orient Express or the Arlberg Express stopped here.
In 1938-1940, at the request of Carol II, a third station was built in Sinaia, the "royal station Carol II", separate from the existing station. This is the first building passengers see when they come by train from Bucharest. It is the cubic construction separated from the main body of the station, today being used as a protocol hall.
Exactly! 60 km/hour is the maximum speed of the locomotive. The model displayed here is a steam locomotive manufactured in 1907 at the LINCKE HOFMAN German Plant. Until 1978, it towed passenger trains and express or shuttle trains on the railways of Banat and Transylvania. Since 1980 they are no longer used in Romania.
Now return to the station building by walking on the platform and you will pass an old, black car. It is a Skoda VOS manufactured in 1948 and adapted to go on the railway (a trolley). It belonged to Ana Pauker, the communist leader of the 1950s. The windshield was broken during an attack with a projectile in 1949, and after that, the car was no longer used.
The first building in the whole station that you will find on the right side was part of the first train station that Sinaia had, a station inaugurated in 1879. The construction of Peles Castle had started in 1875. On this occasion, Sinaia was the first city in Romania that had a "royal station". The building that today houses the train exhibition was the reception hall of King Carol I.
The next building, open to travellers, was built in 1911 on the site of the former royal station in 1879, of which only the reception hall of Carol I, which you passed, has been preserved. New construction was needed because Sinaia had become so popular as a luxury resort that the old train station could no longer cope with the number of passengers. At the beginning of the century, trains such as the Orient Express or the Arlberg Express stopped here.
In 1938-1940, at the request of Carol II, a third station was built in Sinaia, the "royal station Carol II", separate from the existing station. This is the first building passengers see when they come by train from Bucharest. It is the cubic construction separated from the main body of the station, today being used as a protocol hall.
It's time to leave the station behind you and climb the stairs that start right next to the pedestrian crossing in front of the station. At the first fork, turn left onto the alley and go up until you meet other stairs. Continue up the stairs and you will reach the street full of cars. Go on, following the stairs, on the sidewalk where you came out, until the first pedestrian crossing. Opposite you will see Dimitrie Ghica Park. Cross it and turn left until you reach the entrance to the park. From here begins the main alley, the one that goes up a little to the left.
Task
Walk on this alley until you see the central fountain on the right. Go down to it and count how many children support the fountain?
Go around the fountain so you can count them all.
4
Indeed, there are 4 children arranged around the well. Here you are in the heart of Dimitrie Ghica Park. In 1880 Sinaia was declared a commune and because it was necessary to build a public garden, in 1881 the park on the Dimitrie Ghica domain was designed. It is arranged by the Belgian landscape gardener Eder on a free land where the cattle fair took place (this appears in Grigorescu's painting "Fair at Sinaia"). The land was donated by Prince Dimitrie Ghica and his house was built on it.
If you go further on the main alley, you will discover busts of famous Romanian personalities like Mihai Eminescu and Ion Creangă, a music pavilion in which the best-known Romanian composer George Enescu performed and the stone bench, a bench made in 1905 at the order of King Carol I.
The park has always been an important attraction of Sinaia, and on its edges were built imposing buildings: the Casino, Hotel Caraiman (the white and red building next to the artesian well) and Palace Hotel. Let's discover some of them!
Indeed, there are 4 children arranged around the well. Here you are in the heart of Dimitrie Ghica Park. In 1880 Sinaia was declared a commune and because it was necessary to build a public garden, in 1881 the park on the Dimitrie Ghica domain was designed. It is arranged by the Belgian landscape gardener Eder on a free land where the cattle fair took place (this appears in Grigorescu's painting "Fair at Sinaia"). The land was donated by Prince Dimitrie Ghica and his house was built on it.
If you go further on the main alley, you will discover busts of famous Romanian personalities like Mihai Eminescu and Ion Creangă, a music pavilion in which the best-known Romanian composer George Enescu performed and the stone bench, a bench made in 1905 at the order of King Carol I.
The park has always been an important attraction of Sinaia, and on its edges were built imposing buildings: the Casino, Hotel Caraiman (the white and red building next to the artesian well) and Palace Hotel. Let's discover some of them!
Continue on the main alley that brought you here and at the end of it, you will meet an architectural gem: the Casino of Sinaia. Turn left until you reach the central entrance of the casino, the one with stairs. In front of the entrance do you see a fountain decorated with shells? Go to the fountain and stand so that it sits between you and the casino.
Task
Admiring the building in front of you, do you notice the winner's symbol, the laurel wreath, on one side of it? How many such crowns do you see?
Check the roof and look for the laurel wreaths. How many do you see?
4
Exactly, 4 laurel wreaths (the symbol of the winner) stand on the roof of the casino building. Did you know that a laurel wreath was offered to the winner of the Olympic Games?
From this point, you can admire the whole building. Built at the initiative of Carol I, the casino in Sinaia was designed by the architect Petre Antonescu who supervised the works started in 1912. The building was built on the former house of Prince Dimitrie Ghica, who donated the land for the construction of the park that today bears his name. A year later, the casino was opened with fireworks.
The first shareholder of the casino was Baron de Marcay, who also owned a stake in the Monte Carlo casino. Special train races brought players from the country and abroad.
In 1947, after the Second World War, it was closed, and in 1955 it became a House of Culture, with library and art circles. In 1975, after renovation, the building was used for international meetings, and today it is a modern conference centre.
You can visit it if you want to find out more about its history. In the time of Carol I, all those who needed an audience with the king in the summer came to Sinaia. Because it took a few days before he managed to receive them all, Carol I thought of building the Sinaia Hotel (today Palace Hotel, the white, imposing building behind you) to accommodate his guests and this casino to entertain them while waiting.
Exactly, 4 laurel wreaths (the symbol of the winner) stand on the roof of the casino building. Did you know that a laurel wreath was offered to the winner of the Olympic Games?
From this point, you can admire the whole building. Built at the initiative of Carol I, the casino in Sinaia was designed by the architect Petre Antonescu who supervised the works started in 1912. The building was built on the former house of Prince Dimitrie Ghica, who donated the land for the construction of the park that today bears his name. A year later, the casino was opened with fireworks.
The first shareholder of the casino was Baron de Marcay, who also owned a stake in the Monte Carlo casino. Special train races brought players from the country and abroad.
In 1947, after the Second World War, it was closed, and in 1955 it became a House of Culture, with library and art circles. In 1975, after renovation, the building was used for international meetings, and today it is a modern conference centre.
You can visit it if you want to find out more about its history. In the time of Carol I, all those who needed an audience with the king in the summer came to Sinaia. Because it took a few days before he managed to receive them all, Carol I thought of building the Sinaia Hotel (today Palace Hotel, the white, imposing building behind you) to accommodate his guests and this casino to entertain them while waiting.
Say goodbye to the casino and, as you face it, turn left, going up to the exit of the park. Once out, turn right and cross the street next to the well with the two angels.
Task
Across the street, you will find the Heroes' Cemetery. What animal guards the entrance to the cemetery?
It is an animal carved in stone, right at the entrance.
Eagle
You're right, a great eagle with its head bowed is right at the entrance, guarding the eternal sleep of Romanian, German and Hungarian soldiers who fell in World War I, in the battles of Prahova Valley in 1916.
The cemetery was established in 1923, and the entrance is flanked by two old cannons.
It was 1914 and World War I was just beginning. King Carol I of Romania informed the public about the existence of a secret agreement between Romania and the German Empire. Carol wanted Romania to enter the war next to the Central Powers (German Empire and Austria-Hungary) but met the opposition of the Crown Council. The king died in October 1914.
Having no children, the throne of Romania is taken over by Ferdinand I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, nephew of Carol's brother. From 1889, Ferdinand became Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Romania and moved to the country. He married the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, future Queen Mary of Romania and was crowned King of Romania on October 10, 1914.
Until 1916, despite all internal and external pressures, Romania remained neutral in the war. During this time, King Ferdinand negotiated Romania's position and in 1916 decided to enter the war with the Entente (England, France and Russia), against his native country, Germany. Two years later, on December 1, 1918, the Great Union was achieved, Romania annexing Transylvania, Basarabia, Bucovina and the Quadrilateral, and Ferdinand and Maria became kings of Greater Romania.
You're right, a great eagle with its head bowed is right at the entrance, guarding the eternal sleep of Romanian, German and Hungarian soldiers who fell in World War I, in the battles of Prahova Valley in 1916.
The cemetery was established in 1923, and the entrance is flanked by two old cannons.
It was 1914 and World War I was just beginning. King Carol I of Romania informed the public about the existence of a secret agreement between Romania and the German Empire. Carol wanted Romania to enter the war next to the Central Powers (German Empire and Austria-Hungary) but met the opposition of the Crown Council. The king died in October 1914.
Having no children, the throne of Romania is taken over by Ferdinand I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, nephew of Carol's brother. From 1889, Ferdinand became Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Romania and moved to the country. He married the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, future Queen Mary of Romania and was crowned King of Romania on October 10, 1914.
Until 1916, despite all internal and external pressures, Romania remained neutral in the war. During this time, King Ferdinand negotiated Romania's position and in 1916 decided to enter the war with the Entente (England, France and Russia), against his native country, Germany. Two years later, on December 1, 1918, the Great Union was achieved, Romania annexing Transylvania, Basarabia, Bucovina and the Quadrilateral, and Ferdinand and Maria became kings of Greater Romania.
As you face the cemetery, take it to the left and after only a few steps you will see an alley that goes up to your right, through the forest. Follow it because at its end you will find the Sinaia Monastery, and on the way, you can admire the entire resort from above. When you reach the monastery, enter its gate. In the courtyard of the monastery, you will see the church on your right and a white building on the left. Walk past the white building until you see a small, narrow entrance across the church, easy to overlook. Enter it and at the other end of the tunnel, you will go out into the courtyard of the old church.
Task
Go around the old church until you reach the front door. Opposite the entrance, protected by glass,you will find an exposed part of an old stone gate. In what year of Adam was the gate built?
Opposite the entrance to the church is the stone gate, and to its left is a board with some details.
7228
Indeed, it is mentioned that the gate was built in the year of Adam 7228, that is 1720. Look around: here you are in the courtyard of the old monastery. Mihail Cantacuzino (1650-1716) visited an old Orthodox monastery on Mount Sinai and decided to build a similar one in Wallachia, named from Mount Sinai and becoming "Sinaia". Sinaia Monastery had a role of defence for the commercial road along Prahova Valley and as a shelter for hermits from the Bucegi Mountains.
If you want you can enter the church. As you face the old church with Romanian traditional architecture, on your left you can see the entrance to a chapel. In the chapel is the tomb of Take Ionescu, prime minister in 1922, during King Ferdinand. Take Ionescu asked to be buried here because he had been cured of cholera at the Sinaia Monastery. If you want to see his imposing tomb, enter the chapel.
Return through the gang that brought you here and you will arrive in front of the Great Church. It was built between 1842 and 1846, and thanks to Carol I, it became the first electrified place of worship in Romania. The royal family lived at the Sinaia monastery during the summer for 11 years. In 1895, the first museum with cult objects in the country was opened in the former royal residence of the monastery (the building next to the bell tower). In the museum can be admired two Russian icons offered by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia to the then abbot and the first Bible printed in Romanian. If you want to admire them personally, you can enter and visit the museum.
Indeed, it is mentioned that the gate was built in the year of Adam 7228, that is 1720. Look around: here you are in the courtyard of the old monastery. Mihail Cantacuzino (1650-1716) visited an old Orthodox monastery on Mount Sinai and decided to build a similar one in Wallachia, named from Mount Sinai and becoming "Sinaia". Sinaia Monastery had a role of defence for the commercial road along Prahova Valley and as a shelter for hermits from the Bucegi Mountains.
If you want you can enter the church. As you face the old church with Romanian traditional architecture, on your left you can see the entrance to a chapel. In the chapel is the tomb of Take Ionescu, prime minister in 1922, during King Ferdinand. Take Ionescu asked to be buried here because he had been cured of cholera at the Sinaia Monastery. If you want to see his imposing tomb, enter the chapel.
Return through the gang that brought you here and you will arrive in front of the Great Church. It was built between 1842 and 1846, and thanks to Carol I, it became the first electrified place of worship in Romania. The royal family lived at the Sinaia monastery during the summer for 11 years. In 1895, the first museum with cult objects in the country was opened in the former royal residence of the monastery (the building next to the bell tower). In the museum can be admired two Russian icons offered by Tsar Nicholas II of Russia to the then abbot and the first Bible printed in Romanian. If you want to admire them personally, you can enter and visit the museum.
Go back out into the street from the monastery courtyard and turn right, bypassing its wall. When the street climbs in a curve to the left, you continue to the right, next to the monastery wall, descending towards the forest. Once in the parking lot, turn left through the fir trees, on the pedestrian alley. At the end of it, you will see from below Peles Castle, the pearl of Sinaia. From here, turn left onto the alley with a cubic stone that goes up to Peles and does not stop until you reach the courtyard in front of the castle. From the round fountain in front, take a left and you will reach the inner courtyard.
Task
Once here, admire the hunting scene painted in bright colours. What is the predominant colour of the birds on the same wall?
Look at the painting between the windows. Do you see two birds there? What colour are they?
White
Exactly, white is the colour of the two pigeons. You are now in the inner courtyard of Peles Castle. Its foundation stone was laid on August 22, 1875, on the estate bought by King Carol I near the Sinaia monastery. Under the foundation stone of the castle are buried the first Romanian coins with the image of King Carol I. It was built as the summer residence for the first royal couple of Romania, King Carol I and Queen Elisabeta.
Erected between 1875 and 1914 according to the plans of the architects' Johannes Schultz and Karel Liman, the castle took its name from the river that flows nearby (the one you passed coming from the monastery): Peles. The legend says that, together with the works for capturing the Sfânta Ana and Peles streams for the water supply of the Sinaia Monastery, gold tablets were discovered inscribed in a mysterious language and writing. Known as the Tablets of Sinaia, they came into the possession of King Carol I who would have melted them to finance the construction of the castle. Before that, however, they were given lead copies, and the lead tablets were moved, but not registered, to Bucharest, where it seems that they are still stored in the basement of the Vasile Pârvan Institute of Archeology. Few know if this is just a legend.
Exit the inner courtyard and go back to the round fountain in front. Here you can see better the whole castle and its gardens. Peles has about 160 rooms and was the first fully electrified castle in Europe. It also had an indoor elevator, central heating and a mobile ceiling in the lobby. It houses a collection of about 2000 paintings, being among the most valuable collections in Europe. After the abdication of King Mihai, in 1947, Peles Castle entered the tourist circuit. The castle courtyard is decorated with statues, copies of those from Versailles or Florence. Most of the marble works were made by the Florentine sculptor Raffaello Romanelli.
About King Carol I:
After the exile of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the union of Wallachia with Moldavia (achieved in 1859 by the election of Cuza as lord in both provinces) risked being dissolved. Therefore, the then provisional government decides that they needed a foreign ruler. Ion C. Brătianu, a Romanian politician, travels to Germany and obtains Karl von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen's consent to become the prince of Romania. He is secretly brought to Bucharest and entered the city on May 10, 1866, when he was proclaimed ruler of Romania. Following the Russo-Turkish war (1877-1878) he obtained Dobrogea and Romania's independence. He was then proclaimed king, becoming Carol I, the first king of Romania.
Carol I was extremely devoted to his tasks as king of Romania. It recovered the country's economy and endowed Romania with a series of institutions specific to the modern state. In his time, however, the situation of the Romanian peasantry began to deteriorate and this led to revolts. Although he left a rich political and cultural legacy, not finding a solution for the peasantry (representing the vast majority of the population) was considered a failure of Carol I's reign.
If you have come here you can visit the castle or at least you can walk through its gardens enjoying their beauty and the natural setting around.
Exactly, white is the colour of the two pigeons. You are now in the inner courtyard of Peles Castle. Its foundation stone was laid on August 22, 1875, on the estate bought by King Carol I near the Sinaia monastery. Under the foundation stone of the castle are buried the first Romanian coins with the image of King Carol I. It was built as the summer residence for the first royal couple of Romania, King Carol I and Queen Elisabeta.
Erected between 1875 and 1914 according to the plans of the architects' Johannes Schultz and Karel Liman, the castle took its name from the river that flows nearby (the one you passed coming from the monastery): Peles. The legend says that, together with the works for capturing the Sfânta Ana and Peles streams for the water supply of the Sinaia Monastery, gold tablets were discovered inscribed in a mysterious language and writing. Known as the Tablets of Sinaia, they came into the possession of King Carol I who would have melted them to finance the construction of the castle. Before that, however, they were given lead copies, and the lead tablets were moved, but not registered, to Bucharest, where it seems that they are still stored in the basement of the Vasile Pârvan Institute of Archeology. Few know if this is just a legend.
Exit the inner courtyard and go back to the round fountain in front. Here you can see better the whole castle and its gardens. Peles has about 160 rooms and was the first fully electrified castle in Europe. It also had an indoor elevator, central heating and a mobile ceiling in the lobby. It houses a collection of about 2000 paintings, being among the most valuable collections in Europe. After the abdication of King Mihai, in 1947, Peles Castle entered the tourist circuit. The castle courtyard is decorated with statues, copies of those from Versailles or Florence. Most of the marble works were made by the Florentine sculptor Raffaello Romanelli.
About King Carol I:
After the exile of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the union of Wallachia with Moldavia (achieved in 1859 by the election of Cuza as lord in both provinces) risked being dissolved. Therefore, the then provisional government decides that they needed a foreign ruler. Ion C. Brătianu, a Romanian politician, travels to Germany and obtains Karl von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen's consent to become the prince of Romania. He is secretly brought to Bucharest and entered the city on May 10, 1866, when he was proclaimed ruler of Romania. Following the Russo-Turkish war (1877-1878) he obtained Dobrogea and Romania's independence. He was then proclaimed king, becoming Carol I, the first king of Romania.
Carol I was extremely devoted to his tasks as king of Romania. It recovered the country's economy and endowed Romania with a series of institutions specific to the modern state. In his time, however, the situation of the Romanian peasantry began to deteriorate and this led to revolts. Although he left a rich political and cultural legacy, not finding a solution for the peasantry (representing the vast majority of the population) was considered a failure of Carol I's reign.
If you have come here you can visit the castle or at least you can walk through its gardens enjoying their beauty and the natural setting around.
Take another look at Peles Castle and return to the cubic stone alley you came here on. At the first fork, before the loop to the left, take it to the right until you reach the second castle built on this area: Pelișor Castle. Until you reach it, on the right you will find another building in the same architectural style. This is the House of Knights. Continue on the cobbled stone alley, walking past Pelisor Castle until you reach the inner courtyard.
Task
A hidden entry is guarded by a creepy pair. What creature forms this pair?
Go to the centre of the inner courtyard and find the door that says entrance. What creature is above it?
Dragon
Exact! Two dragons spit fire over the door. Here you are in the inner courtyard of Pelisor Castle. It was built between 1889 and 1903 by the Czech architect Karel Liman, at the request of King Carol I and was intended for the future King Ferdinand and his wife, Queen Maria. The interior decorations bear the imprint of Queen Maria. The golden room is decorated according to the plans and drawings of the queen with furniture carved in gilded lime wood.
Carol I had no descendants, so his brother's nephew, Ferdinand Hohenzollern, succeeded him to the throne. In Queen Elizabeth's circles, Ferdinand met Elena Văcărescu, but their relationship was not accepted. So he married in the late 1800s Princess Mary, niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, the couple had 6 children. The children of the royal couple Ferdinand and Maria grew up in Pelisor: Carol II, the future king, Marioara, the queen of Yugoslavia, Elizabeth, the queen of Greece, Prince Nicholas and Princess Ileana. The last child, Mircea, dies at the age of 3.
In 1916 Romania entered the First World War, being led by its new king as a soldier on the front, while Queen Maria cared for the wounded behind the lines, being a nurse. Even when it came to international negotiations, the queen did not stand aside but advised her husband, who obtained at the end of the war in 1918 the formation of Greater Romania. By will, Queen Maria chose that after her death her heart is deposited in the chapel by the sea, Stella Maris from Balchik (Bulgaria), and her body be buried in the royal necropolis at Curtea de Argeș Monastery. The queen died in Pelisor in 1938 in the Golden Chamber, and her heart was taken to Balchik. After Romania lost the Quadrilateral (where Balchik is located), the queen's heart was brought to Bran Castle, another residence dear to her and then moved until in 2015 it returned to Pelisor.
Exact! Two dragons spit fire over the door. Here you are in the inner courtyard of Pelisor Castle. It was built between 1889 and 1903 by the Czech architect Karel Liman, at the request of King Carol I and was intended for the future King Ferdinand and his wife, Queen Maria. The interior decorations bear the imprint of Queen Maria. The golden room is decorated according to the plans and drawings of the queen with furniture carved in gilded lime wood.
Carol I had no descendants, so his brother's nephew, Ferdinand Hohenzollern, succeeded him to the throne. In Queen Elizabeth's circles, Ferdinand met Elena Văcărescu, but their relationship was not accepted. So he married in the late 1800s Princess Mary, niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, the couple had 6 children. The children of the royal couple Ferdinand and Maria grew up in Pelisor: Carol II, the future king, Marioara, the queen of Yugoslavia, Elizabeth, the queen of Greece, Prince Nicholas and Princess Ileana. The last child, Mircea, dies at the age of 3.
In 1916 Romania entered the First World War, being led by its new king as a soldier on the front, while Queen Maria cared for the wounded behind the lines, being a nurse. Even when it came to international negotiations, the queen did not stand aside but advised her husband, who obtained at the end of the war in 1918 the formation of Greater Romania. By will, Queen Maria chose that after her death her heart is deposited in the chapel by the sea, Stella Maris from Balchik (Bulgaria), and her body be buried in the royal necropolis at Curtea de Argeș Monastery. The queen died in Pelisor in 1938 in the Golden Chamber, and her heart was taken to Balchik. After Romania lost the Quadrilateral (where Balchik is located), the queen's heart was brought to Bran Castle, another residence dear to her and then moved until in 2015 it returned to Pelisor.
Descend from Pelișor Castle and immediately turn right, on the alley bordered by the castle and the fir trees. The first building found a few meters further is the House of Architects. Go past it and you will reach a small square.
Task
Go to the fountain in its centre and standing face to face with the bear, what animal do you notice behind it?
Stand next to the bear as if you were facing it and look at the building behind the bear. What animal do you see on the building?
Deer
You are right! A deer's head is caught on the building. This building is the Economat villa. Between 1881 and 1914, other annexes were built on Peles domain: the House of the Knights (which you passed by going from Peles to Pelisor), the Architect's House (where the Peles architect Karel Liman lived), the Foisor Hunting House (behind Pelisor Castle, currently the presidential residence), the Guard Corps (the tower building behind you where the staff of the royal family was housed when they came to Peles) and the Economat villa. The Economat was originally a modest house, but was later rebuilt in the German Burg style, with 52 rooms, to accommodate dignitaries and employees of the royal court. Today it hosts tourists, being transformed into a hotel. The tour continues from here but if you feel the need for a break, take a seat at one of the tables in the square and rest in front of a glass of lemonade.
You are right! A deer's head is caught on the building. This building is the Economat villa. Between 1881 and 1914, other annexes were built on Peles domain: the House of the Knights (which you passed by going from Peles to Pelisor), the Architect's House (where the Peles architect Karel Liman lived), the Foisor Hunting House (behind Pelisor Castle, currently the presidential residence), the Guard Corps (the tower building behind you where the staff of the royal family was housed when they came to Peles) and the Economat villa. The Economat was originally a modest house, but was later rebuilt in the German Burg style, with 52 rooms, to accommodate dignitaries and employees of the royal court. Today it hosts tourists, being transformed into a hotel. The tour continues from here but if you feel the need for a break, take a seat at one of the tables in the square and rest in front of a glass of lemonade.
As you stand face to face with the Bear, take it to the left of the deer building, on the cubic stone alley that climbs immediately past the Economat Villa. You will reach another square and you will see on the right a stone gate that says Economat. Pass it and continue on the cobbled alley that climbs through the fir trees, on the left. Do not stop at the gate, but continue on the paved alley going up until you meet the road driven by cars. On the left, you will have a building in the architecture of old times on which hangs a sign with "Restaurant Furnica". Watch out for cars and turn left, going down the road. Pass the first curve and in the second one leave the road behind and go down the alley that detaches to the left. Stop when the alley meets the main road again.
Task
Here you will find an old stone cross. On its pedestal, its story is carved in stone and the text contains 2 moments. How many years are between these 2 moments?
Find the 2 years carved on the base of the cross. What is the difference between them?
70
The mountain on which the Sinaia monastery was built was called Molomoț, later becoming Furnica. On this mountain, before the monastery appeared, in the 16th century there was a small wooden church, the Hermitage of St. Nicholas or Molomoț (the first hermitage in Sinaia) where monks scattered through Bucegi came to pray. The little church burned down in 1788, but the Molomot cross (the one in front of which you are now) was erected on the place of its altar, a cross on which the story of the little church is carved. The stone cross disappeared a long time ago, and in 2014 it was discovered in a private courtyard and brought back to its place, to remind of the old hermitage in Sinaia.
The mountain on which the Sinaia monastery was built was called Molomoț, later becoming Furnica. On this mountain, before the monastery appeared, in the 16th century there was a small wooden church, the Hermitage of St. Nicholas or Molomoț (the first hermitage in Sinaia) where monks scattered through Bucegi came to pray. The little church burned down in 1788, but the Molomot cross (the one in front of which you are now) was erected on the place of its altar, a cross on which the story of the little church is carved. The stone cross disappeared a long time ago, and in 2014 it was discovered in a private courtyard and brought back to its place, to remind of the old hermitage in Sinaia.
Leave the Molomoț cross behind and continue your way on the main road (the one parallel to the street you came to the cross), descending until the roof of the houses on the right sinks under the road. After a slight curve to the left, you will see on the right a pedestrian alley, in stairs, which detaches from the road. Go down this alley until you cross the main street again and see a bridge on the right. Cross the bridge and turn left. When the street starts to go up, apart from it and continue on the cubic stone strap to its left.
Task
At the end of the cubic stone is the Carmen Sylva Cultural Center. What was Queen Elizabeth's middle name?
Read the information board next to the building. There you will find the full name of Queen Elizabeth. What is her second name?
Pauline
You're right, Queen Elizabeth's full name was Elisabeth Pauline Ottilie Luise zu Wied. The building in front of which you are now is the Carmen Sylva Cultural Center where various literary activities take place (book launches, debates, etc.). In 1899 the building was transformed into Carmen Sylva Primary School, the first school in Sinaia. It took the name of Queen Elisabeta, the wife of the first king of Romania, Carol I, a name also taken over by the current Center. Queen Elizabeth was a great lover of arts and signed her literary works with the pseudonym Carmen Sylva (the song of the forest). In 1869 she married Carol I, becoming queen after the war of independence in 1877, after which Romania is recognized as a kingdom. The royal couple Carol I-Elisabeta had only one child, Princess Maria, who fell ill with scarlet fever and died at the age of three. After the girl's death, Queen Elisabeta found solace in art, supported various artists (George Enescu, Nicolae Grigorescu) and got involved in charity.
You're right, Queen Elizabeth's full name was Elisabeth Pauline Ottilie Luise zu Wied. The building in front of which you are now is the Carmen Sylva Cultural Center where various literary activities take place (book launches, debates, etc.). In 1899 the building was transformed into Carmen Sylva Primary School, the first school in Sinaia. It took the name of Queen Elisabeta, the wife of the first king of Romania, Carol I, a name also taken over by the current Center. Queen Elizabeth was a great lover of arts and signed her literary works with the pseudonym Carmen Sylva (the song of the forest). In 1869 she married Carol I, becoming queen after the war of independence in 1877, after which Romania is recognized as a kingdom. The royal couple Carol I-Elisabeta had only one child, Princess Maria, who fell ill with scarlet fever and died at the age of three. After the girl's death, Queen Elisabeta found solace in art, supported various artists (George Enescu, Nicolae Grigorescu) and got involved in charity.
From the Carmen Sylva Cultural Center, return to the road and go up along it, leaving the centre on your left, down. The road will make a tight curve to the right and from it comes a narrow alley to the left. If you take a few steps, you will see another alley in the descending stairs. Continue on the alley with stairs, and when the stairs end, a gravel path continues. Continue on it until you find a parking lot on the right. The first building on the left is Stirbey Castle, today the Sinaia Museum.
Task
What was the nationality of the architect of the first villa in Sinaia?
Read the information plate at the entrance to the castle and find the details about the architect of the building. What nationality was he?
Dutch
Indeed, the nationality of the architect Josef Jacob Schieffeleers, who designed the Alina Știrbey-Florescu villa, was Dutch. After the construction of the Alina Știrbey-Florescu villa, he was hired to design the Caraiman Hotel in Știrbey Park and other important buildings.
In 1875 Alina Știrbey, the daughter of the ruler Barbu Știrbey and the wife of the famous general Florescu built on the domain from Sinaia the villa “Alina Știrbey-Florescu”, also known as the Știrbei Palace from Sinaia. This is considered the second private villa in Sinaia, after that of Prince Dimitrie Ghica (now missing) in the park of the same name.
The architectural style is the romantic one, used in the Swiss and German mountain resorts from the 19th century. Știrbei's domain extended towards the mountain, today being built at its edge the cable car and the afferent parking lot. Not far from the palace, on the old estate, there is still the Știrbei family chapel painted by Gheorghe Tăttărescu. Let's admire the castle in all its splendour!
Continue on this street, and at the end of it turn left. Immediately after the restaurant, an alley with cubic stone enters a courtyard. Go on it because it will take you to the castle courtyard.
Indeed, the nationality of the architect Josef Jacob Schieffeleers, who designed the Alina Știrbey-Florescu villa, was Dutch. After the construction of the Alina Știrbey-Florescu villa, he was hired to design the Caraiman Hotel in Știrbey Park and other important buildings.
In 1875 Alina Știrbey, the daughter of the ruler Barbu Știrbey and the wife of the famous general Florescu built on the domain from Sinaia the villa “Alina Știrbey-Florescu”, also known as the Știrbei Palace from Sinaia. This is considered the second private villa in Sinaia, after that of Prince Dimitrie Ghica (now missing) in the park of the same name.
The architectural style is the romantic one, used in the Swiss and German mountain resorts from the 19th century. Știrbei's domain extended towards the mountain, today being built at its edge the cable car and the afferent parking lot. Not far from the palace, on the old estate, there is still the Știrbei family chapel painted by Gheorghe Tăttărescu. Let's admire the castle in all its splendour!
Continue on this street, and at the end of it turn left. Immediately after the restaurant, an alley with cubic stone enters a courtyard. Go on it because it will take you to the castle courtyard.
{"name":"Royal Sinaia", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/Q32H8FK7B","txt":"Welcome to Sinaia! Almost the most popular mountain resort in Romania, Sinaia makes no one indifferent. But 200 years ago, here it was just a monastery. The evolution of Sinaia is closely related to that of the royal family of Romania. Carol I and Elizabeth, the first kings, established their summer residence here, Mary and Ferdinand the next royal couple raised their children here, including the next king, Carol II. And King Mihai, son of Carol II, was born in Sinaia. The \"Royal Sinaia\" tour will take you to see the main buildings and historical monuments, showing you how the development of the resort was intertwined with the destiny of royalty. How will the tour go? At each step, you can read interesting details about where you are at that moment. On the next page, you will read instructions to find the next clue. Once you have followed those instructions and reached the place of the next clue you have to solve a task. Type in the correct answer in the answer field (with the first capital letter) and press the \"Next\" button. If the solution is correct, the next page will reveal the story of the place you arrived. If you do not find the correct answer, you can always use the clues below the question or click on the \"Show me the answer\" button. Starting point: Sinaia train station Final point: Știrbey Castle, Sinaia Length: about 4 km, with level differences Duration: 3.5-4 hours What you need: Internet and mobile phone Let's go!, Your tour of the city begins here at the train station. But to find out the story of this place, enter the main building and go out on the platform. As soon as you get out, turn left and walk until you come to an old steam locomotive displayed here. Task Do you know the maximum speed of this locomotive? Clue Below the number of the locomotive 230039 is a bord with the sign for speed on it. What is the number on that board? Show me the answer 60, Exactly! 60 km\/hour is the maximum speed of the locomotive. The model displayed here is a steam locomotive manufactured in 1907 at the LINCKE HOFMAN German Plant. Until 1978, it towed passenger trains and express or shuttle trains on the railways of Banat and Transylvania. Since 1980 they are no longer used in Romania. Now return to the station building by walking on the platform and you will pass an old, black car. It is a Skoda VOS manufactured in 1948 and adapted to go on the railway (a trolley). It belonged to Ana Pauker, the communist leader of the 1950s. The windshield was broken during an attack with a projectile in 1949, and after that, the car was no longer used. The first building in the whole station that you will find on the right side was part of the first train station that Sinaia had, a station inaugurated in 1879. The construction of Peles Castle had started in 1875. On this occasion, Sinaia was the first city in Romania that had a \"royal station\". The building that today houses the train exhibition was the reception hall of King Carol I. The next building, open to travellers, was built in 1911 on the site of the former royal station in 1879, of which only the reception hall of Carol I, which you passed, has been preserved. New construction was needed because Sinaia had become so popular as a luxury resort that the old train station could no longer cope with the number of passengers. At the beginning of the century, trains such as the Orient Express or the Arlberg Express stopped here. In 1938-1940, at the request of Carol II, a third station was built in Sinaia, the \"royal station Carol II\", separate from the existing station. This is the first building passengers see when they come by train from Bucharest. It is the cubic construction separated from the main body of the station, today being used as a protocol hall.","img":"https://cdn.poll-maker.com/63-2671116/dsc-9859.jpg?sz=1200-00000013621000005300"}
