The union of Wallachia and Moldova principalities in the second half of the 19th century was the starting point of modern Romania. A German prince was elected as head of state, who would later be crowned king of Romania as Carol I. He decided to build a palace in Carpathian mountains, close to Sinaia town, where he used to stay in a nearby monastery. Apart from being his residence, the palace would establish his new power and functions, being equipped with the latest luxury and innovations of that time (centralized heating, lifts, hot water) and become a gathering place for Romanian intellectuals and artists. Carol I commissioned a German architect, who managed to mix German style with local, vernacular Romanian features. The result surely did not disappoint, and would still be used after the end of the monarchy as reward residence place during Communism period, and even as a secured and private residence for the last dictator until 1989.

Today the place is still very popular with visitors – both Romanian and foreigners. It is conveniently located on the way from Bucharest to Brasov and Bran (“Dracula”) castle (it could even probably be visited as a day trip from the capital city despite the heavy traffic and delays on the road during summer and winter high seasons). Sinaia town offers various hotels and restaurants options, while altitude relieves from the high temperatures during summer time. It was the very first place we visited in Romania, having arrived the day before …