Mănăstirea Sinaia

Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695 by nobleman Mihail Cantacuzino after a pilgrimage to Mount Sinai, gave its name to the whole town that later grew around it. The complex has two churches: the old church, from the 17th century, with Brâncovenesc-style painting, and the great church, built in the 19th century — the first in Romania lit by electricity, in the era of King Carol I, who lived here temporarily before Peleș Castle was finished. The quiet courtyard, with white cells and a small museum holding religious objects and the first Bible printed in Romanian, offers a pleasant contrast to the resort's bustle.

Set at the foot of the Bucegi, the monastery is often the first stop for tourists heading up to Peleș, just a few minutes' walk away. It is a place of reflection and an important page in the history of the Royal House. Mind the dress code when entering the churches and check service times.