Either you prefer modern palaces with innovative design, well-preserved military fortresses with impressive towers, or grand royal residences, Romania has it all.
But why should you choose Romania? The answer is simple. The Carpathian country is one of the best value-for-money destinations we have ever visited and castles in Romania are among the most impressive ones in Europe.
Romania is a country with a multitude of tourist objectives, and at the top of the preferences of Romanian and foreign tourists are the most beautiful castles in Romania. Located in fairytale areas, full of history and culture, the Romanian castles will surprise you with their special architecture.
Therefore, we have made the top of the most beautiful Romanian Castles!
Corvin Castle
The Corvin Castle is the most important Gothic-style secular building in Transylvania. The castle is a large and imposing military and administrative structure, with tall and colored roof tiles, impressive towers, turrets, windows, and balconies with intricate stone carvings.
Corvin Castle is the perfect destination for anyone who wants to discover a legendary castle. This Gothic masterpiece of Transylvania, also known as Hunedoara Castle or Hunyadi Castle, is the largest medieval building in Romania and one of the most beautiful castles in the world. It was also included in the “Top 10 European dream destinations”.
Bran Castle
The Bran Castle is where you will discover the myth and facts of the fortress also known as Dracula’s Castle.
From 1920 to 1948 Bran served as royal residence, a gift of the people of Brasov to Queen Marie of Romania. The castle is now a museum open to tourists, displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie.
Currently, Bran is open as a museum, largely devoted to Queen Marie of Romania. The castle is also a popular location for Halloween events, such as competitions to win the chance to stay in the castle during the Halloween night, retracing the steps of Jonathan Harker from the opening pages of Bram Stoker’s novel.
Palace of Culture from Iasi
Undeniably magical and charming, the Palace of Culture could easily be something out of a fairytale yet it stands proudly in the city of Iași. The Neo-Gothic palace was built in the early years of the 20th century and it was the Administrative and Justice Palace until 1955. The Palace of Culture has an impressive number of 298 rooms – all spacious and rather majestic. The interiors are incredible examples of imaginative and artful decorative style. There is a room dedicated to Romanian rulers.
Nowadays, the Palace of Culture houses several museums, including the Museum of Science and Technology, Museum of Art, and Museum of Ethnography and is among one of of the most beautiful Romanian Castles to visit during your trip.
Peles Castle
The Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, considered by many one of the most stunning castles in Europe.
Peles Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. It used to be the summer residence of the Romanian royal family from 1883 until 1947. Peles Castle has 160 rooms and it was the first castle in Europe ever to be entirely lit by electric current. The castle houses a large collection of unique pieces of furniture, fine art, and various invaluable objects.
Cantacuzino Castle
This Neo-Romanian Castle was built at the beginning of the twentieth century for one of the Romanian princes. However, it was nationalized and ransacked during the communist era.
After the fall of communism, the castle was returned to the original family, who in turn sold it to a development company. While this castle is both beautiful and historic, a visit here is far from stepping into a time capsule into one of the most beautiful Romanian Castles. Instead, you’ll see the restoration and a number of modern amenities.
If you want to visit a castle in Romania and do more than just go on a tour, then Cantacuzino Castle is the one for you!
Sturdza Castle
Sturdza Castle or Sturdza Palace is a historic complex that consists of the palace, a church, and a monastery park. Located in Iasi county, Sturdza Palace as it is seen today dates back to the 19th century when it was built in late Neo-Gothic style.
The castle once used to hold an impressive collection of cultural artifacts – books, paintings and other art pieces, jewels, etc. Currently, the Sturdza Castle is under the Metropolitan Church of Moldavia and Bucovina and was included on the list of important historical monuments in 2010, next to Miclauseni Monastery.
Banffy Castle
In its days of glory, the Banffy Castle was known as Transylvania’s Versailles Castle.
In the 18th century, a famous Viennese architect left his mark on the castle by building a beautiful park, nice alleys, masterly crafted statues, and artesian wells, bringing a baroque look to the site. The gate was also decorated with splendid stone statues.
Jidvei (Bethlen-Haller) Castle
Built in the 16th-century, the Jidvei Castle found its identity at the beginning of the 17th-century when it was renovated after the model of the French Chambord Castle by Count Stefan Bethlen.
Unfortunately, under the communist regime, the castle suffered the same fate as other important Romanian castles and was stripped of its valuable furniture and artworks.
After the fall of communism, the castle became private property. Now under renovation, the estate regained its popularity by being associated with the Jidvei wine brand and by hosting wine tasting events. Now, whether it is history, architecture, or the delicious wine you can taste here, we leave to your choice the reason why Jidvei Castle is one of the most beautiful Romanian Castles.
Iulia Hasdeu Castle
Located in Câmpina, this miniature castle was actually a folly house, designed to resemble a castle. It is much smaller than any of the others on our list.
The castle features three towers, three underground rooms, and each staircase is made up of seven steps. The massive entrance is flanked by stone thrones and sphinxes.
The castle has been included in Romania’s Listing of Historical Monuments since 1955, and in 1994 it was converted to a museum. Many of Iulia’s personal belongings, some original seance transcripts, pictures taken during the seances, and other items related to the family’s history are on display.
Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies
The Clay Castle of the Valley of Fairies is an eco-friendly “fairytale castle” placed in the mountains of Transylvania, made of “100% organic” clay, straw and sand, with all wooden pillars. A Romanian couple has spent two years building an eco-friendly „fairytale castle” in the mountains of Transylvania, using only natural materials.
This Fairy Tale Castle built near Porumbacu de Sus, a village situated 40 kilometers West of Sibiu, in a beautiful area: raw nature, beautiful mountains, and amazing green grass everywhere you look.
This was our top for today. If you are in Bucharest and want to visit some of the castles present at the top, don’t forget: many can be reached on day trips from Bucharest.
