Sinaia Monastery

The basics

Many travelers visit Sinaia Monastery and Peles Castle—just a short uphill hike away—in one outing. Visitors can explore the monastery grounds at their leisure. Enter the tiny Old Church (Biserica Veche) and the Great Church (Biserica Mare), view the first bible translated into Romanian, and soak up the serene atmosphere in quiet courtyards.

Guided day tours leaving from Bucharest and Brașov typically combine a visit to Sinaia with a trip to Peles Castle and Bran Castle, while multi-day tours incorporate other Transylvanian attractions such as Râșnov Fortress and local wineries.

Things to know before you go

• Sinaia Monastery is a must for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat before or after visiting busy Peles Castle.
• There are restrooms at the site.
• The walk up from the train station and on to Peles Castle is steep and not well-suited to anyone with mobility issues.

How to get there

The monastery is situated on the road leading from Sinaia train station to Peles Castle. Walking from the station takes about 15 minutes and the route is uphill. It’s also possible to drive or take a taxi to the monastery.

When to get there

The Sinaia Monastery attracts fewer people than neighboring Peles Castle, and is typically quiet even during peak visitor season (June–September). To experience it at its most tranquil, come in early morning when an air of stillness hangs over the site.

What Else to Do in Sinaia

There are several noteworthy attractions worth visiting while you’re in Sinaia, including the magnificent neo-Renaissance Peles Castle and the art nouveau-style Pelisor Castle, which sits on the same estate. For spectacular views of the Bucegi Mountains, ride the Gondola Sinaia, which carries passengers up to an elevation of 6,725 feet (2,050 meters). From here, travelers are treated to memorable views of the forested slopes and small red-roofed towns of the Prahova Valley.