Peleș Castle, Transylvania, Romania

Peleș Castle was the Royal summer residence of the Romanian Monarchy. The castle began construction in 1873 and it was decided that construction could not be completed as long as the King, Carol I, was alive. New wings as extensions were added until the King's death in 1914. At which point the construction halted, leaving side portions of the castle unfinished. This resulted in only side blank wall panels where paintings were planned.

When the Communist Regime took over Romania, the monarchy was asked to leave. When Romania switched over to a democracy, the monarchy was invited to return, but upon their death, no new monarchy has been crowned. Today, Romania has 2 princesses, who still own Peleș Castle. While, Romania collects ticket sales and performs maintenance, the family is paid a sizable yearly rent on the castle.Read more