25 Incredible Castles in Romania

There are some incredible castles in Romania that are fascinating to learn about. Whether you are planning a relaxing vacation in Romania, a road trip along the Transfagarasan or you simply want to learn more about these castles, you are in the right place. Read on to learn more about the top 25 castles in Romania…

The Best Castles in Romania

Do you wonder what makes castles in Romania the must-visit site? In Romania, you undoubtedly think of Transylvania, the center of the country where many stories and myths are based. Romania is home to magnificent, opulent architecture surrounded by lush green countryside. You may believe Dracula lived in Transylvania, but Romania offers much more!

The sheer number of Romanian castles is one of its most significant claims to fame.

You can find some incredibly well-preserved fortresses throughout Romania, dating back to the 14th century. Let’s say Romania has several hundred castles!

The most prominent 25 fortresses and castles in Romania should be on your list of things to do when visiting. Here are some of the best:

Bran Castle

First up on this list of castles in Romania is Bran Castle. A 229-foot tall rock in Transylvania’s Carpathian Mountains, Bran Castle attracts visitors with its attractive appearance, illustrious past, and well-known folklore story. 

It has 57 comfortable, lived-in rooms with antique furnishings and a history that could fill a library, in addition to its instantly identifiable asymmetric towers and turrets coated in red tiles. 

The most notable aspect of the castle may be its connection to the Dracula legend, which draws tourists from all over the world throughout the Halloween season, hoping to meet the Count.

Macea Castle

The Csernovic family built this castle, a Serbian family that lost control of the court and passed it on to Nagy Karolyi. 

There is no explanation for why the castle was lost, but there is a possibility that a card game played a role. It was greatly expanded at this time, which is why it is much larger today.

Although the castle cannot be entered, you can visit the impressive gardens.

Miko Castle

The Miko Palace features an ethnography exhibit, but it was once a military garrison. It was constructed in the 1620s. However, a fire destroyed it during the Ottoman invasion. 

After 50 years, the castle was rebuilt and is now considered as one of the most amazing castles in Romania.

Peles Castle

As one of Romania’s most stunning fortresses, Peles Castle is located in the Sinaia region. Even though it was built in 1914, it is undoubtedly one of Romania’s finest fortresses. The surrounding Carpathians and mountainous landscape truly enhance this building.

There are many items from around the world inside the castle, originally constructed as the royal family’s summer home.

There will always be crowds at this attraction, but when you see the magnificent interior of the castle, you will not want to leave. Tours of the castle can be arranged for those interested in learning more about its history.

Iulia Hasdeu Castle

It was a folly home built to look like a castle but is substantially smaller than the other castles listed on our list. The castle was discovered in Campina.

Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu erected the house in memory of his young genius daughter Iulia, who passed away while working on her Ph.D. thesis.

As you tour the castle, you will find items of interest and pictures of Iulia throughout. The castle, situated in lush, peaceful surroundings, has a spiritualist feel while also providing an insight into Hasdeau’s sadness. Audio guides are available to help you learn more about the castle and its owner.

Jidvei Palace

One of the oldest castles in Romania, it was constructed in 1570 and later rebuilt in 1624 by Count Stefan Bethlen.

There have been several changes in ownership of the castle over the years, including in 2003, when the Haller Family last occupied it. Numerous urban legends surround the castle, one of which claims an underground passage may allow access to a nearby stronghold. 

‘’Nowadays, the grounds host many events, such as wine tastings.

Pelisor Castle

Initially, the residence of King Carol I, Ferdinand, and Marie, Pelisor Castle in Sinaia has 70 chambers to explore and offers many artifacts, including ceramics and glassware.

Compared to some more important castles, this one feels smaller and cozier.

Sturdza Castle

There’s no doubt that this majestic palace from the 19th century, situated in the quiet village of Miclauseni, is one of the most charming castles in Romania.

Its expansive grounds also feature a beautiful park and a church built in the 18th century. There have been many different uses for the palace over the years. It served as a hospital in the First World War and as a prison in the Second World War. It was even briefly used as a nunnery during World War II.

The best way to learn about the castle’s history while admiring its gorgeous architecture is to take a guided tour.

Sighisoara Fortress

Even though the castle is historic, it is in great shape! Out of the original 14, only nine towers remain, but the landscape looks like it dates back to ancient times. 

Sighisoara has a number of buildings on the vast site that provide a glimpse into the past. You should put it high on your list of places to go when you visit.

Banffy Castle

After hosting the Electric Castle festival in 2013, Romania’s Banffy Castle became a famous citadel, combining Gothic, Renaissance, Neoclassical, and Neogothic influences. 

Initially constructed in the fifteenth century, the castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, the most recent being during World War II. As revenge for the building’s owner’s political activity, after he began talks with the Hungarian government about changing sides and fighting against Nazi Germany, German forces destroyed the structure in 1944.

The castle served as a farm, a driving school, and a hospital during communist times.

Rasnov Citadel

This medieval stronghold on a rocky mountaintop was built by the Burzenland Knights between 1211 and 1225.

About a hundred houses, a chapel, a school, and a central trading station inside the fortifications so neighborhood residents could flee from advancing forces coming via Bran Pass. Because of this, Rasnov Fortress has always been known as the peasants’ fortress.

Despite being attacked regularly by foreign invaders, Rasnov is Romania’s most intact castle today, despite its first attack in 1421 by the Ottomans.

Poenari Citadel

One of the ancient castles in Romania was constructed by the first Walachian kings at the beginning of the 13th century in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. It is located on top of a cliff that overlooks the Arges River. It underwent several names and residents before being abandoned and left to decay.

One of the most important castles of Vlad Tepes (also known as Vlad the Impaler) was built and consolidated when he assumed the throne. As the Turks invaded and seized control of the castle in 1462, Vlad escaped using an underground tunnel.

Despite being abandoned after Vlad’s death in 1476, the castle was repaired and reopened in the 16th century. 

The walls and towers of the castle are still standing.

Corvin Castle

The immaculately preserved Corvin Castle is among the most notable Gothic-style castles in Romania. In the 15th century, the castle was a fortress maintained by the Transylvanian monarch Iancu de Hunedoara before becoming a residence. 

Parts of the castle that remain from that era include the Knights’ Hall, the Keep, the Defense Tower, the Capistrano Tower, the Diet Hall, which is decorated with medallions, and the Club Tower. 

This castle has a drawbridge, interior courtyards, lofty buttresses, a water well (98 feet deep), and a water tower with views of the surrounding countryside.

Fagaras Citadel

A wood-built castle demolished in 1241 by the Tartars, Fagaras was built in 1310 on the ruins of one of the most incredible castles in Romania, dating back to the 12th century. 

In times of conflict or social disturbance, the castle was surrounded by a deep pond, which could quickly be filled with water from a nearby mountain spring. The only way in was across the waterway, through a bridge. The castle had five towers and three floors.

It houses Roman remains, medieval weapons, traditional folk art, and the immaculately maintained Fagaras County Museum.

Miclauseni Castle

Gothic towers, medieval armour, and Latin phrases written on the walls adorn the 19th-century, Miclauseni Castle. The castle belongs to the Miclauseni Monastery and is controlled by the Metropolitan Church. 

During World War II, the Miclauseni Castle was converted into a hospital, and George Enescu played the violin to cheer up the injured.

Enisala Fortress

It is a former fortress that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Black Sea and was used by warriors to observe past invasions in southeast Romania.

Even though the castle is mostly in ruins, five towers from its original structure remain.

Cantacuzino Castle

A Romanian royal ordered the Cantacuzino Castle to be constructed in the mountain resort of Busteni in the 20th century. With stained glass windows, marble fireplaces, and glazed tiles, the castle is surrounded by a park filled with shimmering fountains and waterfalls. 

Decorative paintings portray the Cantacuzino noble family on the castle’s exterior walls, which also houses a collection of coats of arms. 

Despite having opened only a few years ago, the castle is attracting increasingly large crowds of visitors.

Alba Carolina Citadel

Known for its size, Alba Carolina Citadel is the largest castles in Romania, having been built between 1715 and 1738 on the site of a Legio XIII Gemina-inspired Roman structure and a medieval fortress called Bălgrad.

During the Hapsburg Empire’s conquest of Transylvania, Prince Eugene of Savoy built this heptagonal, star-shaped fort with seven bastions at each point.

Slimnic Fortress

Fortress Slimnic – or Stolzenburg as it is also called – is situated on a hill in the center of town – and is easily accessible both by walking from the main road and by parking your car just in front of the fortress entrance. There is a huge sign pointing towards the fortress near the main road.

For centuries, it served as an important fortification, passing from landlord to landlord during the 14th century. 

Although it is not completely destroyed by unprofessional repairs, like many other castles in Romania, it is still worth visiting. However, its true potential is not realized.

It is certainly worth stopping for a visit when you are in Romania.

Saschiz Fortified Church

During 1493, on the site of a Romanesque basilica, the large fortified late Gothic church was built, and its main structure was completed by 1496. St. Stephen of Hungary is the patron saint of the church. Originally Roman Catholic, it became Lutheran after the Reformation. Today, it serves the small German community.

The North Tower, with its fine spiral and clock, stands tall despite the dismantling of most of the walls and defensive structures.

There are 22 buttresses supporting the church building, making it feel just as monumental as the tower.

Despite the richly decorated choir pulpit, most of the interior decor is Baroque. The church has two arched portals on its north and south sides, upper windows with delicate Gothic details, carved wood altars with floral decorations, and an organ dating back to 1786.

Lazar Castle

The Lazar Castle is one of many magnificent castles in Romania.

There are numerous castles in the region with a rich history and ties to earlier periods, including Lazar Castle. Several architectural styles are combined in the fortified fortress, including beautiful Baroque styles.

The complex was partly destroyed by fire in the 18th century, and it hasn’t been rebuilt since. Although some of the parts of Lazar Castle were destroyed by the fire, the castle still has a lot of character and charm.

Mogosoaia Palace

Castle Mogosoaia is a beautiful palace located near Bucharest, Romania’s capital. It was built by Prince Constantin Brancoveanu in the 17th century.

A Romanian Renaissance palace, Mogosoaia Palace was built by the Ottomans in 1714 when Constantin Brancoveanu and his family were invited to Constantinople by the Ottomans. He refused to convert to Islam and was executed. 

The Mogosoaia Palace was converted into a museum in 1957.

Bethlen Castle

A true wonder to witness, this Romanian wetlands castle is located near the historic village of Cetatea de Balta. The castle was built in the sixteenth century but was harmed and renovated over the years.

It is currently under private ownership but can be seen by appointment. Besides the castle’s lodgings, there is a nearby brewery where guests can pair their dinner with a delicious drink.

Rupea Fortress

In Romania, the oldest medieval site is the Rupea fortification, built by the Saxons around the 13th century. The Hungarians called it Kohalom, which means a heap of rocks.

Around 400 people used to live on their own within the walls of the fortress. They had everything they needed here.

As one of Transylvania’s most important citadels, Rupea has become nothing more than a mass of stones after being abandoned slowly over time.

It is a popular tourist destination in the county of Romania to visit the Rupea fortress.

Neamt Citadel

It is a truly marvellous engineering work with its almost flawless walls. Sultan Mehmed II was held at bay for eight days by these massive fortifications.

As early as Petru I, ruler of Moldova, began building, construction continued under Stephen the Great, who was also known as the protector of Moldova.

King Sigismund of Luxembourg is credited with discovering the Neamt Citadel in 1395.

Final Words on the Castles in Romania

Experiencing royal treatment amid these magnificent castles in Romania will be a lifetime memory.

Whether you’re a castle lover or just want some dreamy photos to take home, any of these magnificent castles is a fantastic choice. Discover Romania’s most fascinating landmarks and experience this stunning region of eastern Europe on a group tour.

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