While not as striking or famous as the Peleș Castle located just a few kilometers down the valley, this splendid castle makes for an unforgettable discovery, with its traditional architecture, unbelievable stories and unique views of the mountains!
The lavish Cantacuzino Castle was built by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino (nicknamed “Nababul”) on the site of an old family hunting lodge, completed in 1911 and featuring modern facilities for its time. Built in the Neo-Romanian style, the castle has a pavilion structure and an impressive surface area, including an administrative villa and a wooden chapel. The interior can be visited on guided tours that allow visitors to discover its many treasures, including Murano stained glass windows, a Carrara marble staircase, oak furniture, and decorative frescoes, among others. Another unique feature is the collection of murals painted on Cordoba leather and a collection of ancient heraldry, both of which are unique in the country.
Many of its masterpieces were stolen or disappeared during the Communist era, with the interior frescoes and works of art being covered up by plaster. Some of these have been saved and restoration work is still being done throughout the castle interior. On the upper level there are frequent temporary art exhibitions, while in two adjacent buildings visitors can explore two small optional spaces (Lego Mini Museum and Secret Room). The outdoor gardens in the courtyard of the estate are also delightful, with memorable views of the Bucegi Mountains and interesting sculptures. Since 2022, the castle has gained notoriety after being used as the location for an extremely popular television series.
Location
Town of Bușteni in Prahova County – GOOGLE MAPS
150 km north of Bucharest (2 hours by car, bus or train) / 40 km south of Brașov (2 hours by car, bus or train)
The castle is located in the easter side of the Bușteni Town, across the Prahova River, on the Zamora Street. From the national road or the train station, visitors can follow the signs for about 15-20 minutes to the gate of the castle. If you arrive by car, there are a few parking spots along the street.
Opening hours
Monday – Thursday – 10:00 – 19:00 / Friday – Sunday – 10:00 – 20:00
Tours at 10.05; 11.05; 12.05; 13.05; 14.05; 15.05; 16.05; 17.05; 18.05; 19:05
Tickets
*2026 Rates – Discouts for Children/Students/Retired/Groups
Castle+Gallery+Park – 85 lei (17 Euro)/adult / Castle+Park – 65 lei (13 Euro)/adult
Secret Room or Lego Mini Museum – 15 lei (3 Euro)/adult
Practical Info
The inside of the castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour at the specified hours, as the explanations and information about its history make a great part of the experience! Most tours are in Romanian, but English guides are provided!
You can eat in the restaurant/cafe located right on the terrace of the castle and there is even accommodation available part of the Cantacuzino Castle complex!
The national road 1 that follows the Prahova Valley between Bucharest and Brașov is almost always quite crowded, especially during the holidays. It would be wise to plan your visit of Cantacuzino Castle during the week and early in the morning!
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Nearby Sights and Activities
Town of Bușteni
One of the most popular mountain resorts in Romania, offering numerous leisure options for all seasons, the town of Bușteni is located just a few kilometers north of Sinaia, at an altitude of 850 meters, on both banks of the Prahova River. The history of the town begins at the end of the 18th century, before which there was only a famous inn in these places. By the end of the following century, the village already had a school and several hotels, and soon the first tourists who practiced skiing appeared. In addition to the Cantacuzino Castle, in Bușteni you can also visit the house of the writer Cezar Petrescu, which today houses a memorial museum, the Royal Church built in 1889 by the royal family, which contains splendid paintings, and the Caraiman Monastery, built in a spectacular natural setting, with the imposing Caraiman massif towering above it. Several hiking trails start in Bușteni, climbing the slopes of the Prahova Gorge towards the peaks, including the one to Urlătoarea Waterfall or the Jepilor Valley Trail, one of the most demanding but also interesting in the Romanian Carpathians. In the winter season, the main attraction in Bușteni is the Kalinderu ski area, located just a few minutes from the city center, at an altitude of over 1,000 meters. The two Kalinderu slopes total approximately 3,000 meters, with a medium difficulty level and served by a modern chairlift.
Bușteni - Babele Cable Car
The longest cable car route in Europe is located in Bușteni, connecting the city to the Bucegi plateau, with a length of 4,350 meters and an altitude difference of over 1,200 meters. The journey over the dizzying precipices of the Jepilor Valley takes about 12 minutes, being the shortest way to reach the heights of the Bucegi Mountains. Several hiking trails start from the Babele chalet, as well as another cable car section that descends to the Ialomița Valley.
Jepilor Valley Hiking Trail
Considered one of the toughest and most challenging in the Romanian Carpathians, this hiking trail is not quite as dangerous, but it is extremely steep (+1000 meters in just a few kilometers) and there is also a chance to encounter brown bears. Nevertheless, it offers some of the most exciting and stunning experiences and views of the Prahova Valley, the Bucegi Mountains and the surrounding areas. There are actually two hiking trails, the Jepilor Valley one (blue cross/ +1.000 meters / 4-5 hours) starts in Bușteni and reaches the Caraiman Cabin, continuing towards the Bucegi Plateau (Babele Cabin) or the Caraiman Cross, while the Jepii Mari Trail starts in Bușteni and goes towards the Piatra Arsă cabin (blue triangle, 6 km, +1.100 meters, 3-4 hours). The first one is more challenging, with a lot of exposed sections and steep inclines insured with chains. Both trails are closed during the winter!
Accommodation near Cantacuzino Castle
There are plenty of options for accommodation in the town of Bușteni, some of them really close to the Cantacuzino Castle. Even the castle offers its own unique lodging experience. Travelers can find all types of units, from large hotels to small guesthouses and lovely villas! During the winter weekends, the whole resort does tend to get quite busy and crowded, so it might be more difficult to find vacancies!
Rating 9.5 from 507 Reviews
Located just 15 minutes on foot from the Cantacuzino Castle or the ski slopes of Busteni, this superb hotel features family rooms with mountain views, amazing restaurant, indoor swimming pool and spa center!
9.7 Rating from 129 Reviews!
The best way to enjoy Cantacuzino Castle is by staying right there, in a marvelous villa experience, with beautiful family rooms, great restaurant, terrace, gardens and private parking!
9.4 Rating from 499 Reviews!
Located in a quiet area of Bușteni Town, a few kilometers south of the castle, this splendid hotel has excellent reviews, offering welcoming spacious rooms, a traditional restaurant and parking!
