Excursions
For a Half Day
Cernica: Situated 14 km (nine miles) east of Bucharest, on an island in the middle of a lake, is the beautiful 17th-century Cernica monastery (tel: (01) 255 7595). Within its walls are two 19th-century churches, a cemetery, chapels, a seminary and a museum of religious art and typography – a school of religious painting flourished here in the 19th century. The monastery was shut down at the end of World War II but reopened in 1995 and is now occupied by 80 monks. The relics of a 19th-century saint, who helped restore the monastery after it been abandoned due to plagues, attracts many pilgrims. The lake is excellent for swimming. The monastery is open daily and entrance is free. Trains to Cernica leave from Gara Obor (journey time – 30 minutes).
For a Whole Day
Sinaia: Visitors should follow the royal precedent and head for Sinaia, Romanian royalty’s historic summer residence. King Carol I fell in love with Sinaia’s sublime location at the foot of Mount Furnica, while visiting the monastery there in 1868, and built Peles Castle. This impressive German Renaissance-style castle with soaring Gothic spires is now a museum displaying furniture, weapons, paintings and other royal possessions. The castle is open Wednesday-Sunday 0900-1600 and admission costs US$3. Nearby is Pelisorul, King Ferdinand’s palace, decorated in striking Art Deco style (admission is US$2).
Sinaia became a fashionable resort for the rich and famous. George Enescu, famous composer of Romanian Rhapsodies, had his summer villa here (now a memorial house). Yet Sinaia’s breathtaking scenery has attracted visitors for centuries – from those drawn to the clean mountain air and mineral springs for health reasons, to hikers seeking spectacular views along the mountain trails. Skiing and bobsleighing are popular in winter. Sinaia Tourist Office provides further information (tel: (094) 655 003; fax: (044) 315 385). Trains to Sinaia leave from Gara de Nord (journey time – 2 hours).
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General
