Situated in the Carpathian Mountains in Prahova County, Romania, lies the Gothic Peleș Castle. Just two hours from Bucharest, one may think Dracula himself once walked these halls with its 19^th-century turrets and deep red accents adoring the exterior. The castle, once the summer home of King Carol I of Romania, now invites visitors to explore the many rooms, halls and courtyards of the castle.

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Through tours, visitors can wander the many rooms open to the public. More of a palace than a castle, the building boasts grand displays, such as The Hall of Honour. This three-floored section features walls adorned with carved woodwork, bas-reliefs, alabaster sculptures and retractable stained-glass panels.

The Imperial Suite incorporates Austrian Baroque décor, as well as a perfectly preserved 500-year-old Cordoban tooled leather wall cover. Witness the more than 1,000 pieces of weaponry and armor at the Grand Armory. Considered one of Europe’s best collections of hunting and war tools, everything on display dates from between the 14^th and 19^th centuries.

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Many of the rooms found in the castle use inspiration from different kingdoms. The Playhouse integrates French design reminiscent of Louis XIV, with 60 seats and a Royal Box. Within The Playhouse also sits mural paintings signed by Frantz Matsch and Gustav Klimt. The Florentine Room utilizes styles of the Italian Renaissance with bronze doors and a marble fireplace.

Other unique rooms include the Moorish Salon, with designs inspired by North African and Hispanic Moorish cultures, and the Turkish Parlor, an Ottoman-style room featuring Turkish rugs and other pieces from the Middle East.

The castle boasts a number of collections like the Clock Collection, Ceramics Collection, Glassware Collection and the Collection of Silver Work and Common Metal. Peleș Castle is open Wednesdays 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Thursdays–Sundays 9:15 a.m.–5 p.m.