June 2, 2011

G is for Glass - Peles Castle I

Peles Castle, the summer residence of Romanian royalty between 1883 and 1947, and its 160 rooms hold some of the finest examples of European artistry, including these stunning crystal chandeliers.

Sinaia, Romania, 2011

The chandeliers are made in colored Murano glass from the famous Venetian island. (Both the history and the art of Murano glass-making are fascinating reads.) The ceiling is made from carved lime wood, gold plated, and has in the center a replica of a Giorgio Vasari painting done by the then unknown 21-year-old student Gustav Klimt. (If I'd known that while in the castle, I'd have taken better photos of the fresco! My eyes were dazzled by the crystal glass!)

 [For exquisite detail, click to enlarge.]

Admired by many as one of the most beautiful in Europe, this castle nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in Sinaia was built in wood, stone, bricks and marble. The main architectural style is German new-Renaissance, but there are visible elements of Italian Renaissance, Gothic, German Baroque and French Rococo style.


Today's post is for Alphabe-Thursday where the letter of the week is G.  There is more to share on this wonderful Peles Castle, so do come back.

21 comments:

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Lovely!

I'd love to have some colored glass in and around my place...

Guess I'll just have to look into that.

tapirgal said...

OK, I could go there any time! I just love the outside of the castle, and the details of the glass are delightful.

Kay L. Davies said...

"Murano glass eclipses Klimt"!
Fascinating castle, Francisca, gorgeous photos.
— K

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

EG CameraGirl said...

The glass is very beautiful!

I welcome your comment about the gazebo on my blog but I feel I must respond ... in a friendly way because I know you know a lot about arts and crafts. Firstly let me say that filigree is the term the artist used to describe this work. Secondly, I looked up the definition and here is one: ornamental openwork of delicate or intricate design. I guess he thinks his gazebo qualifies. :))

Unknown said...

Those are some stunning chandeliers! Wow! I also love the architecture of the castle. It's very unique and definitely interesting :) I'm looking forward to seeing more of this castle!

Unknown said...

I love the way the light hits the beautiful crystals in the chandelier.

Skoots1moM said...

wonderful pictures ;)

NanE said...

Gorgeous works of art! TFS, Nan

Cheryl D. said...

Wow! Really gorgeous!

cieldequimper said...

Sigh...

Kaori said...

So gorgeous! Especially when you look at the photos close up! The way the light hits the chandelier is stunning :D

joo said...

Wow,impressive! Soon, soon will see them on my own:)

Unknown said...

Beautiful. Like a pic from a fairy tale.

ellen b said...

Whoa! Just gorgeous...

VP said...

A wonderful castle, full of glass treasures...

Dina said...

Your castles and flowers and bridges and satellite dishes--all such interesting things to see.

Teresa said...

That is amazing in its beauty! I can only imagine such scenes (or visit your blog).

Betty said...

Those chandeleirs are amazing.

Judie said...

That is truly breathtaking! Thanks for the wonderful info!

Jenny said...

What a glorious post! They are so shimmering and lovely. And that castle! Absolutely grand!

Thanks for a great link to Alphabe-Thursday's letter "G".

A+

Barbara Rosenzweig said...

Wow! Thanks for sharing these wonderful photos! Love seeing other parts of the world!
Barb