Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus
About Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus
Brâncoveanu Castle stands in the western part of the village of Sâmbăta de Sus, at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains, away from the monastery of the same name, higher up the valley. The estate long belonged to the Brâncoveanu family, and the first manor here, built in 1708 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, decayed and was demolished. The prince's grandson, Ban Grigore Brâncoveanu, built today's palace around 1800: a massive two-storey block in the Late Baroque style, with a high tiled roof and a balcony on the main façade. Sources disagree on the years (some say 1801, others the end of the 18th century), so the dating remains approximate.
In the 20th century, after the 1922 land reform, the building had several uses: a rest home for artists and writers between the wars, then a school and other functions. In 2006 it was leased to a private company, which began renovation, but the company went bankrupt and the palace stood neglected for years. Today it is in the care of the commune of Sâmbăta de Sus.
What you can see
The palace can be seen from outside only: the white and cream façade with window surrounds on the upper floor, the hipped roof, the wrought-iron balcony and the low outbuildings in the yard, in open ground with old trees. Nearby survives a ruined stone gate with twisted columns and carved capitals, which recalls the look of the former courtyard.
Good to know
The building has no visiting hours and the interior is not open to the public. The “România Atractivă” programme lists it as “temporarily closed” and “under rehabilitation”, but no confirmed project, funding or deadline could be found. When checked (October 2026), the town hall's website presented the castle as a tourist attraction, with no visiting hours. For up-to-date information, call the town hall. Do not confuse it with Brâncoveanu Monastery in the Sâmbăta resort, ~8 km to the south.
Information verified on 13 October 2026.
- The Late Baroque façade, with a wrought-iron balcony and a high red tiled roof.
- The ruined stone gate, with twisted columns and carved capitals.
- The story of the Brâncoveanu estate: from the 1708 manor to the palace built by Grigore Brâncoveanu.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the castle is in the village of Sâmbăta de Sus (commune of Sâmbăta de Sus), ~20 km from Făgăraș and ~90 km from Brașov, in the western part of the village, on Strada Castelului. Brâncoveanu Monastery is in a separate area ~8 km to the south, so the two sights are visited by car, one after the other.
Public transport: services to the village could not be confirmed; the simplest option is a bus or train to Făgăraș, then a taxi.
- Rules
The building is closed and cannot be entered. Respect the commune's property: photograph from outside, without forcing fences or doors and without climbing on the walls of the stone gate, which is in ruins.
- Facilities
no facilities announced for the public (no opening hours, ticket or confirmed information panels)
Frequently asked questions about Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus
- How long does a visit to Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus take?
- A visit to Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus takes about 30 min (exterior and gate only).
- How do I get to Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus?
- Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus is located at Strada Castelului, în partea de vest a satului, Sâmbăta de Sus, Brașov County. By car: the castle is in the village of Sâmbăta de Sus (commune of Sâmbăta de Sus), ~20 km from Făgăraș and ~90 km from Brașov, in the western part of the village, on Strada Castelului. Brâncoveanu Monastery is in a separate area ~8 km to the south, so the two sights are visited by car, one after the other. Public transport: services to the village could not be confirmed; the simplest option is a bus or train to Făgăraș, then a taxi.
- When is the best time to visit Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus?
- The best season for Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus: All year round (the exterior can be seen all year).
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