Location: the Princely Palace is located in the village Ceahlau, at 3 km from the main road in the village Schit.

Short description:

The Princely Palace was once a beautiful architectural complex and place where many historical events took place. Its beginning are found in the XIII century when on this place was built a hermitage by the monk Silvestru that was under the guidance of the Neamt Monastery. During the ruler of Ieremia Movila the hermitage will be called The Pion Monastery and after that will become the Hermitage Hangu. In the year 1639, the brother of Vasile Lupu, by his name Gheorghe builds a stone church here.

In 1792, Matei Cantacuzino leaves for Russia where he obtains the title of “cneaz” and some other imperial distinctions. He will use his power to attack the hermitage in many law suits. In the year 1840, despite of the efforts of Veniamin Costache, the Cantacuzino family obtain the property of the monastery and the monks are forced to move. After that moment, the entire complex will be turned into a mansion.

The period of glory of the Princely Palace from the Schit village was between 1840 and 1852 when it was visited by Wilhelm von Kotzebue and Alexandre Dumas.  By spending too much to maintain a visual appearance the Cantacuzino family loose all their properties. In the year 1852, the Princely Palace  is sold in an action and bought by Smaranda Sturza.

In time the buildings become ruins and these days the only thing that was left are the story and some walls.
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