Bucharest has undergone significant development in recent times, which is reflected in the city’s attractions. Therefore, it’s ideal for tourists planning a city visit!
Romania’s capital, Bucharest is the center of many areas in the country. Its architecture has been shaped by the development at the turn of the century, wars, the communist era, and modern times. In the period between the two World Wars, the city, due to its elegant neobaroque architecture, was referred to as the „Eastern Paris” and „Little Paris” (Micul Paris).
Table of Contents
Bucharest attractions
Parliament
Also known as the House of the People (Casa Poporului), it is one of Romania’s most significant and spectacular buildings.
Its history dates back to the communist era when Nicolae Ceaușescu, the then dictator of Romania, decided to create a massive building to proclaim the country’s power and strength. The construction began in 1984 and continued after the fall of the Ceaușescu regime in 1989, after the revolution. The building was finally completed in the early 1990s.
Its assessment was very divided for a long time: many criticized it for not fitting into the cityscape. However, due to the city’s development, it has become particularly impressive today.
Its huge size and monumental style bear the features of socialist realism. It is the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon.
Inside, the building is equally impressive: huge halls, wide corridors, and richly decorated interiors. It houses more than a thousand rooms, including offices, conference rooms, and a large, central assembly hall.
Unirii Boulevard
One of Bucharest’s most important and impressive streets, inspired by Paris’s Champs-Élysées.
Approximately 3.5 kilometers long and 90 meters wide, it is one of the largest streets in Europe. Along the boulevard, there are numerous important buildings and institutions, such as the National Museum Complex and the Romanian National Opera.
The buildings along the avenue, in keeping with socialist realism and classical architecture, are large, which led to the creation of parks and more green spaces over time. As a result, it has become a particularly imposing road today, lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops.
Its most beautiful part is from the square in front of the parliament (Piața Constituției) to Unirii Park, where rows of trees and fountains adorn the street.
Patriarchal Cathedral
One of Romania’s most important religious buildings and the seat of the Romanian Orthodox Church. Located in the city center, on Patriarchal Hill, the site has been central to Romanian religious life for centuries.
Built in the 17th century in Byzantine style, it has been modified and renovated over the centuries, now exemplifying Romanian Orthodox architecture.
Its exterior is impressive: characteristic Byzantine domes, gold, and colored ceramics, and arched windows decorate it. The central element of the interior is the altar, adorned with fine carvings and gilding.
Cathedral of National Salvation
The current seat of the Romanian Patriarch, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, is located in the city center.
Construction of the cathedral began in 2010. It was consecrated on November 25, 2018, by Bartholomew (Bertalan), the Patriarch of Constantinople, and Daniel, the Romanian Patriarch.
Athenaeum
One of Bucharest’s most significant and renowned cultural institutions, primarily used as a concert hall and performing arts center.
The building started in 1888, designed by the French architect Albert Galleron. It was largely financed through public donations, thus becoming a symbol of the Romanian people’s joint efforts and pride.
The main hall, where concerts and performances are held, is circular, with excellent acoustics, and can accommodate more than 800 people. The walls and ceiling are adorned with magnificent frescoes and decorations, depicting Romania’s history and cultural heritage.
Arcul de Triumf
One of Bucharest’s significant monuments, modeled after the Parisian Arc de Triomphe.
The original, wooden structure was first built in 1878 to celebrate Romania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. The current monument was completed in 1922 to celebrate Romania’s victory in World War I and the creation of Greater Romania.
The statues decorating the monument depict historical figures and events of Romania, including heroes of the First World War and the creators of national unity. The top of the Arch has a terrace offering a stunning view of the city.
Radu Voda Monastery
Originally founded by Prince Radu Voda in 1577, the building has been rebuilt and restored multiple times over the centuries, especially due to Turkish attacks and earthquakes.
Two architectural styles can be distinguished. The Byzantine style is represented by the red brick walls and arched windows. The central element of the monastery is the main temple, which displays the typical features of Romanian Orthodox architecture, such as domes and gilded crosses.
The monastery’s collection includes numerous religious and historical objects, including ancient manuscripts, icons, and other artistic works.
Kretzulescu Palace
This is a historical palace built in the neoclassical architectural style, located in the center of Bucharest on Calea Victoriei.
The palace was built in the 19th century, commissioned by Kretzulescu Grigore, an influential Romanian politician and statesman. Since then, the building has played an important role in Bucharest’s cultural and social life.
The building’s imposing entrance and the associated staircase are particularly noteworthy. The spacious halls and corridors are decorated in a classical style, with elegant furniture and artworks. The frescoes and paintings on the walls depict important moments in Romanian history and culture.
Mogoșoaia Palace
Located in the northwestern outskirts of Bucharest, this palace is of a unique style.
It was built at the end of the 17th century by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, a prominent figure in Romanian history. It follows a specific architectural style named after it: the Brâncoveanu-style architecture, which is a unique Romanian architectural style combining Italian Renaissance, Byzantine, and Ottoman elements. The palace is named after the nearby Mogoșoaia Lake.
The palace’s collection includes numerous historical and artistic objects, including furniture, paintings, and other artworks from the Brâncoveanu period.
Stavropoleos Monastery Church
Located in the city center, this church is one of the city’s most important Orthodox cultural centers.
Its history dates back to the early 18th century when it was built in 1724 by the monk Ioanichie Stratonikeas. The monastery was constructed in the Brâncoveanu architectural style. Throughout its history, the building has undergone several renovations and restorations, but the original features have been preserved.
Its interior is beautifully decorated. The walls and ceiling are covered with frescoes and icons, showcasing the beauty of Byzantine art and Romanian Orthodox traditions. The altar and iconostasis are characterized by finely carved wood and gilding.
The monastery’s collection includes numerous rare and valuable Orthodox icons, manuscripts, and religious objects, showcasing the history and art of the Romanian Orthodox Church.
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Museums
The National Museum of Romanian History
This is Romania’s most important museum, showcasing the country’s historical heritage.
Located in the city center of Bucharest, on Calea Victoriei, the impressive neoclassical building was originally called the Palace of the Post Office. The museum opened here in 1970.
The collection includes over 600,000 objects, spanning periods from prehistory to modern times. The displayed objects include archaeological findings, historical documents, works of art, and other items that highlight key moments in Romanian history. Special attention deserves the Dacian Treasure and the replica of Trajan’s Column.
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The National Museum of Art of Romania
Bucharest’s foremost art institution, housed in the former residence of the Romanian royal family.
The museum’s collection is extremely broad, encompassing more than 70,000 works of art, including Romanian and international arts, creations of old masters, and modern art. Its notable pieces include works by great figures of Romanian art, such as Brâncuși, Grigorescu, and Tonitza, as well as significant works by European artists.
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The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant
The name itself indicates that it is a special museum: its aim is to preserve and showcase the Romanian peasant lifestyle, traditions, and art.
It was established at the beginning of the 20th century, initiated by Alexandru Tzigara-Samurcaș, a renowned art historian and ethnographer. The building’s design is based on architectural elements of Romanian monasteries and churches, faithfully reflecting Romanian traditions and peasant lifestyle.
Its collection encompasses a wide spectrum of Romanian peasant culture: folk costumes, furniture, ceramics, tools, and other objects that showcase the richness and diversity of peasant life.
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Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
Located on the western edge of King Michael I Park, this open-air museum presents the traditions and architecture of Romanian village life.
It was initiated in the 1930s by Dimitrie Gusti, a sociologist, academician, and researcher of Romanian rural life. The goal was to create a place where the traditions of Romanian village culture could be preserved and showcased.
The museum covers an area of about 10 hectares and includes more than 300 buildings, including houses, farm buildings, churches, and workshops, dating from the 17th to the 20th century. These buildings accurately reflect the diversity of Romanian village architecture, including styles and techniques characteristic of different regions. Inside the houses and buildings, traditional furnishings, tools, and other household items can be seen.
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