CITY DESTINATION: Romanian Bucharest
For those who have been in Paris, France,
several times, Bucharest is the little sister of the parisienne city. Famous
for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings, and a
reputation of high life, the Romania’s capital is a bustling metropolis today.
A local legend has always promulgated that the
city was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur,
whose name literally means “joy.” His flute playing reportedly attracted people
and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders,
who gave his name to the place.
Europe is still a fascinating continent, and
Bucharest is not exempt of this fascination. At a glance, here you will find a
couple of place you should visit if your trip is not longer than a week.
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| Bucharest at Night |
The Arch of Triumph
Initially built of wood in 1922 to honor the
bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in World War I, Bucharest's unique Arch
of Triumph was finished in Deva granite in 1936. Designed by architect Petre
Antonescu, the Arch stands 85 feet high. An interior staircase allows visitors
to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city. Sculptures that decorate
the structure were created by leading Romanian artists, including Ion Jalea,
Constantin Medrea and Constantin Baraschi.
Victory Avenue
Calea Victoriei is Bucharest's oldest and most charming street. Built in 1692 to link the
Old Princely Court to Mogosoaia Palace, it was initially paved with oak beams.
The street became Calea Victoriei in 1878, after the Romanian War of
Independence victory. Between the Two World Wars, Calea Victoriei developed
into one of the most fashionable streets in the city. Walk along this street
from Piata Victoriei to Piata Natiunilor Unite to discover some of the most
stunning buildings in the city, including the Cantacuzino Palace, the historical Revolution Square, the Military
Club, the CEC Headquarters,
and the National History Museum.
Cantacuzino Palace
Grigore Cantacuzino seemed to have been one of
Romania's wealthiest citizens in 1899. As Prime Minister, his wish was to have
the most elegant residence in Bucharest. Using the designs of architect Ion
Berindei, the Cantacuzino Palace was erected between 1898 and 1900 in eclectic
French style. Combining a neoclassical architectural style with art nouveau
elements, it features wrought iron balconies, tall arched windows and a
porte-cochere (an elegant wrought-iron doorway) flanked by two lions. Today,
the palace houses the George Enescu
Museum.
The Royal Palace
Built between 1927 and
1937 in neoclassical style, the palace was home to King Carol II and to his
son, King Mihai I, until 1947, when the monarchy was abolished in Romania. It
was inside the halls of this palace that King Mihai, aged 18, led a coup that
displaced the pro-Nazi government during the World War II and put Romania on
the Allies' side. Today, the former Royal palace houses the Romanian National
Art Museum.
The Romanian Athenaeum
The work of French
architect Albert Galleron, who also designed the National Bank of Romania, the
Athenaeum was completed in 1888, financed almost entirely with money donated by
the general public. One of the preeminent public fundraising campaigns ever in
Romania, the "Give a penny for the Athenaeum" campaign saved the
project after the original patrons ran out of funds. With its high dome and
Doric columns, the Athenaeum resembles an ancient temple. The lobby has a
beautifully painted ceiling decorated in gold leaf, while curved balconies
cascade in ringlets off a spiral staircase. A ring of pink marble columns is
linked by flowing arches where elaborate brass lanterns hang like gems from a
necklace. Inside the concert hall, voluptuous frescoes cover the ceiling and
walls. Renowned worldwide for its outstanding acoustics, it is Bucharest's most
prestigious concert hall and home of the Romanian George Enescu Philharmonic.
The Parliament Palace
Built by Communist
Party leader, Nicolae Ceausescu, the colossal Parliament Palace (formerly known
as the People's Palace) is the second largest administrative building in the
world after the Pentagon. It took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build.
The palace boasts 12 stories, 1,100 rooms, a 328-ft-long lobby and four
underground levels, including an enormous nuclear bunker. The Palace of
Parliament it is the world's second-largest office building in surface (after
the Pentagon) and the third largest in volume (after Cape Canaveral in the U.S.
and the Great Pyramid in Egypt). The crystal chandelier in the Human Rights
Hall (Sala Drepturilor Omului) weighs 2.5 tons. Some of the chandeliers have as
many as 7,000 light bulbs. The building became part of the communist legacy for
the country.
Most international
flights to Romania arrive at Henri Coanda (Otopeni) Airport.
Airport facilities include ATM, currency exchange office, Taxi Desk and cell phone rentals. Major car rental companies have offices located on the arrivals/ baggage claim level. There are non-stop flights to Bucharest from most major European cities and in the Middle-East and connecting flights from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Airport facilities include ATM, currency exchange office, Taxi Desk and cell phone rentals. Major car rental companies have offices located on the arrivals/ baggage claim level. There are non-stop flights to Bucharest from most major European cities and in the Middle-East and connecting flights from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Bucharest has a
four-season climate. In spring, the weather can quickly alternate between rain
and sunshine. June, July and August are the hottest months. As the leaves begin
to change color, you can still enjoy warm and sunny days while taking a stroll
in the city's many parks or down Calea Victoriei. Winters can be quite cold
with moderate snowfall.
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