Bucharest

On our first day in Bucharest, we toured the city.  We started at Piata Constitutiei, one of the largest public squares in Bucharest with the Palace of Parliament. It is the heaviest building on Earth and the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. Dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu commissioned it in 1984 as the “House of the Republic.” Victoria Palace, a prominent historical monument located on Victory Square serves as the official headquarters of the Prime Minister of Romania and the government cabinet. Next we passed the Monument to the heroes of the air, honoring both military and civilian Romanian aviators who contributed to aviation or died during World War I.

Next we came to the Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum. This open-air museum features over 360 authentic historic monuments, including houses, barns, and churches collected from various regions of Romania and reconstructed piece by piece. These structures range from the 17th to the 20th century. We wandered through the byways looking at the different structures from different areas and eras of Romanian history.  This was a remarkable place with so much to see and absorb. It really gave a sense of Romanian history.

After we enjoyed our history lesson, we continued passed the Triumphal Arch, rebuilt in 1936.  It commemorates Romania’s victory in WWI and the Coronation of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria.  Then we also stopped for a hearty lunch at Hanu’ Lui Manuc where we were entertained with local music and dancing.  It is the oldest operating hotel/restaurant in Bucharest. 

Then we had an afternoon on our own.

We took off a walk around the old town to see interesting historic buildings. The first was the CEC Palace, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece from 1900. It is the headquarters of Romania’s oldest savings bank. Then we came to the Chamber of Commerce Palace. It is a Grand Heritage Site completed in 1912. Another interesting building was the Old National Bank Palace in the heart of Old Town. It was built between 1884 and 1890 in an eclectic and neoclassical style. In the old town there are pedestrian streets which is nice for shoppers. They were great for sightseers too. Next we encountered a modern book store with six levels! I had to spend time in there. Finally we came to the Curtea Veche Church. Built in the 16th century, it is known as the oldest church in Bucharest.

Another full day awaits us tomorrow.