BUCHAREST ROMANIA

4 Eyl 2024

8 min read

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania. The city was founded in the 15th century and bears traces of various historical periods. Bucharest is known as "Little Paris" with its architectural diversity, wide boulevards and modern buildings, and is also the cultural and economic center of Romania.

Known as the Paris of the Balkans, Bucharest features 200-year-old Orthodox churches, Ottoman buildings, symbols of the Cold War and, of course, the painful traces of the Ceaușescu era in the same frame. In addition, as you listen to the city’s history, Bucharest takes on a different place in your mind. Although attempts are being made to erase the traces of Ceaușescu, who ruled the country for 25 years between 1974 and 1989, the memories and works left by the dictator, who was executed after the military coup, have been an important source of income for Romania in recent years.

Revolution Square is a square located on Calea Victoriei in the centre of Bucharest. Known as Palace Square until 1989, the square was renamed after the Romanian Revolution of December 1989. It houses the former Royal Palace (now the National Museum of Art of Romania), the Athenaeum, the Athénée Palace Hotel, the Bucharest University Library and the Monument of Rebirth. The square also houses the former Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party. In 1990, the building became the seat of the Senate, and since 2006, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Administrative Reform are located here.

University Square is one of the heartbeats of Bucharest. The city life flows through this square. University Square has a special place in the memory of the Romanians because the demonstrations that led to the fall of the Ceaușescu regime began here in 1989. They describe the square as the place where historical events took place, where the seeds of Romanian democracy were sown.

One of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest, the Romanian Atheneum (Opera House) was built in 1888. The building, designed by French architect Albert Galeron, was built with donations from the public. The building, which houses Bucharest's most magnificent concert hall, was seriously damaged during World War II and was immediately restored. The Opera House, which has preserved its original identity to the present day, is an inseparable part of Bucharest's vibrant cultural life.

In front of the Odeon Theatre building, one of the most famous performing arts venues in Bucharest, there is a bust of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. On the bust are written in Romanian: “Founder of the Republic of Turkey” and “Peace at Home, Peace in the World”. What is most impressive is that the date of Atatürk’s death is made with an infinity sign.

Founded in 1946, the theatre has become a cultural centre for Romanian theatre. It is considered one of the most prestigious theatres in Bucharest, performing both classical and modern plays. Built in a neo-classical style and completed in the early 20th century, the theatre is famous for its interiors and acoustics.

The Bucharest Parliament Building is a structure located in Bucharest and is known as the largest civil administration building in the world. It was built on the orders of Romania's former communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu.

This gigantic structure, which is the largest building in Europe, is also the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon in the USA. Due to the construction of the palace, 19 Christian Orthodox Churches, 6 Synagogues, 3 Protestant Churches and 30,000 old residences in the historical area of Bucharest were demolished. Considerable resources were spent in terms of materials and labor during the construction of the building, and this created a great economic burden on the Romanian people. The biggest dream of former Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu, one of the symbolic figures of the Cold War, was to build a building where all Romanians could eat and at the same time, Bucharest would be written into world history. Some Romanians still call the Palace of Parliament the "House of the People" and are proud of it. One fifth of old Bucharest was destroyed for the construction of the building, which took 700 architects. Constructed as an eclectic structure in the neoclassical style, the Romanian Palace of Parliament managed to enter the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest building in the world.

The Bucharest National History Museum, a museum founded in 1972, houses collections that showcase a wide range of Romanian history. The museum contains many historical objects, from archaeological findings to medieval artifacts, from Ottoman-era items to the modern era. In addition, the museum contains exhibitions that detail Romania's cultural and historical development.

Macca-Vilacrosse Arcade is a historically and architecturally significant arcade in Bucharest. Built in the late 19th century, it served as a popular trading post in Bucharest at the time. Macca-Vilacrosse Arcade filters natural light through its yellow stained glass roofs and elegant ironwork, creating a special atmosphere in the space. Today, Macca-Vilacrosse Arcade is full of cafes, bars and restaurants. Especially famous for its hookah cafes, the arcade is frequently visited by both locals and travelers.

The National Museum of Art in Bucharest is the largest and most important art museum in the country. Founded in 1948, the museum is located in the Royal Palace. The museum houses the best examples of Romanian art, as well as a large collection of European art. Its collections are divided into three main sections: Medieval Romanian Art: Consisting of icons, frescoes and various religious works, this section showcases Romania's rich religious and artistic heritage. Modern Romanian Art: This section features paintings, sculptures and graphic works by Romanian artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. The most important names include Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Aman, and Constantin Brâncuși. European Art: This section displays works by Rembrandt, Rubens, El Greco, and other famous European artists. The museum also hosts various temporary exhibitions, events and art education programs.

The George Enescu Museum is a museum in Bucharest dedicated to the famous Romanian composer, violinist, pianist and conductor George Enescu. The museum displays many personal items, documents, musical instruments and photographs related to Enescu’s life, career and art. The museum is housed in an impressive building known as the Cantacuzino Palace. Built between 1901 and 1903, the palace is considered one of the most beautiful architectural works in Bucharest. George Enescu lived in this palace during the last years of his life and the museum was established in his memory.

Bucharest’s old town, the Old Town, also known as Lipscani, is the heart of the city and the center of its historical fabric. This area is full of narrow streets, cobblestone streets and classical buildings that reflect Bucharest’s rich past shaped by Ottoman, Greek, Jewish and other cultural influences. Lipscani used to be a commercial center and its name comes from the activities of merchants, mostly from Leipzig, Germany. Today, the old town is home to many restaurants, bars, cafes, art galleries and boutique stores. In addition, the historical buildings, churches and museums in the area offer visitors the opportunity to discover the historical and cultural richness of Bucharest.

The atmosphere of Lipscani is very lively both during the day and at night. Especially in the evenings, the area becomes one of the most popular entertainment centers of Bucharest.

Victory Boulevard in Bucharest is an important and historical avenue in the Romanian capital. Located close to the city center, this avenue is home to many government buildings, historical buildings and important cultural venues. It is also known for its shopping and dining opportunities. As part of Bucharest’s evolving urban structure, Victory Boulevard has played an important role in Romania’s modernization process.

The Arc de Triomphe, one of the symbols of Bucharest, was built in 1878 when Romania declared independence from the Ottoman Empire. Originally made of wood, the monument was later transformed into marble. The Arc de Triomphe, which is a concrete example of the title “Paris of the Balkans” that Bucharest received because of its resemblance to Paris, literally resembles its counterpart in Paris. This spot, which is frequently visited by travelers to the city, is where foreigners are seen taking photos at all hours of the day.

The Stavrapoleos Monastery was built in 1724. One of the most important structures in the Old Town of Bucharest, the monastery was built by a Greek monk. Years later, the building was damaged in the great earthquake of 1977 and was restored to its former state with meticulous work. The stones lined up in the garden of the Stavrapoleos Monastery, which is now on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, attract people with their interesting stories.

Curtea Veche (Old Noble Court) was a court built in the 15th century during the reign of Vlad III, also known as Dracula. Today, only a few tombs, walls and an aqueduct remain from the court, which was a place where nobles and nobles who were convicted of crimes were tried and thrown into dungeons.

There are also many beautiful parks and green areas in Bucharest.

available. If I list a few of them;

Herăstrău Park: This large park, located north of the city center, is known for its lake and wide walking paths. It also contains an open-air museum (Muzeul Satului).

Tineretului Park: Located south of the city center, this park covers a large area and offers playgrounds, sports facilities and ponds for children.

Cişmigiu Gardens: Located in the city center, Cişmigiu Gardens is one of the oldest parks in Bucharest, famous for its pond and historical trees.

Carol Park: Another important park close to the city center, Carol Park is filled with wide walking paths, monuments and statues.

Here are some local dishes you can try in Bucharest:

Sarmale: A type of stuffed phyllo dough made from a mixture of minced meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves.

Mici (Mititei): Small, spicy, grilled meatballs.

Ciorbă de burtă: Scorpion fish soup, usually made with beef tripe and served with sour cream.

Mămăligă: A traditional type of polenta made with corn flour.

Papanasi: A sweet cheese cake, usually served with jam and sour cream.

Food and drink venue suggestions:

Caru' Cu Bere is one of the famous restaurants here. You can go there just to see the interior. The restaurant, which opened in 1879, is famous for both its architecture and its wonderful food. You should not go there without making a reservation in advance. Here you can taste the traditional bean soup with smoked bacon in a bread bowl with onions, followed by mici (skinless sausage) with mustard. You can finish your food tour with papanasi (traditional fried or boiled pastry) filled with jam and sour cream. Don't forget to order a home-made beer.

La Mama Restaurant is a popular restaurant in Bucharest, serving mostly traditional Romanian dishes. The menu usually includes soup, meat dishes, appetizers and desserts. The interior of the restaurant generally reflects the traditional Romanian style. The food is delicious and the service is very good.

You can enjoy wine and cheese tasting at Abel's Wine Bar, a perfect place to experience some of the best Romanian wines with different types of cheese.

Hard Rock Cafe,

It is located in a natural setting near Herăstrău Park, one of the largest parks in Bucharest. Hard Rock Cafe Bucharest has an extensive menu inspired by classic American cuisine. Burgers, steaks, salads and various snacks are available, as well as a wide selection of beverages. The restaurant, like Hard Rock Cafe branches around the world, displays original musical instruments, costumes and other memorabilia belonging to famous musicians on its walls. The venue also hosts live music performances. Both local and international artists perform here, offering music lovers an enjoyable experience.