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Bucharest Maps & Attractions Guide
Bucharest maps & Attractions - Things to do
in Bucharest
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Bucharest
Attractions - Things to do
1. Palace of Parliament
Bulevardul Unirii
www.cdep.ro/cic |
What is it? Built by Communist Party leader, Nicolae
Ceausescu, the colossal Palace of Parliament is the second largest
building in the world after the Pentagon. It is an immense
structure that took 20,000 workers and 700 architects to build, and
cost billions. It has 12 storeys, 1,100 rooms, a 328 ft-long (100m)
lobby, and four underground levels including an enormous nuclear
bunker. Started in 1984, the dictator intended it to be the
headquarters of his Communist Government, but it was still
unfinished when he was executed in 1989. Today it houses the seat
of Romania's Parliament and is an international conference centre.
Widely viewed as a personification of his obsession with grandiose
things and actions, the construction entailed the demolition of a
quarter of Bucharest's historic centre, including 26 churches, and
the relocation of 40,000 inhabitants from their 19th-century homes
to new developments on the outskirts. Built and furnished
exclusively from Romanian materials, the building reflects the work
of the country's best artisans. A guided tour takes visitors
through a small section of dazzling rooms, huge halls and quarters
used by the Senate (when not in session). The interior is a
luxurious display of crystal chandeliers, mosaics, oak panelling
and marble, gold leaf and stained glass windows, and the floors are
covered in rich carpets. The largest room has a sliding roof wide
enough for a helicopter to enter. Tour guides delight in recounting
tales of the vast amounts of money that went to waste in decorating
and re-decorating its rooms.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 4pm
Phone:(0)21 311 3611 (reservations) |
2. The Village Museum
Kiseleff Road 28-30
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What is it? One of Bucharest's finest sights is the
Village Museum, situated within the Herastrau Park alongside a
lake. It is a fascinating outdoor museum with a collection that
spans more than 300 buildings representing the history and design
of Romania's rural architecture including peasant homes, barns,
wooden churches and Transylvanian houses from all regions of the
country to recreate a village setting. Traditionally dressed
peasant workers portray life during the 16th and 17th centuries
along with everyday tools and accessories. Traditional crafts are
also for sale around the site.
Hours of Operation: Daily 9am to 7pm, closing at 5pm
Mondays
Phone:(0)21 222 9106 |
3. Stavropoleos Church
Strada Stavropoleos
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What is it? The tiny but remarkable Stavropoleos Church
was built in 1724, designed by a Wallachian prince renowned for his
religious architectural accomplishments, and is one of the oldest
churches in Bucharest. Built using a combination of Romanian and
Byzantine architecture it has a beautiful façade and a delicately
carved columned entrance. Surrounded by a peaceful garden, it is an
architectural jewel, with beautiful frescoes and religious
icons.
Hours of Operation: Daily 8.30am to 6pm
Phone: |
4. National History Museum
Calea Victoriei 12
www.mnir.ro |
What is it? Housed in the former 1900 Post Office
building is one of Bucharest's most important museums, the National
History Museum. Spread throughout 41 rooms the exhibits recount the
country's development from prehistoric times to the 1920s. The
highlight is the basement National Treasury crammed with a dazzling
display of gold, jewellery and valuable Neolithic curios. It is the
biggest and best museum in the country and affords an excellent
opportunity to get to grips with the exciting history of
Romania.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays
Phone:(0)21 315 8207 |
Bucharest Holidays guide
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Transport -Public transport in the city is cheap and
generally reliable.
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