Bucharest Attractions

Parliament of Palace building, Bucharest

Palace of Parliament

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.

Address: Bulevardul Unirii; Telephone: (0)21 311 3611 (reservations); E-mail: cic@cdep.ro; Website: www.cdep.ro/cic; Transport: Metro Izyor or Unirii, or bus 136 or 385; Opening time: Daily 10am to 4pm; Admission: 20 L (foreign adults). Other concessions are available. Cameras and video recorders: 30 L

19th-century house, Village Museum, Bucharest

The Village Museum

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.

Address: Kiseleff Road 28-30; Telephone: (0)21 317 9110; E-mail: muzeulsatului@xnet.ro; Transport: Metro Aviatorilor, or bus 331 or 131 to Herastrau Parc; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm in summer (1 May to 15 November) and Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm in winter (1 November to 1 May); Admission: 6 L (adults), 3 L (students and children)

Stavropoleos Church, Bucharest

Stavropoleos Church

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.

Address: Strada Stavropoleos; Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 6pm

National History Museum

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.

Address: Calea Victoriei 12; Telephone: (0)21 315 8207; E-mail: direct@mnir.ro; Website: www.mnir.ro; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm; closed Mondays; Admission: 7 L; concessions available