Bucharest
Bucharest was once called “The Little Paris” – this was the nick-name of the Capital of Romania before communist period in the 20th century. Bucharest was first mentioned more than 550 years ago, in 1459. Name “Bucharest” comes from a shepard called Bucur who was herding his sheep in the area.
Capital of Romania had it’s best period during the times when Romania was a monarchy, from 1866 until 1947. Public buildings were raised, Palaces for the magnates of those times, Parks and Gardens were administrated, Large Boulevards were designed by the Parisian model. However, the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu demolished one-third of the graceful capital in order to bring to life the vision of a North Korean inspiration.
In recent times, The Old Part of the City was restored and now it’s the heart of the Capital – full with teraces, bars, pubs and night clubs. In the evening, the place explodes with thoundsands of people wanting to have a great time in the old city.
Main attractions in Bucharest:
PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT
This building is the second biggest building in the world, after Pentagon from United States. It was built by the Romanian people at the direct order of the dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu. Many lifes were lost durring the construction of the Palace, wtich cost 4 bilions US Dollars.
Now, The Senate, The Chamber of Deputies, the Constitutional Court, the Contemporary Art Museum and numerous other institutions were installed there.
REVOLUTION SQUARE
Just like the University Square, the Revolution Square from Bucharest is the place where people fought and died for freedom. In this square, from the balcony of the former Central Committee, before running off with the helicopter, Nicolae Ceausescu was addressing for the last time in front of thousands of people who had come to protest. Many Romanians were killed in the chaotic fights from December 1989 and the walls of the buildings around the square are still bearing today the traces of the bullets.
CARU’ CU BERE RESTAURANT
It is the best known restaurant in Bucharest. It was opened in 1879 in the old Zlătari Inn and, after 20 years, it was moved to Stavropoleos Street. It is among those places where it seems that nothing has changed. The wall paintings, the stained glass and the sculpted handrails are distinctive elements of the brewery. The spirit of the parties from ancient times is present even today, the atmosphere recalling the exuberance of Bucharest since the beginning of the twentieth century.
STAVROPOLEOS MONASTERY
This precious monastery is located in the very heart of Bucharest a few steps by the National Bank and by the Savings Bank (CEC), and it was raised in 1724. "Stavropoleos " is the Romanian form of the Greek word "Stauropolis", which is translated as "The Cross City".
VILLAGE MUSEUM
The Village Museum is a collection of traditional old houses and churches from all over Romania. It was opened to the public, on May 17th 1936. The oldest house which can be admired at the Village Museum was built in the 17th century. For the construction of the Village Museum, the houses were disassembled piece by piece, transported by train, boat, or cart up in Bucharest where they were assembled in place.
ROMANIAN ATHENAEUM
It is one of the most representatives buildings in Bucharest. "Give one Leu for the Athenaeum" is an expression very well known by the Romanians. They were asked by the authorities to donate one Leu each for the construction of the building. The building was inaugurated in 1888.
