Domnita Balasa Church
by Andraf
One of the churches located around Union Square (Piata Unirii) that survived Ceausescu's plan for creating the Civic Center is Princess Balasa Church (Biserica Domnita Balasa). Instead, this church had a bit of bad luck in terms of natural elements. The first church on this site was a wooden one built in 1774 but it burned down and was replaced by a stone structure in 1751. The second church was damaged during an earthquake and had to be replaced by a third structure build between 1838-1842. At its turn, this building was damaged by floods and replaced by a fourth church between 1881-1885. This is the ocre striped church that we see today. The current church had to be repaired again after each of the two major 20C earthquakes (1940 and 1977). This is one of the most popular places for weddings in Bucharest and if you come here on Saturdays and Sundays, you are almost certain to see a wedding taking place. The church is located off Piata Unirii and Splaiul Independentei behind the blocks of apartments bordering Unirii Square, and faces the side of the Justice Palace. Princess Balasa Church is named after Wallachia's ruler Brancoveanu's sixth daughter. Her statue stands in the small garden that surrounds the church.
Easter Painted eggs
by draguza
One of the most beautiful Romanian Easter traditions is painted eggs. The shells of hard-boiled eggs are dyed in colourful patterns, with a rich red the prevailing colour. They are often decorated with folk motifs. Designs are made with an implement called a condei or chisita - a small cartridge filled with paint with a sharp point on the end. There are a myriad of motifs used on painted eggs. The most popular ones are the cross, the star, the sun, the wave, the zigzags, and stylised flowers. Sometimes motifs are applied using natural leaves. Traditionally, it's the women who paint Easter eggs, and they have to do it on the Thursday before Easter.
Religious Art and Music
by Romanian_Bat about Souvernir Shops in Bucharest
For interesting religious books and CDs with excellent religious music (especially the choirs), as well as for some typical artifacts, I would recommend the Librarie Bizantina on Regina Maria Avenue, on the crossing with 11 Iunie Street (close to Unirea Square). For religious books, Vasiliada (on Bratianu Avenue, across the street from Sfantu Gheorghe Nou Church, as well as on Calea Victoriei, across the street from Cantacuzino Palace), or Libraria Sophia (on Bibescu Voda Street just off Unirea Square) are recommended. Many of the churches in the city centre also have small stands selling artifacts and great religious music CDs. There is also a fine religious items store on 45 Calea Victoriei, next to Cretulescu Church and the Royal Palace.
Amsterdam Cafè
by draguza about Amsterdam Cafè
Located in the heart of old Bucharest, the venue is an every day promise of getting pleasure from favourite dishes, fine drinks and cosmopolite atmosphere. Also, Amsterdam is the invitation for doing business and impressing partners with classy lunches or dinners.
With the original combination of a café, restaurant and club, the 3-storried Amsterdam Grand Café got an intense inner life that inspires any event hosted here. From art exhibitions to quality DJ or live jazz shows, from black tie business mixers to casual meetings or private birthday parties, there is always something in the air that grabs the guests. Informal
To/From Airport
by josephescu
The International airport is ~16km north of the city centre, and there's no train or subway link to the city.
For a ride downtown, you can either take a taxi (FLY TAXI only, see my previous tips why), or rely on public transport.
Express Line 783 has its stop one level below the international arrivals terminal and is scheduled every 15 minutes on weekdays and every half hour during weekends, from 5,30AM to 23,00 PM.
783 Route map & stops: Airport - P-ta Presei Libere - Sos. Kiseleff - P-ta Victoriei (subway to Gara de Nord) - Bd. Lascar Catargiu - P-ta Romana - Bd. Magheru - Universitate - Unirii
A taxi downtown costs 50-70 lei, and a ride with bus 783 just 5 lei.
a special note – first time in 10 years I missed a plane. This happened a few weeks ago because of an incredible traffic jam on the way to the airport – Saturday at noon, over 1 hour for less than 4 km, between the triumphant arch and Baneasa.
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New National Library, Bucharest
Bulevardul Unirii, Bucuresti
Andreea
EU head sculptures, Herastrau Park
