Palaces in Bucharest, Bucharest

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The Palace of Justice was built between 1890-1895 in French Renaissance style. It was designed by the French architect Albert Ballu and the interiors were finished by Ion Mincu. The main facade has six pillars and a series of law themed statues bearing names like “Law”, “Justice”, “Truth” etc. created by the sculptor Karl Stork. Because it was built on fragile ground on the banks of river Dâmbovita, the building has been again and again damaged by earthquakes and had to be consolidated many times. The last major restoration took place between the years 2003 and 2006. It is a wonder that the building escaped the Civic Center demolitions during Ceausescu’s regime.

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This is a must see if you are in town. If you have time to visit just one place in Bucharest, make Cotroceni Palace the place! Make sure you have your passport with you, the security is tight here. Last time I was in Bucharest and visited the place, the admission entrance was about $7. It is closed on Monday. You are not allowed to take pictures inside, but you can take as many as you want outside :)

The palace is the official residence of the president. It was built by Carol I in the late 19th century. It has undergone many transformations since the initial designs were executed: During Ceausescu's dictatorship it was used as the "Pioneer's Palace," where young leaders were schooled in the ways of Communism, and -- after the devastating earthquake of 1977 -- restored as a guesthouse, although it never served this function.
You will pass through a host of reception rooms, sleeping quarters, and private chambers, each styled to a particular theme: the German New Renaissance dining room, private dining quarters of Carol I in Florentine style; Oriental painting room used by Queen Marie and her children; the hunting room which showcases trophies hunted by King Ferdinand, as well as bearskin rugs hunted by Ceausescu.

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Construction started in 1905 and ended in 1911, with owner Dumitru Marinescu meaning the building to host a Palace of Culture for the employees of his beer brewery (Bragadiru Brewery). As he had grown up in poverty, he wanted to provide entertainment and fun for his employees. The palace consists of a wide, elegant ballroom, a library, shops on the ground floor, as well as a fine backyard. In 1948, the communist regime confiscated the property, and renamed it Lenin Culture House. The descendants of Marinescu got the building back in 2003. The building lies to the back of a still unfinished building which was meant for the Romanian Academy in 1989. It is not open for visitors, it is usually rented for weddings, parties and corporate events.

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This building used to host the Ministry of Public Works. It was built between 1906-1910, after the plans drawn by Architect Petre Antonescu. This is a fine sample of neo-Romanian style, very frequent in Bucharest at the beginning of the 20th century. Observe the interesting columns and window frame decorations, as well as the side and back facades.

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The palace was raised by Voyevode Barbu Stirbei and it has a facade featuring many classical Greek elements. It was raised between 1833-1835, following the plans designed by Architect Michel Sanjouand. It was restored and a new wind was added in 1881; a tower was also added during the process. The building used to host the Museum of Porcelain and Glass (until 1990).

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This is one of the few Neogothic buildings in Bucharest. Its building was started by Belgian Cesar Liebrecht, Director of the Post Office during the rule of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza. The house was accomplished by Family Filipescu and it was designed by Architect Michel Sanjouin. It lies on Dionisie Lupu Street.

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Richly decorated in Renaissance style, this building hosts a fine, quiet inner garden. There is a fountain hosted in a niche of the building; in the same spot there is a bronze statue depicting an antic deity. The palace used to belong to Dacia Insurance Company and it was raised on the place of the former Filipescu Inn. During his time as an employee of "Timpul" newspaper, Poet Mihai Eminescu worked here for 2 years (1877-1879).

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The palace was set in French Baroque style with Art Nouveau elements (1910), following Architect Berindei's plans. It was built by George Grigore Cantacuzino (1833-1913), also known as the Nabab – one of the richest men in Romania ever. After Grigore died, the building was inherited by his son, Mihai, once this one also died, by the latter's wife, Maruca. Maruca re-married in 1939, becoming the wife of George Enescu, Romania's greatest composer. Just before WW2, the building hosted the Council of Ministers. After the war, in 1956, it was turned into George Enescu Museum. The museum gathers documents and pictures referring to the composer’s life and work. Among other exhibits, there also is the violin the composer received as a present when he turned 4 year old.

On the first floor the balconies are guarded by great forged iron decorations, while the entrance is bordered by two lions. There are regular classical music concerts hosted by the palace (many of them being organized by the Polish Cultural Institute), and this is a good time to visit the building (for otherwise, the main hall of the palace is not included in the regular museum visit).

The museum is open between 10.00 and 17.00, closed on Mondays.