The Most Beautiful Buildings in Bucharest
Bucharest has a fantastic mix of architectural styles, which together create a unique cityscape. Discover our guide to some of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest, from old villas to hotels and the occasional palace.
1. Casa Costa-Foru
The Costa-Foru house is one of the latest additions to the list of Bucharest’s historic villas to open for the public. Built by the journalist son of a former Romanian prime minister, it was home to his 10 children before being passed on to their offspring. Today the house preserves its original features and still breathes the atmosphere and charm of old Bucharest, which makes it a great venue for concerts, readings by some of the most prominent Romanian writers, and more.
Aleea Dealul Mitropoliei 7, București
2. Casa Melik
Building, Museum
3. Spitalul Colțea
Building, Historical Landmark
4. Domnița Bălașa
Domnița Bălașa is arguably one of the most beautiful churches in Bucharest. Built by the heir of an illustrious noble Romanian family, the sixth daughter of ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu, it boasts several unique features. Its stained glass windows, made in Germany, the paintings by Austrian artists and the Viennese chandelier are practically nonexistent in other Christian Orthodos churches. Also, remarkably, no funeral mass was ever held here.
Strada Sfinții Apostoli 60, București 040091, +40 21 335 4789
5. Centrul Ordinului Augustinian al Asumptionistilor
Building
This imposing Neo-Gothic building was built in the 1930s for the Congregation of Augustinians of the Assumption. After being seized by the Communist authorities, it was returned to the order and beautifully restored to its former glory.
Intrarea Christian Tell, nr. 18B
6. Muzeul George Enescu
Museum
7. Ateneul Roman
One of Bucharest’s main architectural landmarks, The Romanian Atheneum is home to the city’s philharmonic and the main concert venue for classical music. With a richly adorned interior featuring a 75 meter long fresco inspired by Romanian history (hidden by a layer of red velvet during Communism) and a stunning ceiling, it is one of the city’s must visit buildings.
Strada Benjamin Franklin 1-3, București 030167, +40 21 315 2567
8. Palatul Kretzulescu
Building, Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
9. Hotel Cișmigiu
Hotel
10. Muzeul de Arta Frederic and Cecilia Cuțescu-Storck
Museum
11. Palatul Parlamentului
Not more than a concrete monster in the eyes of many, this entry is likely to raise an eyebrow. However, there is something compelling about the stark beauty of this uneasy reminder of Romania’s Communist past. The brainchild of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Palace of Parliament features 1,100 rooms spread over twelve floors and fifteen underground levels. So big it can be seen from space, it was designed by a 28-year-old woman, architect Anca Petrescu.
Strada Izvor 2-4, București, +40 21 316 0300
12. The Ark
Building, Concert Hall
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