During my working visit to Bucharest, I had the pleasure of taking some free time to stroll through the old town. Even though I was there for work, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and history of the Romanian capital.
The first stop on my walk was the Central University Library "Carol I". This impressive building impresses with its architecture and historical significance. Founded in 1859, it is one of the largest and most important libraries in Romania. It houses over 6 million books and documents, making it a real treasure trove for lovers of literature and science.
After continuing my walk, I reached the Boteanu Church. This Orthodox church is famous for its beautiful frescoes and iconostasis.
One of the most impressive buildings I saw was the Romanian Athenaeum - the Philharmonic Concert Hall. This magnificent, domed, circular building is a symbol of musical art in Romania. The richly decorated interior and the acoustics of the hall are simply incredible. It is no coincidence that numerous concerts and cultural events are held here.
The Romanian Athenaeum is one of the most iconic buildings in Bucharest and a symbol of the country's musical art. Built in 1888, it was designed by the French architect Albert Gautier de la Forest. The building is an example of the neoclassical style and was inspired by ancient Roman temples.
The Athenaeum is a majestic building with a dome topped by a bronze eagle holding a laurel branch. The facade is decorated with columns and statues that emphasize its classical appearance. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with rich ornamentation and decorations, including marble floors and walls, gilded elements and crystal chandeliers.
Many significant musical events have been held here, including concerts by world-famous musicians and composers. One of the most famous concerts was conducted by George Enescu, one of the greatest Romanian composers and conductors, after whom the Philharmonic itself bears his name.
Today, this building continues to be an active center for musical and cultural events. In addition to concerts, various festivals, lectures, and educational programs are organized here. The building is also a popular tourist attraction and often hosts international conferences and ceremonies.
The next sight was a small palace that attracted me with its Christmas decorations. It is located on Cristian Tel Street 9 and was built a century ago. The building has 28 rooms and covers an area of 1400 sq. m. Locals told me an interesting story. This palace belonged to Maria Mihaescu, known as Mitsa Biciclesta. She was the first woman to ride a bicycle on the streets of Bucharest after World War I. Journalist George Ranetti gave her the nickname "Mitsa Biciclesta" when he saw her on a bicycle in 1898. According to urban legends, she captured the heart of the Romanian King Ferdinand and thus received the house, which was then valued at 4 million lei.
Finally, my walk ended in front of the Palace of Deposits and Consignments. This building is also an important part of Bucharest's cultural heritage and offers a unique atmosphere that is worth seeing.
My working visit to Bucharest was enriched by these wonderful moments of discovery and getting to know the city. I saw many interesting places and learned many new things about the history and culture of Romania. If you have a trip to Romania, do not miss to visit these places.
