Romania has a fascinating history and it plays outs in the architecture. In particular, here in Bucharest, you can find influences of the French, Germans and Spanish. Very few, if any, of the buildings pre-date the Great Fire of Bucharest, which burned most of the city in the late 1840s. Most of those structures were made of wood, so they were quickly consumed by the flames. Since then, though, a number of gorgeous structures were built — often out of stone and more substantial materials — that remain. You will also find lots of Communist-era concrete residential blocks, which weren’t attractive enough to merit photos.
Clockwise from the top: The view of Biserica Baratia from my AirBnB; Biserica Cretulescu near Piata Revolutiei; one of many historic structures with the glass canopy over the front door; inside an Orthodox church in the Armenian neighborhood; the former US Embassy; Ateneul Roman; Curtea de apel Bucarest (Romanian Court of Appeal).
Outside the modern National Theater, this public art project commemorates one of Romania’s most notable playwrights, Ion Luca Caragiale. It represents actors on a rolling stage. In the background, the buildings from the University of Bucharest display the French architectural influence.
An example of the Neo-Romanian style of architecture that was popular until the Communist government came to power.
Even the influence of Gaudy can be seen in this private home restored by a wealthy Romanian architect.
This city is full of beautiful courtyards and gardens, which makes exploring on foot an enjoyable trip that turns up a new surprise around each corner.
And when you get tired, you just stop and have a drink.
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