Focus on a city : Bucharest - Romania

In Romanian, bucur means "joy", and many Romanian writers call Bucharest "the city of joy". With this article, you will enjoy your trip over there and know what you should visit.

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Short presentation

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a fascinating city in the south of the country. With an area of almost 228 km², it is Romania's largest city. With a population of around 1.8 million, it is the most densely populated city in the country. Nestled on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, the city offers a unique blend of historical heritage and modernity.

Bucharest is famous for its contrasting architecture, blending well-preserved historic buildings such as the Palace of Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, with a thriving contemporary art scene. The city has six administrative districts, each with its own unique character and attractions.

In geopolitical terms, Bucharest plays an essential role as Romania's political, economic and cultural capital. It is the country's nerve center, home to government institutions, major corporate headquarters and numerous foreign embassies.

The city also boasts a rich history, with traces of its past dating back to antiquity. It has been influenced by a variety of cultures, including the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire, and this is reflected in its architectural and cultural heritage.

Bucharest is also renowned for its lively nightlife, verdant parks, diverse museums and delicious cuisine, offering a mix of local and international flavors. The city is a cultural crossroads where you can discover the Romanian soul while enjoying the benefits of modern urban life.

In short, Bucharest is a dynamic, multicultural city, with a rich history, a major geopolitical influence in Romania, and a thriving arts and gastronomy scene that make it a must-visit destination in Eastern Europe.

Historical background

Bucharest has a rich history dating back several centuries. Here's an overview of its evolution through the ages:

Antiquity: The first traces of civilization in the Bucharest region date back to antiquity. The Dacians, an Indo-European people, were present in the region, followed by the Roman conquest in the 2nd century AD. Bucharest, then known as "Dâmbovița", was an important city in the Roman province of Dacia.

Middle Ages: After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was conquered by various powers, including the Byzantines and Bulgarians. In the 14th century, the Hungarians took control of the region and established a fortified market called "București", which means "jewel" in Romanian, in reference to its strategic location.

Ottoman domination: In the 15th century, Bucharest became an important city under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, the city prospered economically thanks to its role as a commercial crossroads.

French influence: In the 18th century, Bucharest came under French influence, particularly in its architecture and culture, thanks to the presence of French architects who contributed to the design of many emblematic buildings.

Romanian independence: In 1859, the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia united to form Romania, with Bucharest as its capital. In 1881, the city officially became the capital of the new Kingdom of Romania.

The Belle Époque: In the early 20th century, Bucharest enjoyed a period of prosperity and modernization, with many elegant buildings built in the image of the great European capitals.

Communism and contemporary period: During the Second World War, Bucharest was severely damaged, notably by Allied bombing in 1944. After the war, Romania fell under the Communist yoke, with years of dictatorship under Nicolae Ceaușescu, who transformed the city into a center of power and excess, symbolized by the gigantic Palace of Parliament.

After the 1989 revolution and the fall of communism, Bucharest entered a period of transition and modernization, seeking to regain its role as a dynamic European capital.

Today, Bucharest is a thriving city, harmoniously blending its rich historical heritage with modern urban life. It has become a major economic, cultural and political center in Eastern Europe, while preserving its unique charm and captivating history.

Must-see places

• Palace of Parliament

Also known as the People's Palace, this is one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. Its sumptuous interiors are well worth a visit.

• The Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum featuring traditional houses from all regions of Romania, offering a fascinating insight into Romanian culture.

• The National Museum of Romanian Art (Muzeul Național de Artă al României)

Houses an impressive collection of Romanian, European and Oriental art, including works by major artists.

• Old Town (Lipscani)

A picturesque district brimming with restaurants, bars, stores and well-preserved historic buildings, ideal for strolling.

• The Arc de Triomphe (Arcul de Triumf)

Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this arch is an emblematic monument of Bucharest.

• The Romanian Peasant Museum (Muzeul Țăranului Român)

This museum showcases Romanian folk art and culture, including traditional costumes and artifacts.

• Herastrau Park (Parcul Herăstrău)

A huge park with a lake where you can go boating, footpaths for walking, and plenty of green space to relax in.

• Holocaust Memorial (Memorialul Holocaustului)

A poignant tribute to the victims of the Holocaust in Romania.

• The National Museum of Romanian History (Muzeul Național de Istorie a României)

Featuring a vast collection of historical artifacts, ranging from antiquity to modern times.

• Stavropoleos Monastery (Mănăstirea Stavropoleos)

A small 18th-century Orthodox church with remarkable architecture and beautiful wooden decorations.

These sites will allow you to discover Bucharest's cultural diversity and fascinating history while enjoying its contemporary urban life.

Celebrities linked to Bucarest

• Eugène Ionesco

French playwright of Romanian origin, Ionesco is one of the founders of the theater of the absurd. His plays, such as "The Bald Cantatrice" and "Rhinoceros", revolutionized contemporary theater by challenging logic and human communication.

• Elie Wiesel

Writer, philosopher and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986 for his efforts to make the world aware of the horrors of the Holocaust. His writings, including "Night", are powerful testimonies to his experience.

• Nadia Comăneci

A world-renowned Romanian gymnast, Nadia Comăneci was the first gymnast to score a perfect 10 at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. She became a sporting icon and inspired many generations of gymnasts.

• Emil Cioran

Existentialist philosopher and writer, Cioran is known for his provocative literary works and reflections on pessimism. His book "Syllogismes de l'amertume" is one of his most famous works.

• George Enescu

World-renowned composer, violinist and conductor, George Enescu has left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music. His compositions, such as the "Romanian Rhapsodies", celebrate Romanian culture and are performed the world over.

These Bucharest-born personalities have made a significant impact in their respective fields, contributing to the city's international renown.

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