What is unquestionably Romania’s most famous building, Palatul Parlamentului (known universally as Casa Poporului) was built during the darkest days of the Nicolae Ceausescu regime. Standing 84m above ground level on 12 floors, the building has long been shrouded in mystery, rumour and hyperbole. Originally designed to house almost all the organs of the communist state, it today plays host to the Romanian parliament and a modern, well equipped conference centre, as well as Romania’s Museum of Contemporary Art. Much of the building, however, remains unused.
The public tour of the building is thoroughly recommended (it is the only way to see the building, in fact) though the commentary consists of little more than a bored guide reeling off endless superlative statistics. You’ll see plenty of grand staircases, marble-plated halls and conference rooms, while - depending on the mood of the guide - you may also have the chance to go on to the balcony, which offers the defining view of central Bucharest.
To join a tour, you need to use the entrance on the right-hand side of the palace (if you’re looking at it front-on). Izvor is probably the nearest metro station, but you’ll get a better view from Piata Unirii.
The public tour of the building is thoroughly recommended (it is the only way to see the building, in fact) though the commentary consists of little more than a bored guide reeling off endless superlative statistics. You’ll see plenty of grand staircases, marble-plated halls and conference rooms, while - depending on the mood of the guide - you may also have the chance to go on to the balcony, which offers the defining view of central Bucharest.
To join a tour, you need to use the entrance on the right-hand side of the palace (if you’re looking at it front-on). Izvor is probably the nearest metro station, but you’ll get a better view from Piata Unirii.
Admission 15.00 lei. An additional fee of 30.00 lei is payable by those with cameras.
Palatul Parlamentului comments
- Bob - Birmingham
This is the must-see place to visit in Bucharest - prepare to be wowed! Please note the entrance to the Palace is on the RIGHT looking at the front of the building (not the left as in the guide, which led us to walk all the way around it in 35 deg heat for 45 minutes!). You have to book a visit so go there the day before you want to visit or early the same day and get a ticket (we arrived at 11am and got in at 3). You are supposed to pay extra to take photos (which I did) but our guide didn't check the tickets and everyone was snapping away. Then get there a little early to make sure you are through the security check area before your tour (approx 1 hour). Also, it's abit confusing because the tours are quite regular but for different languages so make sure you get on the right one! If you don't come out amazed then I don't know what will do it for you.
July
2009