Bucharest Old Town: A day in the city!
What would you do if you had a full day just for yourself to walk through Bucharest Old Town? What route would you choose?
Probably one long enough as a distance, including a number of parks in several areas of the capital. Would you pick more or less tourist attractions? but to satisfy your appetite, to view, to admired and dream with open eyes…
Well, we suggest this time, that you spend one day in the historical center of Bucharest. The perimeter is not very big, but it awaits you with plenty of interesting places and stories. If you have time to listen to them that is…
Here’s what you can do in Bucharest if you want to spend a day in the historic center:
First stop: Manuc’s Inn
Beyond the internationally renowned café where you’ve stopped, you probably have a go-to-go coffee to meet Manuc’s Inn. This was the meeting place of the old-timers, poets, and politicians of the beginning of the 19th century. After more than two centuries, the inn has changed, but still retains something of the atmosphere that has consecrated it. The architecture of the place is marked by arches and wooden towers, and wrought iron ornaments. You will love the traditional dishes and the wines preserved in the cellar. In the past, Manuc’s Inn had 15 cellars, 23 rooms on the ground floor and more than 100 upstairs.
Old Court – The Voivodal Palace
Leave behind the stories of travelers at the inn and go to the Old Court. This is where the ruins of the Voivodal Palace are. It is interesting to see, in the middle of a modern Bucharest the ruins of the first reigned courtyard. It was built at the end of the 14th century, in the time of the ruler Mircea the Elder. More interesting is the fact that the first Romanian writings appeared here and many important events of this country took place here.
Starting with the fifteenth century the fortress was subjected to consolidation works several times. But after the fire that devastated Bucharest (in 1718) and the powerful earthquake in the next 20 years, the Old Court was closed. You can visit the town’s cellars, some of the walls and the ruins of the former Turkish bath. You can also have a look in the worship center next to it – the Old Court Church.
Streets with cafes and restaurants
From Old Court, go to French Street and then to Smardan street. Here you can actually see the Little Paris. I mean the dozens of cafes with blooming terraces and a spoonful of spoonfuls chewing in the backyards. Terraces are waiting for their clients to cool their breath with a pint of beer. Restaurants serve the most delicious dishes here. Everything is surrounded by marble statues or souvenirs shops good to turn into memories.
All the maze-like streets of the historical center (Lipscani, Gabroveni, Blanari, Covaci, Doamnei) will show you another Bucharest. You will find something old and new that you will immediately fall in love with. The old buildings (mostly renovated), modern cafes and people of all kinds are a joyful view. The historic center is definitely an area of contrasts with a special charm.
The National Bank of Romania
On Lipscani street you will find one of the symbolic buildings of the capital: the National Bank of Romania. The palace built between 1884 and 1890 by architects Cassien Bernard and Albert Galleron. Thus is one of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest . The Bank Palace was built on the site of the former Han Serban Voda. Some of the ruins of the former inn can be seen today in front of the palace covered with a glass roof.
Carturesti Library
Located on Lipscani Street, number 55, the bookstore is run on six levels. Carousel library is an amazing place, providing space for reading and socializing. The elegant 19th-century edifice was in possession of the famous family of Chrissoveloni bankers in 1903. During the communist era it was confiscated and turned into the Family store. After 1990, the real estate was recovered and rehabilitated by the current owner, Mr. Jean Chrissoveloni. Now it comes to life through an innovative, but careful look at the historic substance.
Caru cu Bere
A visit to the historic center can not be completed without a stop at Caru cu Bere. The famous brewery was inaugurated in 1879. Today it is transformed into a renowned restaurant. Whether you stop at Caru with Beer to get your soul up and cool with a malt drink, or get some delicious food, you will not regret your choice. Caru cu Bere is a true historical monument! Here you feel you can spend hours in a row only by looking around. It is built in a neo-gothic style by architects Zigfrid Z. Kofczinski and Al. Pesch. It is impeccably decorated with paintings, stained glass, carved paneling and mosaics.
Stavropoleos Monastery
You can end the one-day visit through the historic center of the capital with a spiritual visit by the Stavropoleos Monastery. You will find it right next to the beer carriage. It is small in size but hides a real wealth of frescoes and a superb interior courtyard. This is the perfect place for a break after a one-day walk. Initially, the monastery was erected by archimandrite Ioanichie in 1724. Back then it included an inn as well. In 1897, however, other buildings were erected according to the plans of the architect Ion Mincu. The Monastery is still used today.
And here just some more pictures of beautiful Bucharest to have you come over and see it for yourself!
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