Description

On Calea Victoriei, near the Kretzulescu Church is the former Royal Palace, a building that impresses with its architecture and history.

At the beginning of the 19th century, near the Kretzulescu Church, the house of Dinicu Golescu was erected. This was to be the royal residence of Alexander Dimitrie Ghica (1834-1848), of Alexander Ioan Cuza, after the Union of 1859, and of Prince Carol I of Hohenzollern.
Carol I considered that a king needs a residence to the extent of his dignity. And so begins the transformation of the house into a royal palace.
King Carol I was a great art lover and a great collector, and the royal palace was like an exhibition, with works from various artists. The palace witnessed many historical and worldly events. In December 1926, the central body was destroyed by a terrible fire.
The restoration of the palace begins in 1930, which initially considered the extension of the reception halls and the harmonization of the facades of the three bodies. The team of architects responsible for the restoration is leaded by Nicolae Nenciulescu. The inauguration of the central body on January 1, 1935 is followed by the significant expansion and remodeling of the entire ensemble according to the wish and under the direct supervision of King Carol II.

The building, as it stands today, has monumental proportions. Its official character is underlined by the use of fluted columns, pilasters, Corinthian capitals – and by the quality of the material used for the facade cladding – stone of Bashchio.

Some of the most important areas of the building: the Throne Room, the monumental Voivodeship Staircase, the royal living room.