BLOG IN YOUR POCKET

The regime of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu was toppled exactly 20 years ago. Probably the most visible sign of Ceauşescu’s megalomania is Palatul Parlamentului, Parliament Palace – known universally as Casa Poporului, House of the People – which was unfinished at the time of his execution.

Palatul Parlamentului was built during the darkest days of the Nicolae Ceauşescu 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 Romanias Museum of Contemporary Art. Much of the building, however, remains unused.  Join the official tour of Romania’s most famous building with tour guide Raluca Mitu.

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.

For more about the key sites in Bucharest check out Bucharest In Your Pocket.