The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, translation of Palatul Parlamentului, is one of the largest and most emblematic buildings in Romania. Located in the heart of the capital, this architectural giant is not only the seat of the Romanian Parliament, but also boasts several peculiarities and curiosities. The best known is that it turns out to be the heaviest building in the worldbut it is also the most expensive administrative building in the world and the largest parliament ever.
Dimensions and architectural characteristics of the Palace
Wanting to report some numbers, to give an idea of the grandeur of this building even to those who have not visited it, we should say that:
- His weight is 4.1 million tons.
- There surface it is 350,000 square metres.
- His volume it is 2.55 million cubic meters, making it the third most “voluminous” building in the world.
- Has 12 floors and 8 underground floors, including an anti-atomic bunker.
The quantity of materials used is equally impressive. To complete the building the following were needed:
- 1 million cubic meters of marble.
- 3500 tons of crystal.
- 550,000 tons of cement.
- 200,000 square meters between carpet and rugs.
- 900,000 cubic meters of wood.
Such a high weight, however, also has negative implications. For example, it has been calculated that over 4 million tons make sink the building in the soil every year by 5-6 millimeters.
What is the history of the Bucharest Parliament?
But why is this structure so imposing? Its construction began in 1984, at the behest of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, who wanted it to be the seat and symbol of the political and cultural power of socialist Romania. The construction of the palace is part of the reorganization of the city after the violent earthquake of 1977.
The building was designed by architect Anca Victoria Petrescu, who headed a team of 700 architects. The planners had from 20,000 to 100,000 people at their disposal, depending on the moment. The palace is actually also very controversial, as there were many demolitions in the center of Bucharest to make room for the palace, but the dictator also had to put the country heavily in debt. Doing some calculations, it is thought that – adjusting the sum to inflation – the construction cost was 4 billion euros.
What is in the Palace today?
The Palace today houses the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the nation, with the related offices necessary for their functioning. Furthermore, since 2004 part of the building has also housed the National Museum of Contemporary Art. To access the palace, it is necessary reserve in advance a guided tour, available in both Romanian and English. Guided tours offer the opportunity to explore the majestic rooms, endless corridors and impressive decorated halls that define the interior of the palace.
The entrance ticket price it is around 12 euros for adults, 6 for students and 3 for children and teenagers. It can be reached via the bus stop Izvor metroon metro lines 1 and 3.
Things to see around the Parliament
This immense building, the heaviest in the world, is located in a very central area of the city. In the surrounding area, so you can see some of the main attractions of Bucharest:
- Victory Avenue: this historic avenue, the city’s main one, is famous for its elegant buildings and luxury boutiques.
- Stavropoleos Church: one of the most beautiful and oldest churches in Bucharest, known for its charming internal courtyard and frescoes.
- Izvor Park: right next to the Parliament Building is Izvor Park, a green space ideal for relaxing, taking a walk or sheltering from the sun.
- Romanian University: a beautiful concert hall with a neoclassical architectural style.
- Arch of Triumph: about 5 kilometers away is one of the most famous Arches of Triumph in Europe.
