Bucharest Old Town, Historic center with cobblestone streets in Bucharest, Romania
Bucharest Old Town is a historic center featuring narrow cobblestone streets lined with 19th-century buildings displaying neoclassical and neo-baroque details. The quarter contains churches, former merchant residences, and commercial structures that define its character.
This district emerged in the 15th century as a merchant and craftsman hub around the Princely Court, which served as the residence of Wallachian rulers for 400 years. Its early role as an economic and political center shaped the area's development.
Street names trace back to the medieval guild system: Blanari housed furriers, Selari was home to saddlemakers, and Bacani belonged to spice merchants. These names shape the character of the area and reflect the trades that once thrived here.
Access to the Old Town is easiest through metro stations at Piata Unirii or Universitate, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops open throughout the day. Walking through the narrow streets is the best way to explore, and there are many spots to stop and rest.
Beneath the streets lies a network of vaulted cellars and caves from former inns, running about 3.30 meters (11 feet) below the current street level. This underground world is a hidden part of the area's history, revealing how commerce once operated here.
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