Palace of the Parliament, Parliament building in Bucharest, Romania
The Palace of the Parliament is a neoclassical building in Bucharest measuring 270 m in length, 240 m in width, and 84 m in height. The construction uses marble and crystal extensively, with columns and chandeliers distributed throughout its chambers.
Construction began in 1984 during Nicolae Ceaușescu's rule and led to the destruction of an entire neighborhood. Work continued after the regime ended in 1989 and carried on through the following decades.
The building received its current name in 1994, having previously been known as the House of the People. Visitors today see parliamentary sessions held in halls decorated with elaborate wood carvings and heavy drapery crafted by local artisans.
Guided tours must be booked in advance and visitors need a valid identification document for entrance control. The visits cover selected areas while photography requires a separate permit.
The foundation requires continuous monitoring as the weight of materials can cause ground movement. The structure consumes as much energy as a small town, which is why many areas remain unused.
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