National Bank of Romania , Bucharest, Historic palace in Bucharest, Romania.
The old National Bank of Romania building is a palace mixing several architectural styles, featuring impressive columns and rich decorative details with statues representing Agriculture, Industry, and Justice. The structure displays refined details throughout its facades and interior spaces that reveal skilled craftsmanship and careful planning.
Construction of the palace started in 1883 during a period when Romania was building and modernizing its economic strength under King Carol I. The completion of the building marked a major milestone in Romania's development toward becoming a modern and established nation.
The building embodies Bucharest's dream in the late 19th century to become a European capital, showing in its design the preference for French and Western styles that were spreading throughout the city at that time. The facade and interior spaces tell the story of a moment when Romania wanted to present itself as a modern and prosperous nation.
The palace is located in central Bucharest and is easy to reach on foot, with plenty of space around it for exploring the exterior architecture. Plan time to view the facade and surroundings, especially in early morning or late afternoon when light reveals the details more clearly.
The palace was the site of a dramatic action in 1916 when the state transported the bank's valuable holdings to Russia to protect them from military threats. This moved treasure, known as the Romanian Treasure, never fully returned to its original home and became a remarkable episode in the nation's history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
