The Great Architecture of Bucharest - Lipscani

From elegant medieval palaces to baroque cottages and neo-classical houses, a tour of the architecture of Bucharest, Romania is a time travel through the architectural history of Europe. Few cities in the world offer a more diverse and eclectic collection of monuments and buildings...

From elegant medieval palaces to baroque cottages and neo-classical houses, a tour of the architecture of Bucharest, Romania is a time travel through the architectural history of Europe. Few cities in the world offer a more diverse and eclectic collection of monuments and buildings.

Much of this diversity is found in Bucharests historic Lipscani district, which for centuries was the cultural, political and commercial hub of Bucharest. Since 2008, many buildings here have gone through intense and detailed renovations restoring them to their original beauty, a beauty in no small part responsible for Bucharest being dubbed The Paris of the East.

Here, one can visit the ruins of Curtea Veche (the Old Court), a palace constructed in the 15th Century during the reign of Prince Vlad III Dracula, the inspiration for novelist Bram Stokers prototypical vampire. Once home to the Romanian nobility, Curtea Veche is now a popular museum and the most prominent symbol of Bucharests renewed dedication to the preservation of its cultural history.

Another architectural treasure found in Lipscani is the 18th Century Stravropoleos Church, an intimate and ornate house of worship. Eastern Orthodox services are still conducted here every Sunday, just as they have since its construction in 1724, the sounds of the Byzantine choir echoing through the ornately carved arches surrounding its small courtyard.

And what better way to experience the architectural history of Lipscani than by staying in its oldest operating inn? Far from a luxury hotel Bucharests Manuc's Inn, which has been sheltering travelers since the early 19th Century. Having gone through an extensive renovation in 2007, it offers the amenities one would expect from the luxury hotels Bucharest has recently become famous for, but with a charm that is pure Lipscani. Just as when it was first built, several stores surround Manucs Inn including a cake shop, a coffee shop and a bar where one can order wine from the inns extensive wine cellar. With its courtyard playing host to festivals, fairs and musical performances throughout the year there is always something to see or do just steps away from ones room.

High above the streets of Lipscani stands the iconic glass and steel dome of the Palatul CDC (CDC Palace), the first of the districts 20th Century landmarks. Originally constructed in 1900 to house the oldest bank in Romania, its columned facade is one of Bucharests most recognizable and photographed landmarks.