The Parliament Palace in Romania

Bucharest is a fascinating place that dances between Cold War era nostalgia and the complexities facing every modern city. One of the most interesting buildings by far is the Palace of Parliament. Located in Sector 5, it was formerly called the House of the Republic.

Why visit the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest?

First off, the Romanian Palace of Parliament is huge. And when you approach the building, it is ridiculously impressive. The complex appears to stretch on forever. And, fun fact, it is the heaviest building on the planet.

Here’s what visiting the Palace of the Parliament is actually like

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Make sure you book your ticket online ahead of time and don’t be late for your tour. This is one of the best places to visit in Bucharest that fills up quickly. And, officials prohibit you from wandering around the building unescorted.

Additionally, walking inside the building is pretty much like going through airport security. And, don’t be surprised if you are asked to part with your passport for the duration of the tour. Don’t worry, you will get it back when you leave.

Here’s what you can expect to see

The opulence in every room is mind boggling. The chandelier in the theatre, yes the theatre, of the Palace of Parliament is spectacular. The only thing I kept thinking is, who has to clean all the lightbulbs?

Built by a team of more than 700 architects, former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu commissioned the structure. The neoclassical architecture is a tribute to totalitarian modernism.

The most surprising thing I learned…

Ruport Murdoch tried to purchase the Romanian Palace of Parliament in the 1990s. Ultimately, his offer was rejected, but I still found it interesting. I wondered if he wanted to shift his base of operations to Romania for tax breaks. But, the deal never materialized. Still, I think watching his succession obsessed family fettering about the building would have been comical.

Overall

The tours do not last all that long, but exploring the Palace of Parliament is definitely worth your time. It’s a bit like walking through a Cold War time capsule.