Cotroceni Palace, part of the Cotroceni National Museum, is nowadays used as the residence of the President of Romania (at this time Traian Basescu), being one of the most beautiful place in Bucharest, although it is rather difficult to visit it. The Cotroceni Palace, the church and the monastery form an interesting ensemble, a retrospective and testimony of the last three centuries of history, in all of it's aspects.
It is a splendid example of Romanian traditional architecture, and it is no small wonder that some of those who have seen it speak of it as the Louvre of Bucharest, for many being the heart of the city. It is certainly a beautiful and impressive creation, a massive complex which is worth visiting. At first, today's Cotroceni Palace was a monastery for nuns, built in 1679 by Serban Cantacuzino, who wanted to have such a place in Bucharest, under the protection of the ruler. Unfortunatelly, today we have very little from the old church of the monastery - mainly the cellar and the kitchens - as it was demolished in 1984, following the direct order of Nicolae Ceausescu.
Many of some of the most important Romanian historical personalities have lived or at least visited the Cotroceni Complex, such as Tudor Vladimirescu or Alexandru Ioan Cuza, who wanted to enjoy the peace and beauty of the monastery. Today's palace in the work f King Carol I, who wanted to replace to old buildings with a modern palace, worthy of the royal family of Romania. The building of the palace, destined to be left for Ferdinand I and his wife, Maria, began in 1893, under the guidance of the French architect Paul Gottereau. Carol wanted to have here both a palace good enough for a king and a symbol of his reign's richness and power. The basic idea was at the same time ambitious and new : each room of the palace was due to be decorated in a different style. Therefore, one could find a Hallway of Honour in a French neoclassical manner, a Hunting Saloon in the Italian Neo-Renaissance style or a German livingroom. Every place had the decorations, furniture and accessories to match, as well as beautiful works of art, turning the palace into a living museum. On the second floor the "royal" history of the Cotroceni Palace can be discovered today by visiting the apartaments of the royal family. The history of the Cotroceni Palace is mostly linked to Ferdinand, the second king of Romania, who lived here for a long time and left his mark on the complex.
Now, besides being the residence of the Romanian presidency, the Cotroceni Palace is a beautiful museum, although few visitors come here, for it is rather difficult : you have to make an appointement, you have to follow many strict rules. But is isn't much ado about nothing. You have many things to see here, mainly art and architectural achievements, and all of these will make you visit worthwhile.
Photo : itcnet.ro
2007-11-27
