Bucharest is a political administrative, economic and cultural centre; with material vestiges from Palaeolithic Age and documentary attestation from 1459, September 20. Bucharest, the most important urban centre of Romania (with a population six times larger than that of the second largest town Iasi), is not only a tourist spot of prime importance but also a gateway and starting point for tourist destinations across the country.  The larger parks and lakes which lend a distinct note to this "gardencity" are joined by points of attraction in its immediate proximity: the Snagov forest and lake (including the renowned monastery lying on the isle in the midst of the lake, where ruling Prince Vlad the Impaler is thought to have been buried), Mogosoaia - with the Palace of Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, the Pustnicu Forest, the picturesque monasteries of Cernica and Pasarea, the Baneasa Woods (with the largest zoological garden of Romania being located there), the Caldarusani Lake and Monastery (which was founded by ruling Prince Matei Basarab). The open-air Village Museum (the second most important in Europe after the one in Stockholm), the Romanian Peasant Museum, the Museum of National History or the 16th-17th churches in Bucharest should not be missed by any tourist. Lovers of contemporary art can admire and even buy at the art galleries in the centre of the city paintings by contemporary artists who have already made a name for themselves or by young talents.

 

The Romanian Athenaeum (19th cent.)

Palace of the Parliament