The irreplaceable charm of Bucharest still persists on the streets that represented, not long ago, the limits of the metropolis that now bears the name of capital. More than 500 years ago, this was the starting point for what was to become the expansion of Bucharest. In addition to the impeccable architecture, the Old Center of Bucharest is the place of countless events, which were later laid out in story pages.
History and presentation
The Old Center of Bucharest, also known as the Historic Center, is a space that abounds in culture and history. Most of the buildings erected on this surface have crossed centuries, later transforming into restaurants, museums or headquarters of public institutions.
Some of the buildings with the longest history were built in the early 15th century. Among them is the Royal Court, whose ruins are well preserved.
The 1800s marked a new development of the Old Center, with the advent of shops. Later, they were improved by the erection of countless sumptuous buildings, built since the beginning of the twentieth century. Many of them retain the bourgeois air, strongly predominant in the city in the interwar period.
Since 2010, the Old Center of Bucharest is included in the List of historical monuments of Bucharest. Due to its location, it also includes a part of the Civic Center, where you can visit the Old Court, the Stavropoleos church, Manuc's Inn and many other buildings that fall into the category of historical monuments.
Romania's zero kilometer is officially located in Sfântul Gheorghe-Nou Church Square, located right in the Historic Center. Also here you will be able to relax in the green space found in Sfântul Gheorghe Park, you will be able to walk in Colțea Park or you will be able to dine at any of the restaurants in the area.
Geographical delimitation
Even if today it is one of the main tourist attractions, the Historic Center of Bucharest covers an area of only 0.50 km². It is delimited by the following streets and arteries of the capital:
• In the North - Regina Elisabeta Boulevard and Carol I Boulevard;
• In the South - Corneliu Coposu Boulevard, Halelor Street and Splaiul Independenței;
• In the West - Calea Victoriei;
• In the East - Hristo Botev Boulevard.
Legends
The Old Center of Bucharest is the source of many legends that have developed and persisted over time. The (in) existence of the so-called secret tunnels under the Historic Center has its origin during the reigns of the Phanariots who, according to legend, made their carriage rides through them.
Another captivating story is that of the former orphanage that operated at numbers 13-14 on French Street. According to the writings, he was led by Stavrache Hagi-Orman, known for his sadistic spirit and the pleasure he had when he saw suffering orphans. Most of the time, he kept the little ones without water and without food, while he enjoyed the best and most delicious dishes. Legend has it that more than 200 orphaned children lost their lives here, their spirits still trapped within the walls.
Rates for visiting
No fee / ticket is paid for walking and visiting the Old Center of Bucharest.
