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Bucharest History

Romania’s capital was once the principal city in the country of Wallachia, giving Bucharest a fascinating past that dates back to 70BC when the area was settled by the Geto-Dacian peoples.

But its most colourful claim to fame didn’t arrive until the 15th century when the notorious Tepes clan took control of the city itself. This was when Vlad Tepes, better known to posterity as Vlad Dracula or Vlad the Impaler, took to his bloodthirsty habit of skewering opponents and Ottoman troops on spikes.

Much of Wallachia’s 15th century existence was dominated by ongoing battles with the Imperial forces of Istanbul and by the 17th century, Bucharest itself had fallen. The end of the fighting brought trade to the city, with the result that it was one of the wealthiest cities in Europe by the time it was made capital of modern Romania in 1862.

More success was to come and by 1900, Bucharest was home to so many elegant parks and stately palaces, it became known as Little Paris.

But the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the rise of the Nazis brought disaster to Bucharest and it suffered badly during WWII when Romania, initially neutral, joined the war on the Axis side. A terrible earthquake in 1940 compounded the damage and by the time the Soviets arrived in 1944, much of the city was gone.

Rebuilding under Communist rule was an altogether less elegant affair, with Bucharest falling prey to ugly Stalinist blocks. Some of these crumbled another earthquake hit in 1977, but dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu ensured that the subsequent rebuilding was also done along Communist-inspired lines.

In 1989 Romania emerged from Soviet rule, but not before the execution of Ceauşescu and his wife watched by jubilant crowds in Palace Square. Since then, Bucharest has begun reinventing itself with glittering modern temples to lucre joining Stalinist blocks in the city skyline.

Did you know?
• The first road in Bucharest, Drumul de Lemm, was known as ‘the Wooden Road’.
• Bucharest got its first bus in 1840, making it a public transport pioneer.
• The Romanian Parliament building is the second largest of its kind in the world.

A digital image at https://illuminoto.com

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A vibrant collision of old traditions and growing reinvention, Bucharest is an ideal destination for your next city break

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Rembrandt Hotel

This classy, intimate boutique hotel, tucked amongst some of the finest Paris-style buildings of the city centre, has 16 smart rooms with wood floors, high-speed internet, and wonderful views. Rates include breakfast in the mezzanine cafe.

Crazy Duck Hostel

A modern hostel suitable for travellers who want a clean but cheap place to rest the night. You can choose a private room that comes with cable TV and a private bathroom, or a dormitory unit that is clean and functional. It's about 12 minutes' walk from the Eroilor metro station but you can rent a bicycle at the reception.

Duke Hotel

A short walk from Piata Romana and the metro station of the same name, this 3-star hotel offers spacious and clean rooms, plus free Wi-Fi. The breakfast may not be well-received by some guests but Piata Romana is flanked by a wide range of cafes and restaurants.

Hotel Razvan

This 3-star hotel is convenient if you know how to navigate Bucharest by bus, as it is not near to a metro station. The rooms are modern and spacious, and have a private bathroom with shower. The hotel also offers transfer to Otopeni International Airport.

Formenerg

The Hostel Formenerg is located next to the Tineretului metro, bus and tram station and is a good value accommodation option also offering a restaurant, fitness area and free Wi-Fi. All 52 rooms are air-conditioned and feature a private bathroom including a hairdryer, a refrigerator and a TV. Typical Romanian food, plus international fare, are served in the à-la-carte restaurant.

Radisson Blu Hotel

A stones throw from the Atheneum in the heart of Bucharest the 5-Star Radisson Blu Hotel offers guests an all mod con experience. This 487-room business hotel complete with indoor and outdoor pools international restaurants jogging track meeting rooms and Wi-Fi throughout is a great base from which to explore the city.