Original World Journeys
is the travel division of Original World View, LLC.We offer in-depth travel experiences all over the world.
Small Group & Custom Private Tours for individuals, businesses and organizations.
Bucharest
OTOPENI International Airport Ñ 12 miles from downtown; Domestic Flights: to / from Romania's main cities. International flights to / from main cities in Europe, North America and Asia. BANEASA Airport Ñ 6 miles from downtown Domestic flights: to / from Romania's main cities International flights: to/ from Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova
Inhabited since: 500 BC First documented: 1459 AD. Founded on the bank of the Dimbovita river in 1459 by Vlad Tepes, the Wallachian prince called Dracula, Bucharest is the capital of Romania.Romanian legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded by a shepherd named "Bucur", whose name means "joy". His flute playing reportedly dazzled the locals and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.
Once known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Epoque buildings, a reputation for the high lifeand .considered the ÒParis of the EastÓ, the cityÕs past elegance crumbled during the communist years. A whole generation never knew the pleasures of a gentle, prosperous society, so busy were they just trying to survive under the harsh austerity of CeausescuÕs dictatorship.
Remodeled, in the late 19th century, by French and French-trained architects Bucharest even features a Triumphal Arch on the elegant Soseaua Kiseleff, a boulevard longer that Paris' famed Champs-Elysees.
Communist rule interrupted Bucharest's cosmopolitan days. Many years after the overthrown of the communist regime, the "House of the People" Ñ the world's second largest building after the US Pentagon Ñ reminds Romanians of the communist years. Only Romanian materials and products were used Ñ local marble, cherry and walnut paneling, crystal chandeliers, specially commissioned hand-woven tapestries, carpets and draperies Ñ to build what supposed to be the headquarters of Romania's last communist leader. Now renamed the Palace of Parliament, this magnificent building of 1,000 rooms reflects the work of the country's best architects and artisans.
Today, Bucharest Ñ the capital and largest city of Romania Ñ is experiencing renewed vigor. The city reflects an interesting heritage of mixed cultures influenced by: the old Romanian aristocracy educated in France, the German King Carol I, and the communist society.
Main Attractions Bucharest has 37 museums, 22 theaters, opera houses and concert halls, 18 art galleries, lots of libraries and bookstores.
Sights: Architecture of the Historic Center: Calea Victoriei, Piata Palatului, Bulevardul Bratianu, Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, Strada Lispcani, Piata Romana, Piata Victoriei, Bulevardul Aviatorilor, Soseaua Kiseleff, Bulevardul Dacia, Muzeul Satului (Village Museum), Catedrala Patriarhala, Cismigiu (Park).
Crafts
Brasov
Countryside
Sample Itineraries
Small Group Tour
(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941all text & photos © 1997-03, Barbara Sansone
