ANOTHER OF JOHN FARRAR'S VIRTUAL CITIES
As many visitors to my travel websites will know I try to include cities which the average traveller wouldn't think to visit One such city is Bucharest and yet it has some of the finest architecture in Europe Bucharest was once known as 'Little Paris' and has all the tree lined boulevards and glorious Belle Époque architecture which one would associate with the French Capital The city was remodelled, 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 One of its most famous buildings is the 'House of the People' (pictured above at night) which was constructed during the 21 year dictatorship of Nicolae Ceausescu It is the largest building in Europe and the second largest in the world Only Romanian materials and products were used (local marble, cherry and walnut panelling, crystal chandeliers, specially commissioned hand-woven tapestries, carpets and draperies) 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 finest architects and artisans Whilst this building represents a period in Romanian history that some would rather forget it is none the less a magnificent example of the skills of these remarkable people Although Bucharest lost some of its reputation as a lively cosmopolitan city when it fell under communist control it has steadily regained its vibrancy and now boasts nightlife equal to many other European cities If a walk in the park is your idea of Heaven then make for Herastrau Park, the largest in Bucharest - It has a beautiful lake and is also the perfect place to while away a few hours at one of its many floating bars and restaurants If culture is your delight then Bucharest is definitely the place for you - it has Museums, Theatres, Opera Houses, Concert Halls and Art Galleries As well as budget accommodation of a very high standard it also has many world class hotels For those who enjoy international cuisine of the highest standards Bucharest has plenty to offer, if like me you enjoy good local food at reasonable prices then the place to head for is one of the four 'La Mama' restaurants which are popular with both locals and visitors who are 'In the Know' In January 2007 Romania becomes a member of the European Union and hopefully this will encourage more visitors to this magnificent city. If you enjoy Paris and all it has to offer you should certainly take the time to visit Bucharest - It shares much of its charm at a fraction of the cost
I decided to place my pictures on this
website without any explanation I hope my photographs will encourage you to make Bucharest one of your 'Must Visit Cities' PARALELA 45 I would like to thank the Romanian travel company Paralela 45 for all the help they gave me on my most recent visit
If you are considering a visiting I would be very happy to recommend
them as they are one of the largest and best known travel agents in
Romania
I would also like to thank Ana in the Bucharest office who arranged
all my travel and also my guide and driver Ion who was happy to
drive me wherever I wanted Please click on the picture above to visit their website |
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CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO DOWNLOAD
A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION OF BUCHAREST (6meg)
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John M. D. Farrar - Member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists