Cotroceni Palace is a royal residence in Bucharest, which today serves as the headquarters of the Presidency of Romania. It is a category A historical monument (of national importance).
Brief history:
- In 1679, ruler Șerban Cantacuzino built the Cotroceni Monastery.
- In 1862, Alexandru Ioan Cuza decided to use the Cotroceni Monastery as a summer princely residence.
- Carol I decided to build a palace within the monastery grounds to serve as his official residence in Bucharest.
- Between 1949 and 1976, Cotroceni Palace was the Palace of the Pioneers.
- After the Romanian Revolution of 1989, Cotroceni Palace became the official residence of the President of Romania.
With such a long life, the complex underwent numerous restoration and modernization works, among which those during the reign of Prince Barbu Știrbei deserve mention, when the palace became a summer residence, then those after 1895, when it became a princely palace, followed by the reconstruction after the 1977 earthquake, when a new wing was also built. However, the strongest mark was left by Queen Marie who, until the end of her life, continuously brought improvements to it.
On certain occasions, such as the name days of the presidents, the palace can be visited by the public, such days being called “Open Doors Days”.
President Traian Băsescu opened the palace to the public for the first time on May 18, 2008, on the occasion of one year since the referendum that confirmed him in office. On this occasion, the palace was visited by 20000 people.
Also within the architectural complex of Cotroceni Palace is the Cotroceni Museum, the former royal residence, which was opened to visitors in 1991.
Divaro Company recommends that you visit the Cotroceni Museum!
