The Cotroceni neighborhood, considered by many to be the most beautiful neighborhood in the capital, is located in the central area of Bucharest. It is a green neighborhood, untouched by chaotic real estate developments. Here you can find Cotroceni Palace, the Botanical Garden, the “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, and the National Opera. Also here are the Elefterie Church, the Carol I National Defence University, the University Emergency Hospital, and the Old Elefterie Church.
1. About the Cotroceni neighborhood
The appearance of the Cotroceni neighborhood on the map of Bucharest is connected to the personality of Doctor Carol Davila, once the owner of the land in the area. Davila was the one who parceled the land and sold it for the construction of homes. Carol Davila Street cuts through almost the entire neighborhood. This, together with the proximity of the Faculty of Medicine, were the reasons why many streets bear the names of Romanian or foreign doctors. It is the only Bucharest neighborhood that has preserved its interwar charm intact.
A walk through Cotroceni in spring must be done only on foot, otherwise you cannot feel the scent of the linden trees and jasmine. You cannot otherwise enjoy the multitude of blooming magnolias. To discover the beauty of each building, the charm of a monument, the harmony of a square, you must look through the branches of the neighborhood’s centuries-old trees.
2. The history of the Cotroceni neighborhood
The name Cotroceni comes from „a cotroci”, which means „to search”. This area was known as the Cotroceni forest, being a place of refuge for those who wanted to cover their tracks. Șerban Cantacuzino himself took shelter there to save his life. The ruler returned a few years later and built the Cotroceni Monastery, as a sign of gratitude to the locals. King Carol then transformed the monastery into the Royal Palace.
The construction of Cotroceni Palace led to the development of an exclusive neighborhood. Most of the homes were built in Brâncovenesc, Neo-Romanian, Art Deco, and Neo-Moorish architectural styles. It is also one of the oldest settlements of our city, being the only one unaffected by Ceaușescu’s modernism.
3. Tourist attractions of the neighborhood
The Cotroceni area is half covered by parks, such as: those of Cotroceni Palace, the Sanitary Heroes, and the Botanical Garden. We also find extensive green areas within the perimeter of the BNR Arenas, the Opera, or Romniceanu Park.
Within the grounds of Cotroceni Palace there are also the Cotroceni National Museum and the Cotroceni Monastery, which was partially rebuilt. Nearby is also the Old St. Elefterie Church, built between 1743-1744. Other attractions of the neighborhood include the memorial houses of Ion Barbu and Ion Minulescu.
In 1949, the Cotroceni football stadium was also inaugurated. Also here, in the park with plane trees, at Progresul Arena, in 1972, Romania met the USA in the Davis Cup final. For the third time, however, this time at home! For the nostalgic, here is the result as well: 13-15 October 1972, Bucharest, USA–Romania 3-2 Ilie Nastase – Stan Smith 9-11, 2-6, 3-6,Ion Tiriac – Tom Gorman 4-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 Ilie Nastase / Ion Tiriac – Stan Smith / Erik van Dillen 2-6, 0-6, 3-6 Ion Tiriac – Stan Smith 6-4, 2-6, 4-6, 6-2, 0-6 Ilie Nastase – Tom Gorman 6-1, 6-2, 5-7, 10-8. Once upon a time.....Now we rejoice with Simona Halep!
In 1953, opposite St. Elefterie Church and next to the Faculty of Law, the National Opera was built, based on the plans of Octav Doicescu. The lawn is guarded by the statue of George Enescu.
In 1978, the great University Hospital was inaugurated, being one of the most important emergency hospitals in the Capital.
In recent years, several cafés, refined tea houses, and elegant restaurants have opened in the neighborhood.
The Incotroceni Association is extremely active in the area, with many commendable initiatives, for the benefit of the residents of this valuable and unique neighborhood.
4. Historical figures who lived in the Cotroceni area
Great names, such as the rulers Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Carol I, and Șerban Cantacuzino had summer residences in the Cotroceni area. Among the residents of the neighborhood were also writers, artists, doctors, professors, officers, and various important figures. We mention Eugen Lovinescu, Ion Minulescu, Vasile Vasilache, Ion Barbu, Carol Davila, Oscar Han, Șerban Cioculescu, Emil Constantinescu.
Divaro Company specializes in the niche of real estate properties in the Cotroceni neighborhood. It is active both in the sales and acquisitions segment, as well as in rentals!
