Palace of the Parliament

Construction of this monumental structure began in 1984 under the direction of architect Anca Petrescu and was initiated by the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Originally known as Casa Republicii or Casa Poporului, the project spanned 13 years. The building reflects a blend of socialist realism and neoclassical architecture, standing 84 meters tall and officially opening on December 22, 1994.

The building is renowned for its immense scale, holding the record as the heaviest civilian administrative building in the world and the second largest by surface area. Its design and cost reflect the ambitions and excess associated with the communist era. The structure serves multiple purposes, functioning as a palace, parliament building, convention center, and theatre.

Today, the building serves as the seat of the Romanian Parliament, housing both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. It also contains the Constitutional Court, an international conference center, and three museums.