04
Sights Around
Bucharest
Before Bucharest became today’s modern capital, the old fair on Dâmbovița was surrounded by an endless forest, known as Codrii Vlăsiei, which left some testimonies of the past that inspire and invite travelers on memorable escapades to sumptuous palaces or old monasteries!
Leaving the urban jungle that has invaded our senses and captured our imagination, we venture to some fascinating destinations around the city, especially sought after by Bucharest residents who want to escape from the congestion of blocks and boulevards. The first impressive place we discover is the Mogoșoaia Palace, located just 15 kilometers from the center of the capital, in the town of the same name. Retaining traces of its tumultuous past, this architectural gem once hosted lavish parties and distinguished guests from Romania and beyond. A favorite weekend destination of Bucharest residents, the old palace has come back to life, now resounding with the laughter of children and the whispers of lovers who roam its enchanting alleyways.
The Mogoșoaia Palace was built by the ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu in a superb architectural style that now bears his name, being finished in 1702. After the death of Brâncoveanu, who was killed in Constantinople together with his sons, the Ottomans turned the palace into an inn, and in the following years, the domain passed into the possession of several families, being devastated and repaired several times. In the end, it was bought by the Bibescu family, and Martha Bibescu saved it from destruction, until it was nationalized by the communist regime. Fortunately, the monument has largely preserved its original form and now represents one of the most important architectural monuments in Romania. Inside, we can also visit an interesting museum that presents works of art in the Brâncovenesc style.
The Brâncovenesc style developed in Wallachia at the end of the 17th and the beginning of the 18th century, during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu. Also called the Romanian Renaissance, it is considered a combination of Byzantine and late Renaissance styles, being represented mostly in architecture (palaces, monasteries) and less in art. the Brâncovenesc style stands out for its harmonious proportions, open porches, gazebos, external stairs, frames and columns decorated with floral motifs. In addition to the Mogoșoaia palace, the most important creations of this style include the Brâncoveanu Palace in Potlogi, the Brâncoveanu Castle in Sâmbăta de Sus, the Horezu Monastery, the Sinaia Monastery, the Brâncoveanu Monastery, the Govora Monastery, the Patriarchate Cathedral, the Stavropoleos Church and many others.
The Mogoșoaia Palace is surrounded by an extensive area, where we can also admire the gate tower, the old kitchens, the “St. Gheorghe” Church, the Bibescu Chapel, the greenhouse and the glacier house. After entering the majestic gate, we are impressed by the harmonious proportions of the palace and admire the external stairs that allow access to the upper level, from where we have a superb view of the courtyard. The former kitchens (cuhnia) of the palace are located on the right, while on the left is a former guest house known as Villa Elchingen, dating from the second half of the 19th century and now converted into a restaurant. The monumental gate in the northern part of the courtyard, which leads to the orchard and has a neoclassical statuary group of the goddess Minerva, also attracts our attention. The palace sits right on the lake full of water lilies and swans, with a small English park in front and a Venetian-style loggia on the lake front. The other buildings are scattered around the palace and courtyard, with vast green spaces for promenades along the lake, with the grounds open to visitors most days.
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A few kilometers to the north, on the shore of another artificial lake, lies the Știrbey Domain, which currently hosts private events. In its center is the Știrbey Palace, built by ruler Barbu Știrbey starting in 1850, being completed by his descendants. After going through numerous historical events, some tragic, the palace became private property, but the grounds can be visited under certain conditions. We can thus admire the interesting architecture of the palace, the “Holy Trinity” Chapel which contains a necropolis of the Știrbey family, a smaller palace, the park with secular trees and other old buildings.
On the busy road to Ploiești, about 45 kilometers north of Bucharest, one of the most fascinating destinations near Bucharest is the town of Snagov, developed around the lake of the same name and surrounded by the remaining forests of Codrii Vlăsiei. Actually a fluvial harbor formed on the Ialomița River, with a length of 16 kilometers, Snagov Lake combines leisure activities with nature protection within a nature reserve. It also includes portions of the forest on the banks and protects the specific vegetation (water lilies, willow, poplar), but also numerous species of birds, fish and animals. Water activities can be practiced on the rest of Lake Snagov, but sometimes they are not regulated and damage the authentic natural landscape.
On a small island in the northwestern part of the lake we discover the Snagov Monastery, which guards the supposed tomb of Vlad the Impaler. Although it was first mentioned at the beginning of the 15th century during the time of Mircea the Elder, Snagov Monastery is known as the foundation of Vlad Țepeș, who built the first important church, the cells, the refectory, the bell tower, the defensive walls and other structures. Only the church, bell tower and a few ruins remain of the old complex, being rebuilt between 1517 and 1521 by Neagoe Basarab and featuring beautiful Byzantine architecture and old frescoes. The monastery experienced a flourishing period during the reign of Constantin Brâncoveanu, who chose the scholar Antim Ivireanu to run one of the best printers in Wallachia. The first Romanian book in Latin characters was printed in Snagov, while many other valuable objects from here are kept at the monastery or at the National Art Museum.
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Also in the northern part of the capital and not very far from Snagov, we can also visit some superb monasteries, memories of a distant past. Most of them were founded by the rulers of Wallachia or by local boyars, in the middle of forests that in those days seemed endless. About 30 kilometers north of Bucharest, legends say that the Căldărușani Monastery was built in just 100 days from the year 1638, when the ruler Matei Basarab discovered this idyllic place, then lost in the depths of the Vlăsia Forest. Surrounded by Caldăruşani lake and resembling a fortress, the monastery is located on a small peninsula.
It is one of the most important religious settlements in this part of the country, growing over the centuries and eventually becoming a renowned cultural and spiritual center. Many artistic masterpieces were created at this monastery, especially valuable icons and manuscripts. In the center of the complex, we admire the “St. Demetrius” Church, surrounded by the monks’ cells on two levels, the bell tower, the west wall, a chapel and a museum. Only a small part of the original paintings remain, but the new frescoes and icons inside are equally impressive.
Just a few kilometers away, the “St. Nicholas” Sitaru Monastery, was most likely founded in the 17th century by a local nobleman and includes a superb church rebuilt in the 18th century, considered among the most representative monuments in Brancoven style in the country. Founded sometime around the 18th century, the Țigănești Monastery near Snagov includes a church with impressive interior paintings, a renowned weaving workshop and a small museum. Our journey around Bucharest continues with the charming Cernica Monastery, located 20 kilometers east of the capital, surrounded by the waters of a lake. It was built in 1603 on the site of an older religious settlement, in the middle of the Vlăsia Forest.
A true escape from the city crowd, the monastery rises on two small islands on Lake Cernica. The complex is dominated by the “Saint George” Church, which dates from 1842 and resembles a fortress with strong walls and a massive gate. On the first island we can also visit two memorial houses, a small museum, the cafeteria and a library. The path continues towards the second islet, where we find the “St. Nicholas” Church, built in 1815 on the site of an older one. A third splendid little church is dedicated to Saint Lazarus, being located in the cemetery that contains the graves of important personalities. Just a few kilometers northeast of Cernica, the Pasărea Monastery was founded at the beginning of the 19th century, the new church having splendid paintings and being built in 1846 by Saint Calinic from Cernica.
About 40 kilometers south of Bucharest we discover Comana Monastery, an old foundation of Vlad the Impaler from 1461. Once an island surrounded by the marshes of the Neajlov delta, the fortress-like monastery was rebuilt on the ruins of the old one by the boyar, later ruler, Radu Șerban, and later by his successor Șerban Cantacuzino. For a long time, Comana was the necropolis of the Cantacuzino family, but the tombs were lost during the Phanariot reigns, the entire complex being almost ruined. In the middle of the 19th century, the church is rebuilt and the complex is renovated several times in the following decades. Today, at the Comana Monastery we can admire the church from 1854, part of the old walls and cells, the royal house and cellars, the mausoleum of the heroes of the First World War, but also an interesting museum collection that includes both historical vestiges and valuable religious objects.
Near the monastery we can also explore the Comana Natural Park, a protected area with an area of 250 square kilometers, which includes numerous extremely rare and even endemic species of flora and fauna. Among these, the impressive diversity of bird species that find shelter in this wetland area stands out. A modern leisure complex has also been developed in the perimeter of the park, which attracts thousands of visitors every weekend. Other destinations that we can discover by exploring the surroundings of the capital include the Ghica Family Palace in Căciulați, Samurcășești Monastery, Edenland Park, Chitila Dendrological Park, Greaca Domain, Mănăsia Domain, but also Therme, a new leisure destination, considered the largest wellness complex in Europe. From the current capital, we head towards the old princely court of Târgoviște, where the destiny of Wallachia was decided for over three centuries…
Sights and Experiences
Places to See and Things to Do around Bucharest
Mogoșoaia Palace
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday / 10-19 (9-17)| Museum tickets: 15 lei (3€)/adult
The Mogoșoaia estate is located in the town of the same name, approximately 15 kilometers northwest of the center of Bucharest. The Mogoșoaia Palace was built by the ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu, in a superb architectural style that now bears his name, and was completed in 1702. After the death of Brâncoveanu, who was killed in Constantinople together with his sons, the Ottomans turned the palace into an inn, and in the following years, the domain passed into the possession of several families, being devastated and repaired several times. In the end, it was bought by the Bibescu family, and Martha Bibescu saved it from destruction, until it was nationalized by the communist regime. Fortunately, the palace has largely preserved its original form and now represents one of the most important architectural monuments in Romania. Inside it can be visited an interesting museum that presents works of art in the Brancove style. The palace sits right on the lakefront, with a small English park in front and a Venetian-style loggia on this front. From the courtyard, the stairs lead to the first floor, where the princely apartments used to be, which now house the Brâncove Museum. The other buildings are scattered around the palace and courtyard, with vast green spaces for promenade along the lake.
Snagov Lake and Monastery
Located on a small island in the northern part of Lake Snagov, approximately 45 kilometers north of Bucharest, the monastery complex is surrounded by idyllic landscapes and luxurious villas. Part of the surface of Lake Snagov and the surrounding forest is included in a nature reserve, and there are also several separate protected natural areas, although residential development on the shores has long been carried out without taking these aspects into account. However, the biodiversity of the ecosystems is still surprising, with many rare species of plants, fish and birds. In the other areas of the lake, numerous water activities can be practiced, including four national sports bases. The main attraction in the area, however, is the island on which the Snagov Monastery is located, first mentioned at the beginning of the 15th century, during the reign of Mircea the Elder. The first important church was built by Vlad Țepeș, whose tomb is supposed to be here. He also built the monks’ cells, the trapeze, the bell tower, the defensive walls and other structures. Only the church and bell tower have survived to this day, having been rebuilt under Neagoe Basarab and preserving the splendid Byzantine architecture and old frescoes. The monastery experienced its flourishing period during the time of Constantin Brâncoveanu, who appointed the famous scholar Antim Ivireanu to head one of the best printers in Romania.
Țiriac Collection Auto Gallery
Opening hours: Thursday-Sunday – 10-19 | Tickets: 50 lei (10€)/adult
The first gallery that includes collector cars open to visitors is located just a few minutes from the center of the capital, right next to Henri Coandă international airport in Otopeni. Bringing together approximately 150 rare and luxury automobiles and motorcycles from Ion Țiriac’s larger private collection, this incredible space also has some unique and extremely valuable models. Among the most admired models, we can mention the seven Rolls-Royce Phantom models ever produced, being the only private collection in the world that owns them, but also rare Bentley, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Crysler, Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini or Harley Davidson models!
Therme Bucharest
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday – 10-23 / Fri-Sun – 9-24 (23 Sun) | Tickets: from 70-130 lei (14-26€)/3 hours/adult to 140-200 lei (28-40€)/1 day/adult
A complete and complex experience, Therme is the largest relaxation and leisure center in Europe, bringing together a multitude of diverse spaces and activities, mainly focused around water and the concept of wellness. The destination is located approximately 25 kilometers (45 minutes) from the center of the capital and offers access to three different zones and experiences, each higher level including access to the previous ones. Thus, visitors can choose between many different pools, including one with artificial waves, spas, saunas, restaurants and bars, among many other services.
Comana Natural Park
Adventure park opening hours: Mon-Fri – 9am-5pm| Sat-Sun -9-19 | Tickets: for activities only
Located approximately 40 kilometers south of Bucharest, in Giurgiu county, the Comana natural park has an extensive area of approximately 250 square kilometers, comprising specific wetlands from the Neajlovu Delta and aiming to preserve the landscape and specific habitats, but also to protect the species of vegetation and fauna existing here, many of which are rare. This region represents both a wetland of international importance. but also a site of special bird-faunistic protection, impressing very much the very large number of bird species that can be observed in the area. There is also an adventure park near the village of Comana, which offers many specific leisure activities, including boating on the lakes, zip lines through the trees, horse riding and more, as well as food establishments.
Edenland Park
Opening hours: Daily / 9-18 (10-17) | Park access tickets: 25 lei (5€)/person
Considered the largest and best organized adventure park in Romania, Edenland is located in Balotești, approximately 20 minutes from Bucharest. In addition to exciting trails through the trees, the park also includes a small zoo, an equestrian center, and a variety of other leisure activities for the whole family, including paintball, archery, bike rentals, miniature golf and more. Within the location there are also possibilities to serve the meal or to rent some tree houses.
Other Interesting Discoveries
Lesser known places and activities around Bucharest
Mănăsia Estate
Located approximately 60 kilometers east of Bucharest, in the town of Mănăsia near Urziceni (Ialomița county), it represents one of the most beautiful and interesting historical and architectural ensembles near Bucharest. In the center of the domain is the Hagianoff Mansion, a superb monument dating from the end of the 19th century and impresses with its Eclectic style with romantic and art nouveau influences. The interior is spectacular, with lounges and spaces furnished and decorated according to the period, some of which are currently used for private events. Other interesting places to visit at the Manăsia estate include the cellar in the basement of the mansion and the surrounding secular park. There is also a restaurant here that is very popular with guests!
Opening hours: With Reservation | Tickets: from 35 lei (7€)/adult
Sămurcășești Monastery
Also known as Ciorogârla Monastery, it is located in the town of the same name in the western part of the capital. The monastery was founded as early as 1808 on the estate of a vornic, the church was later painted by the famous Gheorghe Tattarescu. Unfortunately, the old church was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1940 and was rebuilt, only the pediment and two paintings by the original painter remain from the old building.
Chitila Dendrological Park
Located in the town of Chitila, just a few kilometers northwest of Bucharest, this small dendrological park is a charming natural destination, with attractions including Lake Chitila and the species of trees and flowers found here, as well as some enjoyable leisure activities!
Fierbinți - Târg
Located in the town of Chitila, just a few kilometers northwest of Bucharest, this small dendrological park is a charming natural destination, with attractions including Lake Chitila and the species of trees and flowers found here, as well as some enjoyable leisure activities!
Accommodation Recommendations
The best lodging options around Bucharest
Rating 9.8 from 776 reviews!
This welcoming and highly appreciated accommodation unit offers accommodation in tastefully furnished apartments and very good quality services, but also a terrace or private parking!
Primăverii St., no. 23, Ostratu village
Rating 9.6 from 36 reviews!
Located on the shores of Lake Snagov, a few kilometers from the monastery, this gorgeous villa offers 2 spacious bedrooms, as well as an outdoor pool, kitchen and extensive garden!
Codrii Cosminului St., no. 20 , Snagov
Rating 10 from 19 reviews!
Located 15-20 km east of Bucharest, this unique guesthouse offers gorgeous rooms, but also includes a bar and various activities (including alpacas)!
Strada Lavandei St., no. 1, Brănești village