The History of Cotroceni Palace, Bucharest

From the original 17th century monastery to today's presidential residence, Bucharest's Cotroceni Palace has witnessed over 300 years of Romanian history. Today, it houses a museum that aims to preserve the memory of the royal family that once lived there.

The first of the Cotroceni buildings was built as a monastery between 1679 and 1682 by the ruling Prince of Wallachia, Şerban Cantacuzino. Sitting on a hill in western Bucharest, once part of the forest of Vlăsia, the palace's elevated location provides sweeping views out over the Romanian capital. As ruler after ruler chose to spend their summer at the monastery, this religious complex gradually changed hands from monks to monarchs.

By the reign of Carol I in the 1880s, Cotroceni had become the official summer residence of the Royal Family. Deciding that the existing buildings were too humble, Carol called for a new palace to be built on the site and in 1888, construction began on the main palace building, which still stands today. Its French architect, Paul Gottereau, was heavily inspired by Venetian design, although traces of other eras and influences can be seen throughout the palace.

The palace's north wing was constructed considerably later, during the reign of Ferdinand I and Marie of Romania in the early 20th century. An English-born Princess, Marie oversaw extensive redecoration of the palace, with many of the distinctive pieces of furniture in the living room said to be of her own design. The north wing was developed between 1913 and 1915, and again following World War I – during which time the palace was occupied by the German Army. It was eventually completed in 1929, to a design produced by architect Grigore Cerchez.

Ferdinand and Marie's successors did not use the palace as frequently, but employed it for various official engagements and government meetings. However, after Michael I's enforced abdication in 1947, Cotroceni fell under the administration of the new Romanian People's Republic. Between 1949 and 1976, it became the Palace of the Pioneers; home to a Communist youth organisation.

In 1977, the palace was severely damaged by the devastating Vrancea earthquake. As a result, extensive rebuilding and restoration took place throughout the next decade, along with the creation of a new wing for the presidential administration of communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. In 1984, Ceaușescu decided that the original Cantacuzino church obstructed his view and had it pulled down. Today, a replica has been built on the site.

After the 1989 revolution, Cotroceni Palace became the official residence of the President of Romania. The Cotroceni National Museum was established in part of the palace and opened to the public in July 1991. Its programme includes exhibitions showcasing the extensive belongings of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria, as well as concerts and live events.

Although the grounds and main museum are open year round, the President's Wing opens only at the inhabitant's discretion – usually once a year. General visits to the museum are available from Tuesday to Sunday (appointment advisable) and the museum can be easily accessed from our Radisson Blu Hotel