Bucharest - Searching for Dracula
Welcome to my domain
Vlad Tepes was a Wallachian ruler who fought against the Ottomans in the 15th century. The accounts of his cruelty was an inspiration for Bram Stokers book about Dracula, based on a nickname of Tepes.
Dracula statue at Curtea Veche, Bucharest
Beneath the arches
This was the residence of Wallachian rulers for two centuries until 1660. Vlad Tepes (Dracula) enlarged the original fortress and surrounded it with stone walls in 1458.
Curtea Veche, Bucharest
Beneath the arches
This was the residence of Wallachian rulers for two centuries until 1660. Vlad Tepes (Dracula) enlarged the original fortress and surrounded it with stone walls in 1458.
Curtea Veche, Bucharest
Tranquility
This small monastery for nuns is a solemn oasis in the big city. Their library holds over 8000 books.
Stavropoleos Monastery, Bucharest
Tranquility
This small monastery for nuns is a solemn oasis in the big city. Their library holds over 8000 books.
Stavropoleos Monastery, Bucharest
Beneath the arches
This is the oldest church preserved in the city. It once served as the coronation place of Romanian kings.
Curtea Veche Church, Bucharest
Noroc
One of the oldest beer houses in Bucharest, opened in 1879.
Caru cu Bere, Bucharest
Through the ages
This inn was built in 1808, considered to be the last remaining caravanserai of south-eastern Europe.
Hanul lui Manuc
Delusions of grandeur
The palace is the second-largest building in the world and the heaviest one. It was started in 1983 but did not finish in time before the end of the Ceausescu regime.
Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest
Delusions of grandeur
The hallway with the impressive stairs, designed to make the short Ceausescu appear taller when he arrived to greet his guests.
Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest
Delusions of grandeur
The grand ballroom is the largest room in the building.
Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest
Delusions of grandeur
One of many hallways in the palace. Ceausescu was denied entry into the Vatican, so he ordered the walls to be decorated with large Vatican-style paintings.
Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest
End of a regime
After giving his last two speeches ever from the balcony, Ceausescu and his wife were forced to flee by helicopter from this building on December 22, 1989.
Piata Revolutiei, Bucharest
In the dead of night
Strada Stavropoleus, Bucharest
Made for midgets
This was the residence of Wallachian rulers for two centuries until 1660. Vlad Tepes (Dracula) enlarged the original fortress and surrounded it with stone walls in 1458.
Reine at Curtea Veche, Bucharest
Not your average bar
Count Dracula Club in Bucharest
Cozy table for two
Count Dracula Club in Bucharest
Reach for the stars
St Nicholas Russian Church, Bucharest
Golden stroll
Pasajul Villacros, Bucharest