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