Ahtanum Valley Museum

The House of the Free Press, located on Piata Presei Libere 1, is an grand structure located at the door to Bucharest. Still known as Casa Scanteii, this accomplishment of designer Horia Maicu opened in 1956 to hold the majority of Bucharest's printing presses. To this day it is still used for an exceedingly similar purpose, except now it is also the home of the Bucharest Stock Exchange.

The 25 metre Arch of Triumph ( Arcul de Triumf ), located on Piata Arcul de Triumf, is the place to go for spectacular views over Bucharest. This is thanks to an interior staircase by which one can climb to the summit. When it opened in 1922, it is a wooden structure - however , in 1936 it was covered in granite. It is a mark of respect to Romanian soldiers who were sent to fight in the first World War, and is the city's answer to the monument that stands proudly in Paris. Although Petre Antonescu was the designer accountable for its design, local artists such as Ion Jalea, Constantin Medrea and Constantin Baraschi were also behind the gorgeous decoration.

Bucharest is inevitably where visitors enter Romania ; however , whereas some cities are just where one enters the country and leaves as quickly as possible to explore what the rest of the country has to offer, Bucharest isn't one of those places. This is a city which is actively shaking off the faade of its red past and moving headlong into the 21st century, embracing it enthusiastically. It presently has everything that one would expect from a principle city ; prime quality accommodation and structure, glorious restaurants, a plethora of attractions and a selection of activities. Conventional and modern are being thrown into a melting pot ; centuries-old churches and sleek, modern buildings are neighbors with communist buildings.

However , as with such a lot of things in life, it is a case of a lot done, more to do. Many projects are ongoing and long-term, but those who may have visited in the past, when Romania's democracy was still young, will be agreeably surprised by how much has changed. Bucharest's city centre is undergoing a complete face lift, thanks to aid from the EU that has re-energised the economy and ignited an ambition to make it into a top destination for tourists. The largest cable bridge in Europe, the grand Basarab bridge, is the biggest achievement thus far.

Revolution Square ( Piata Revolutiei ) became infamous around the globe when Romania's folks gathered here on December twenty-one, 1989 to hit back against Nicolae Ceausescu. He left the Commie Party Headquarters in a helicopter, caught red handed by international camera crews and photographers. Later that day he was arrested. The Romanian Athenaeum, Athenee Palace Hotel and Kretzulescu Church all face the Square.