The Cotroceni Palace

Since 1991 Cotroceni National Museum has been giving its visitors a glimpse of long gone centuries. The architectural complex illustrates the history of two monuments that succeeded in this place: The Cotroceni Monastery and the Royal Place.

The Cotroceni Palace built in 1893-1895 by the French architect Paul Gottereau, responded to the needs of a typical residence of the royal family successors, Ferdinand and Mary. At the beginning of 2-th century at Queen Mary’s wish he palace was expanded and the interior design changed in some of the rooms. Architect Grigore Cerchez who made the changes chose the neo-Romanian style.

In addition to the artistic value of the ensemble there o a historical one. Important events took place here. The Crown Council met on 14-27 August 1916 to decide upon Romania’s entering to the First World War. In December 1918 the King met here the delegates of Transylvania, Bucovina and Basarabia, bringing the popular adhesion to the Great Union.

The Cotroceni Palace is a part of the Cotroceni National Museum which is a specialized institution focused upon reflecting the history of the Medieval and Modern Cotroceni, upon the evolution and transformations that came up in time. The Cotroceni palace, church and monastery reflect a three-century history that interweaves political, military, diplomatic, religious and cultural aspects, directly with the general evolution of Romanian society.

So, along three centuries starting from the founder of the palace of the place, the worthy prince Serban Cantacuzino, a long line of outstanding personalities made decisions and ruled over Romanian destinies from here. Among those who are connected to Cotroceni, in a way or another, we are bound to mention Constantin Brancoveanu, Nicolae and Constantin Mavrocordat, Alexandru Ipsilanti, Alexandru Moruzi, Barbu Stirbei, Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Carol I, Ferdinand I.