Romania’s Parliament building is the Worlds 2nd largest building after the Pentagon and is likely to become a major attraction as Romania becomes better known as a tourist destination.

The  project was started by Romania’s former Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu  during the 1980’s. After his overthrow the new Government decided to continue with the project, which is still under completion.

The  building has 12 storeys above ground and another 4 levels underground including a nuclear bunker. An electric railway was conceived in case the dictator needed  to escape! The decor and scale of the interior is fantastic - marble and gold leaf. The lobby is 100m long and there are 1100 rooms.

When the project started one quarter of the old City was demolished to make way for the building and associated developments in the face of an international outcry.

A visit  to the Parliament building provides a useful introduction to Romania, its recent  past, and the character of the dictator who dominated and shaped it for over 40  years. As for the decision to continue with the project after his overthrow -  you decide!

Bucharest lacks the architectural grandeur of Budapest or Prague,  although there are some fine old buildings that survived the Ceausescu period, as well as some large and attractive parks. Other attractions are the National  Art Museum and the Village Museum. Bucharest has a lively night life.

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