The image of impressive red-brick construction reflected into the blue water of Mogoşoaia lake, inevitably remains printed in the mind of every passer-by or visitor.
Built in 1702 by Constantin Brâncoveanu, one of the most important rulers of Wallachia, known as a great protector of culture, Mogoşoaia Palace is the perfect representation of the style whose name is related to that of the ruler’s, the Brâncovenesc style.
Combining, in extremely harmonious ways, elements of Romanian, Byzantine and Italian Renaissance architecture, this superb construction rises in the middle of a square yard, limited by additions, kitchens and greenhouses, opening into a superb gate with a watch tower. From this court of honor, crossed by white-graveled alleys, you can reach a wide and delicate watch tower situated in the center of the main façade, decorated similarly to the other rooms on the first floor, with moldings of Oriental influence and mural paintings.
The façade from the lake is dominated by a splendid loggia of Venetian inspiration, with delicate trilobite arches. In the abundance of the sculpted decoration there can be found Renaissance and Baroque elements that emphasize the refinement and elegance of this remarkable construction. The subsequent changes, made according to Princess Martha Bibescu‘s wish, the one who was to become the mistress of this palace since 1912, increased even more in the exquisite and aristocratic air, turning it into an important headquarters of the Romanian diplomacy. Today, it is still a place for refined meetings and famous soirees hosted by the Princess.
Surrounded by an impressive wild park, today the Brâncovenesc Palace from Mogoşoaia houses art galleries and collections of antiquities, as well as a collection of architectural relics found in a high room with vaulted ceiling. A foray into this art and history paradise is incredibly easy because it is situated only 15 minutes from the capital.
Address: Mogoşoaia, 1 Valea Parcului (The Park Valley)
The access is made by car, on DN1A (15 km far from Bucharest)