Bucharest

Casa Poporului

Construction of Bucharest and Romania’s most famous building, Palatul Parlamentului ie the Palace of Parliament (known locally as Casa Poporului ie the People's House) began in 1984, and continued through what were the darkest days of the Nicolae Ceausescu regime. Standing 84m above ground level on 12 floors, the building has long been shrouded in mystery, rumour and hyperbole.
Parliament Palace, Casa Poporului in Bucharest Romania © Dennis Jarvis / CC-2.0
Exterior of the famous Parliament Palace or Casa Poporului in Bucharest, Romania © Dennis Jarvis / CC-2.0
Originally designed (by young architect Anca Petrescu, who was just 28 at the time) to house almost all of the apparatus of the communist state, today it plays host to the Romanian parliament, a conference centre and Romania’s National Museum of Contemporary Art. Much of the building, however, remains unused.

Between 20,000 and 100,000 people worked on the site and project, operating in three shifts of 5,000 soldiers of the Romanian People's Army and huge numbers of "volunteers". Thousands of workers died in connection with the construction of the House of the Republic / People's House, some sources mention a figure of 3,000 people lost.

The public tour of the building is thoroughly recommended (it is the only way to see the building, in fact) though the commentary often consists of little more than a guide reeling off endless superlative statistics. You’ll see plenty of grand staircases, marble-plated halls and conference rooms, while - if you pay the extra - you may also have the chance to go on the roof, which offers perhaps the best view of central Bucharest.
Parliament Palace, Casa Poporului in Bucharest Romania © Eugen Visan / Pixabay
Historical interior shot from Parliament Palace or Casa Poporului in Bucharest, Romania © Eugen Visan / Pixabay
You can even now take a trip into the bowels of the building down below, though again this costs extra. To join one of the tours, you should make reservations a day in advance as parliamentary business means the official opening hours are subject to change. You will also need to bring your passport, driving license or other form of internationally-accepted ID. Use the entrance on the right-hand side of the palace (if you’re looking at it front-on). Izvor is probably the nearest metro station, but you’ll get a better view from Piata Unirii.

Interested in checking out even older and less controversial sights in the Romanian capital? Our selection of the Top Attractions in Bucharest's Old Town is a great place to start exploring, while those with kids can find some helpful tips about Children's Bucharest.

Metro

Izvor

Email

cic.vizite@cdep.ro

Open

Open 10:00 - 17:00 (last tour 16:30).

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23.01.2022
Leon Sutherland

Driving licence NOT accepted as Identification for entry.
11.11.2014
Ross
http://www.travellingforfun.com/
It looks enormous. Can't wait to see it up close next month
18.04.2013
Lars

It is a beautiful building, indeed. Unfortunately they needed to destroy a part of the city to build it, and it took thousands of workers years of hard labor to construct it. It is absolutely worth seeing but the big question is whether it serves a right to be there. It is a result of megalomania.
30.03.2011
Ryan

It is a bit boring, but compared to the rest of Bucharest it is worth going to see. Unfortunately the roof tour was closed when I visited. Expect lots of standing and infrequent toilet breaks. Also the security check on entrance is an uncomfortable experience, the staff (unable to smile or say "please" in any language) will also keep your passports for the duration of the tour.
15.03.2011
Alexandra

I think that's the most boring place I've ever been to...and I'm from Romania! I saw lots of other places which are really amazing! Comparing to the Buckingham Palace, House of Parliament(the English one) or even places from Romania(Bran Castle, Peles Castle etc) that's nothing!
16.03.2010
JAMES

the palace of parlament is one of the bigest buildings i ever seen in my life and trust me they was a lot, inside is sensational everything is so huge i cant wait to go there again so if u want to se something really beautiful go and see the PALACE OF PARLAMENT...BUCHAREST ROMANIA
17.02.2010
LIADSEGALL

I THINK IT WAS PRITTY EMAZED FROM THE TOUR IT WAS VERRY BUTIFUL I"M FROM ISRAEL AND IT WAS SUNSASHIONAL I WAS HAPPY FROM THE TOUR. THE CORPETS THE ROGS. THE SHANDLIERES. AND EVERTHING IS HUGE. IN THE PALLACE. 
09.07.2009
Bob

This is the must-see place to visit in Bucharest - prepare to be wowed! Please note the entrance to the Palace is on the RIGHT looking at the front of the building (not the left as in the guide, which led us to walk all the way around it in 35 deg heat for 45 minutes!). You have to book a visit so go there the day before you want to visit or early the same day and get a ticket (we arrived at 11am and got in at 3). You are supposed to pay extra to take photos (which I did) but our guide didn't check the tickets and everyone was snapping away. Then get there a little early to make sure you are through the security check area before your tour (approx 1 hour). Also, it's abit confusing because the tours are quite regular but for different languages so make sure you get on the right one! If you don't come out amazed then I don't know what will do it for you.
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