There was a time when the capital of Romania, Bucharest, was called Little Paris. The fact that you are called small cannot be praiseworthy, but when it comes to Paris, one of the most beautiful and well-known cities in the world, then you must be proud.
Bucharest was the capital of Wallachia since 1659, and in 1859 it became the capital of the Romanian Principality. Although it was the capital for so many hundreds of years, this city was actually structured as a large village. The constructions were made to the liking of the owners, without respecting the urban planning rules (it was not even known what that meant). Oriental influence contributed to this situation.
The great fire of 1859 destroyed a quarter of the city, forced the authorities to impose on the king for new constructions, and made room for the modernization of the city. A modernization that came very quickly. In only forty years, the transition was made from an oriental fair to a western type city. This rapid modernization seems to be a boon but in fact, it was not. A natural development of the city towards modernization should have taken place in about two centuries, in order to achieve a compact and unitary city. Rapid modernization has led to large differences between the city center and the rest of the neighborhoods, in fact, some medieval neighborhoods.
The fact that Romania was ruled by a German prince, starting with 1866, who was then proclaimed king, in 1881, was an engine of modernization. In addition, in 1877 the country's independence from the Ottoman Empire was gained. All this, plus the fact that all the children of the rich went to school in Paris and returned with the desire to impose Western values (which they liked very much). During the reign of King Carol, all the emblematic buildings of the city were built, during the period known throughout Europe as the "Belle Epoque".
I have a book, like a catalog, which is called just that; "Bucharest - Belle Epoque". It presents this era through the photographs of the time.
Indeed, being linked to Paris is something to be proud of. Prior to your post, I did not know that there's Little Paris that exists. Thank you for sharing.
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That indeed is a beautiful place. The architecture is worth appreciating. That building is really beautiful and well maintained though.
Wonderful publications. Have a great weekend:)
This place looks so nice, @bluemoon. It reminds me those sets from old movies.
Hello @bluemoon. That book, "Bucharest - Belle Epoque" in your possession is simply priceless and is a historical treasure - absolutely something of sentimental value! Isn't it a joyful feeling to be able to experience in real life the architectural landmarks imprinted in its pages?
Without a doubt, the CEC Palace and Post Office Palace (National Museum of Romanian History) are beautiful relics from a celebrated era when Bucharest used to be called Little Paris. I'm truly impressed with the grandeur of the History Museum with its massive facade of imposing columns. Thank you for taking us on a nostalgic trip with your heart-warming story!
Hiya, @choogirl here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Daily Travel Digest #1201.
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Just beautiful I love all these old school architectural building they just have to much more character better then all these modern glass building boring.
You are absolutely right you just can't beat that old school look.