Palace of the Parliament
Multi-purpose building in Romania, seat of the Parliament. One of the largest buildings in the world.
🌐 cic.cdep.ro🕒 Mar-Oct 09:00-17:00; Nov-Feb 10:00-16:00
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Palace of the Parliament
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Landmark
The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and the heaviest building on Earth. Construction began in 1984 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu and was originally named the 'House of the People' (Casa Poporului). The structure covers a surface area of 365,000 square meters and features 12 stories above ground and 8 underground levels, including a nuclear bunker. It was built using exclusively Romanian materials: 1 million cubic meters of marble, 3,500 tons of crystal for chandeliers, and 700,000 tons of steel and bronze. The project required the destruction of a significant portion of historic Bucharest, including numerous churches and residential areas. Today, it houses the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art. It stands as a monumental symbol of the communist regime's megalomania and remains the most prominent landmark in the Romanian capital.
- Location: Bucharest, Romania
- Top sights: Palace of the Parliament · National Museum of Contemporary Art · Museum of Folk Costumes in Romania
- Nearby: Herăstrău Park (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 34 | 39 | 43 | 65 | 79 | 67 | 46 | 52 | 56 | 42 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Strada Izvor 2-4, 050563 Bucharest
Hours
Daily 09:00-17:00 (Mar-Oct), 10:00-16:00 (winter)
Entry
60 RON adults (standard tour), passport mandatory!
Website
Transit
Metro M1/M3 (Izvor), 5 min. walk to entrance
Parking
No public parking on site, use surrounding side streets
Accessibility
Prior notice for wheelchair users required, elevators available
Photos
Phone photos usually free, professional cameras incur extra cost
Best time
Book tours online in advance, don't forget ID/passport
Audio guide
No (only guided tours in DE/EN/RO/FR/IT)
History & landmarks
modern
1984
Geography
Facts
- The palace covers a total surface area of 365,000 square meters.
- Construction started on June 25, 1984, led by architect Anca Petrescu.
- Roughly 1 million cubic meters of marble were sourced for the build.
- The building contains over 1,100 rooms of various sizes.
- It stands 84 meters tall and extends 92 meters underground.
- It is recognized as the world's heaviest building by Guinness World Records.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
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Sights in the town Palace of the Parliament (10)
National Cathedral
Cathedral in Bucharest, seat of the Romanian Orthodox Patriarch. Still under construction.
Antim Monastery
Monastery in Bucharest, Romania. Known for its architecture and frescoes.
Izvor Park🌳 park
Park in Bucharest, near the Palace of the Parliament. Green space with paths and benches.
"Metropolitan Bishop Antim Ivireanu" Museum🏛 museum
Museum in Bucharest, dedicated to the life and work of Antim Ivireanu.
Antim Monastery Church
Church of the Antim Monastery in Bucharest, Romania. Built in Brâncovenesc style.
Ruinele Curții Boierilor Dudești
Ruins of a boyar court in Bucharest. Evidence of the city's medieval history.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is a passport or ID required for the tour?
Yes, a valid ID card or passport is mandatory to enter the building for a tour.
Do I need to book the tour in advance?
Yes, booking by phone or online at least 24 hours in advance is highly recommended.
How long does the guided tour last?
The standard tour lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. Longer tours including the basement are also available.
Is photography allowed inside?
Yes, but usually for an extra fee. Professional equipment requires special permission.
How large is the building actually?
It is the world's second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon, with over 1,100 rooms.
Palace of the Parliament: where is it located?
Palace of the Parliament is located in Bucharest, Romania.
Palace of the Parliament: what is there to see?
Highlights include Palace of the Parliament, National Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Folk Costumes in Romania.
Palace of the Parliament: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.
Palace of the Parliament: why is it worth visiting?
The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and the heaviest building on Earth.
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