The Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) is a massive structure located in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, and is known as the second-largest administrative building in the world. Construction of the building began in 1984 by order of the communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu, and it is also called the “People’s House” (Casa Poporului). During its construction, nearly 20,000 workers and thousands of architects and engineers were employed. Built in the neoclassical architectural style, the building covers an area of approximately 365,000 square meters and has more than 1,100 rooms.
In addition to housing certain sections of the Romanian Parliament, the Parliament Building also hosts various public institutions such as the National Museum of Contemporary Art. Many historic buildings were demolished, neighborhoods were evacuated, and the urban fabric of Bucharest was significantly altered to construct the building. Today, it is one of the most visited structures, attracting tourists with both its political significance and architectural grandeur. Visitors can tour certain parts of the building through guided tours and witness the history of this unique structure.
Where is the Bucharest Parliament Building located?
The Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) is a magnificent structure located in the center of Bucharest, the capital of Romania, in Sector 5. It is located at Strada Izvor 2-4, Sector 5, Bucharest, Romania. The building was constructed on Spirii Hill (Dealul Spirii), one of the city’s symbolic landmarks, and is surrounded by major arteries such as Union Boulevard, Liberty Boulevard, Calea 13 Septembrie, and Izvor Street. Thanks to its central location, the Parliament Building is one of the most striking structures in Bucharest, both historically and in terms of tourism.
Access to the Bucharest Parliament Building is quite easy. You can reach the building by using public transportation within the city, especially by getting off at Izvor Station on metro lines M1 and M3, followed by a short walk. In addition, various bus and tram lines pass near the building. Guided tours are organized for visitors, during which detailed information about the building’s history, architecture, and interior spaces is provided.
What is the history of the Bucharest Parliament Building?
The history of the Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) began in the 1980s with Romania’s communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu’s “Great Reconstruction” project. After the major Bucharest earthquake of 1977, Ceaușescu wanted to completely change the appearance of the capital and construct a magnificent building that would symbolize his regime. For this purpose, construction of the Parliament Building began in 1984, and the project was led by architect Anca Petrescu. During the construction process, thousands of historic buildings and neighborhoods were demolished, and tens of thousands of people were forcibly evicted from their homes.
Before the building could be completed as Ceaușescu had planned, the Romanian Revolution broke out in 1989, and Ceaușescu was executed. Therefore, the structure was never used by Ceaușescu but was later allocated to various state institutions by the Romanian government. Today, both the Parliament and different cultural institutions operate within the building. The Parliament Building is regarded not only for its architectural grandeur but also as one of the most symbolic examples of the urban planning approach during the communist era that reached a level of megalomania.
How much is the entrance fee to the Bucharest Parliament Building?
For those who wish to visit the Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) in 2025, the entrance fees are as follows:
🎟️ Entrance Fees
- Adults (ages 18–64): 60 RON (approximately €12)
- Students (ages 19–26): 30 RON (approximately €6)
- Children (ages 7–18): 20 RON (approximately €4)
- Children under 6 years old: Free
Note: Prices may vary depending on the scope of the visit and the platform through which the reservation is made. For example, the prices for guided tours on some online platforms range between 25–28 USD.
⏰ Visiting Hours
- March – October: 09:00 – 17:00 (Last entry: 16:30)
- November – February: 10:00 – 16:00 (Last entry: 15:30)
📝 Important Information
- Identification Requirement: A valid ID card or passport must be presented during the visit. Driver’s licenses are not accepted.
- Reservation: Visits are conducted with a guide, and advance reservation is required.
- Entry Point: The main entrance for visitors is Calea 13 Septembrie, Entrance A1.
Who had the Parliament Building constructed?
The Bucharest Parliament Building was commissioned by Romania’s former communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. Built as the most important part of the major urban transformation project called “systematization” initiated by Ceaușescu in the 1980s, the structure was intended to symbolize his power and state control.
The architect of the project was Anca Petrescu, a young and talented architect of the time. Selected as the chief architect of the project at the age of only 28, Petrescu led the team responsible for the building’s design. Designed to be excessively large, monumental, and magnificent in line with Ceaușescu’s vision, the structure became one of the largest architectural projects in Romania’s history.
What is inside the Bucharest Parliament Building?
The Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) is not only one of Romania’s but also one of the world’s largest and most magnificent structures. The interior of the building is notable for its architectural richness and the splendor of the materials used. Inside, 3,500 tons of crystal were used to produce 480 chandeliers and 1,409 ceiling lights and mirrors. Additionally, 700,000 tons of steel and bronze, 1 million cubic meters of marble, and 900,000 cubic meters of wood (such as walnut, oak, cherry, elm, and maple) were used. The building also contains 220,000 square meters of carpet and 3,500 square meters of leather covering.
The building has 1,100 rooms, 12 above-ground and 8 underground floors. Among these rooms are large meeting halls, conference centers, and concert halls. For example, there is a concert hall with a capacity of 4,000 people and a conference center that can accommodate 1,500 people. Additionally, the building includes specially designed halls such as the Human Rights Hall, the Union Hall, and the Palace Hall.
In the west wing of the building is the National Museum of Contemporary Art (MNAC) of Romania. The Museum of Communist Totalitarianism and the Museum of Socialist Realism are also located within the building.
Visitors can tour certain parts of this impressive structure through guided tours. However, only a small portion of the building is open to the public; a large part is still unused or unfinished.
The interior of the Bucharest Parliament Building offers visitors a unique experience with its architectural magnificence and historical significance.
How big is the Parliament Building?
The Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) is considered the second-largest administrative building in the world and is quite impressive in terms of physical size. It covers an area of approximately 365,000 square meters and has more than 1,100 rooms. The building has a total of 20 floors, with 12 above ground and 8 underground.
Its weight is estimated to be around 4 million tons, making it the heaviest building in the world. Its height is approximately 84 meters, and its underground depth is 92 meters. More than 1 million cubic meters of marble, 3,500 tons of crystal, and 700,000 tons of steel and bronze were used in its construction. With its massive structure, the Parliament Building has left a significant mark on Bucharest’s cityscape and stands out as an architectural symbol of power and authority.
Is it the largest parliament building in the world?
No, the Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) is not technically the largest parliament building in the world, but it is considered the largest civilian administrative building in the world in terms of area and volume.
In detail:
By floor area: The Bucharest Parliament Building, with approximately 365,000 square meters of usable space, is the largest building in the world in this regard.
By volume: Its estimated weight is 4 million tons, making it the heaviest building in the world.
However, in terms of parliamentary session halls and areas where legislative activities are directly conducted, some parliamentary complexes in other countries (for example, the Sansad Bhavan in India) may be considered larger in total capacity.
In conclusion, the Bucharest Parliament Building is the world’s largest administrative structure, but the title of “largest parliament” may vary depending on the context.
How to get to the Bucharest Parliament Building?
The Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului) is located in the center of the city, at Strada Izvor 2-4. There are various transportation options to reach this magnificent structure:
🚇 By Metro
You can use metro lines M1 or M3 and get off at Izvor Station. After exiting the station, it is about an 8-minute walk to the Parliament Building.
🚌 By Bus
You can take buses number 385, 104, or 123 from the Piața Natiunile Unite stop in the city center and get off at the Palatul Parlamentului stop. This stop is located right in front of the Parliament Building.
🚕 By Taxi or Car Rental
Taxi service is quite common in Bucharest. You can easily call a taxi using apps like Uber or Bolt. Additionally, you can reach the Parliament Building by renting a car.
🚶♂️ By Walking
The Parliament Building is located near Bucharest’s Old Town area. You can reach the building from the city center by walking for approximately 15–20 minutes.
🅿️ Parking Information
If you are coming with your own vehicle, you can use the Piața Constituției parking area located in front of the Parliament Building. However, it may be difficult to find a vacant spot during peak hours. Alternatively, you can choose The Grand Parking, located about 1.2 km away.
Why is the building known as the “People’s House”?
The Bucharest Parliament Building is called the “People’s House” (Casa Poporului) because the communist leader of the time, Nicolae Ceaușescu, claimed that he had this massive structure built on behalf of and for the people. Ceaușescu designed this building as a symbol of the power of the socialist regime, the welfare of the people, and the greatness of the communist system.
However, ironically, during the construction of the building, tens of thousands of people were forcibly evicted from their homes, many historic neighborhoods were demolished, and the country’s economy was severely harmed by the enormous budget spent on this project. Therefore, although the name “People’s House” is used officially, it also carries a critical and sarcastic meaning among the public. Today, the name refers to the historical background and symbolic weight of the building.
Is a reservation required to visit the Parliament Building?
Yes, you need to make a reservation in advance to visit the Bucharest Parliament Building (Palatul Parlamentului).
🗓️ Reservation Details
For individual visitors of 1 to 9 people, reservations can only be made by phone. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours before the visit date, between 09:00 and 16:00, by calling one of the following numbers:
- 📞 +40 733 558 102
- 📞 +40 733 558 103
For groups of 10 people or more, reservations are made via email. Applications must be submitted at least 3 days before the visit date to the following email address:
🛂 Documents Required at Entry
- A valid identification document (ID card or passport) must be presented during the visit. Driver’s licenses are not accepted.
⏰ Visiting Hours
- March – October: 09:00 – 17:00 (Last entry: 16:30)
- November – February: 10:00 – 16:00 (Last entry: 15:30)
💡 Additional Information
- Visits are conducted only with a guide.
- It is recommended to be there 15 minutes before the entry time.
- Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office inside the building on the day of the visit.
- As it can be difficult to find available slots during busy periods, it is advisable to make your reservation as early as possible.