Bucharest, Romania's capital, serves as one of the country's 41 self-governing units. The city covers 1,821 square kilometers, representing approximately 0.008% of Romania's surface. Thus, it is the smallest of the country's counties by land area. Bucharest lies surrounded by Prahova County to the north, Ialomita to the northeast, Calarasi to the southeast, Giurgiu to the southwest, and Dâmbovita to the northwest.[4] As the capital city of Romania, Bucharest is home to a considerable number of historical and cultural landmarks, namely the Arch of Triumph, Calea Victoriei, Cantacuzino Palace, National Art Museum, and Romanian Athenaeum, to name a few.[8] Geographically, Bucharest is located on Vlasia Plain, partly covering Snagov and Movilita Plains, and entirely on the Bucharest Plain. Rivers and water flows crossing the area include Ialomita, Arges with Dâmbovita, Colentina, Pasarea, Vlasia, and Mostistea.[4] Within the city borders is situated Văcărești Nature Park, spanning approximately 190 hectares. The park mainly encompasses and protects wetland habitats.[5] For those who seek water recreation, Herastrau Park offers boating and hydro-cycling opportunities for its visitors.[10] Concerning Bucharest's history, the oldest archeological finds in the city can be dated back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras.[1] However, the first mention of the town named "București" is from 1459.[2]
Bucharest boasts a range of sights and landmarks that showcase the city's historical and cultural significance. The Arch of Triumph—erected in 1922 to honor World War I soldiers—displays Romania's Latin heritage and its ties with France, while Calea Victoriei features buildings such as the Cantacuzino Palace, which is now housing the George Enescu Museum. Revolution Square hosts several considerable structures, including the National Art Museum and the Romanian Athenaeum, known for its acoustics. Then there's the Bucharest Royal Palace, a former residence of King Carol II and King Mihai I, which now houses the National Art Museum. Additionally, the whole Old Town, with its mix of architectural styles, is home to galleries, shops, and cafes. Finally, the House of the Free Press, Casa Presei Libere, serves as a media hub and is often visited due to its architecture.[8]
Visitors who enjoy learning about Bucharest and Romania's history and culture may be interested in the array of museums that the city offers. The city features the aforementioned National Art Museum in the former Royal Palace, exhibiting a range of Romanian and European pieces. This art generally ranges from ancient to contemporary work. Situated on the former Airport Pipera grounds, the Aviation Museum is an open-air museum showcasing various aircraft types. Another site in Bucharest is the Curtea Veche Museum where insights into the ruins of the Old Princely Court are found. Artifacts in the former possession of the Romanian royal family can be seen in the Cotroceni Palace Museum, which also functions as the residence of Romania's president.[9]
Apart from architecture and history, Bucharest also has a number of parks. One such is Herastrau Park, situated around the lake of the same name since 1936. Notably, it is not only Bucharest's largest park but also the most extensive urban park in Europe by surface, spanning approximately 187 hectares. The park has several primary entrances, which are as follows: one near Aviatorilor subway station, another at Soseaua Kisellef, and the Piata Charles de Gaulle. Moreover, boats and hydro-bicycle rentals are available in the park, and the Herastrau Aquarium can be found as well. Some of the nearby landmarks are the Press House and Sky Tower. Additionally, the park has a Japanese Garden consisting of cherry blossoms and Japanese acacia.[10]
Bucharest is found on Vlasia Plain, covering portions of the Snagov and Movilita Plains. The city is located entirely in the Bucharest Plain. Some of the rivers of the hydrographical network are Ialomita, Arges with Dâmbovita, Colentina, Pasarea, Vlasia, and Mostistea, along with various naturally formed lakes, including Snagov and Caldarusani Lakes, and ponds such as Mogosoaia, Straulesti, Baneasa, and Herastrau, among others.[4]
In terms of protected natural areas, Văcărești Nature Park is a nature park situated in Sector 4 of Bucharest. It encompasses the wetlands, covering approximately 190 hectares. The park is located within a former swampy region on the fringes of Bucharest. Adjacent to its western border was an area referred to as the "valley of weeping."[5] The park's territory primarily consists of newly established communities, as there are no existing natural habitats. Nonetheless, Văcărești is an area with wetland-specific vegetation. Some of the species found there include the Menyanthes Trifoliata, Lindernia procumbens, and the rare Wolffia Arrhiza, which are deemed as a threatened species on a national level. Văcărești Park has several different types of insects, such as Tetramesa Variae, Tetramesa Cereipes, and Systole Tuonela. Furthermore, the aquatic environment houses crucian carp, perch, and pike, while various amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals contribute to the biodiversity of the park, namely foxes, bats, and otters.[6]
The Bucharest Region lies within the Vlasia Plain, which is characterized by a transitional climate.[4] The warmest month in the city of Bucharest is typically August, with an average daily temperature of 31°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 3°C. February tends to be the driest month in Bucharest because it receives an average of 29 millimeters of rainfall. The most precipitation falls during June, averaging about 72 millimeters.[7]
During the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras, the region between the Dâmbovița and Colentina rivers reportedly saw continuous habitation, with Gumelnița culture settlements being established in Glina, Jilava, and Măgurele. By 1800 BC, evidence of communities emerged in present-day Dudești, Lacul Tei, and București Noi. Through excavations, that area's evolution is traced from the Bronze Age to 100 BC, inhabited by Indo-European (Geto-Dacian) communities. Later, the region experienced habitation even after the Aurelian retreat of 273 AD, enduring until the Middle Ages.[1]
The name "București" first appeared in 1459 through a document by Vlad III, known as "the Impaler," who built the Bucharest fortress to counter Turkish threats. Ottoman influence led to economic growth, making Bucharest the capital in 1659. Guild organizations emerged and are evident in street names such as Furriers' Lane and Saddlemakers' Lane. After Phanariote rule and civic unrest, Bucharest played a role in uniting Walachia and Moldavia in 1859 and eventually became Romania's capital in 1862. The city's development continued after World War I and further expanded after World War II, with post-1948 nationalization leading to uniform architectural developments.[2]
In terms of architecture visible throughout Bucharest's Old Town, the medieval landmarks reportedly suffered considerable destruction from communist policies, fires, and military actions. However, some medieval and Renaissance structures survived, notably in the Lipscani area, which was later restored in 2005. Thus, the city center retains late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture, reflecting Bucharest's growth and emulation of European capitals such as Paris. Some of the architectonically notable buildings include Crețulescu Palace and Cotroceni Palace. The interwar period marked a "golden age" of architecture, with Modernist and Art Nouveau influences. Some historic structures were restored in the 2000s, mostly in upscale districts, preserving the city's cultural heritage.[3]
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