Palace of the Deposits and Consignments — Attraction in Bucharest

The CEC Palace, located in the heart of Bucharest’s Old Town, is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in Romania. Constructed between 1897 and 1900, this architectural gem has served as the headquarters of CEC Bank, Romania’s oldest bank, since its establishment in 1864. The palace is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts architecture, a style known for its grandeur, elegance, and opulent details, making it a standout landmark in the capital.

The CEC Palace was designed by French architect Paul Gottereau, with contributions from Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building’s design masterfully combines elements of French Renaissance and Baroque styles, resulting in a structure that is both imposing and intricate. The most notable feature of the palace is its large glass and metal dome, which allows natural light to illuminate the interior, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. The exterior of the building is equally impressive, featuring elaborate stone carvings, including Corinthian columns, arches, and ornamental sculptures that contribute to its majestic appearance. The main entrance is highlighted by a grand archway, above which sits a prominent clock, symbolizing the bank’s enduring role in Romania’s financial history.

Inside, the CEC Palace continues to impress with its luxurious design. The grand staircase leads visitors into a central hall adorned with marble floors, intricately detailed ceilings, and finely crafted woodwork. Every element of the interior reflects the wealth and importance of the institution, emphasizing the elegance and sophistication that the bank has embodied for over a century.

Today, while still functioning as a bank, the CEC Palace is also a significant cultural and historical landmark. It regularly hosts exhibitions and events, celebrating Romania’s rich history and architectural heritage, making it a must-see destination for both locals and tourists...

Romanya, Bükreş'teki CEC Sarayı, 1900 yılında inşa edilmiş ve Ulusal Romanya Tarihi Müzesi'nin karşısındaki Calea Victoriei'de bulunmaktadır, CEC Bankasının merkezidir. The CEC Palace (Romanian: Palatul CEC) in Bucharest, Romania, built in 1900 and situated on Calea Victoriei opposite the National Museum of Romanian History, is the headquarter of CEC Bank. History Before the construction of the palace, the location was occupied by the ruins of a monastery (Saint John the Great) and an adjoining inn. The 16th-century church was renovated by Constantin Brâncoveanu during 1702 - 1703, but later deteriorated and was demolished in 1875. The palace was built as a new headquarters for Romania's oldest bank, the public savings institution Casa de Depuneri, Consemnațiuni și Economie, later known as C.E.C. (Romanian: Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), and nowadays CEC Bank. The land was bought and the building constructed with the institution's own funds. Work started on June 8, 1897 and was completed in 1900. The project was designed by the architect Paul Gottereau, a graduate of the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris; construction was supervised by the Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. In 2009, it was the venue for the 60th birthday celebrations of Crown Princess Margareta of Romania. and in 2015, it was also the venue for the 25th anniversary of the celebration of Crown Princess...

The construction works started in 1897, an event attended by King Carol I and Queen Elisabeth themselves, and the building was inaugurated in 1900. Paul Gottereau was the architect in charge with the design, and he successfully lent a prominent French Renaissance style to the building, such that at present the C.E.C. Palace is, without overstating, one of the most graciously beautiful buildings in Bucharest. The work of Paul Gottereau was complemented by the contribution of Ion Socolescu, a Romanian architect in charge with the execution of the works. The palace is, beyond all doubts, a jewel which complements the architectural patrimony on Calea Victoriei. A unique feature of this structure refers to the glass and metal dome (the main dome, and the largest of all the other cupolas which overtop the four corner sections of the building) set on top of the main hallway. The overall picture of the C.E.C. Palace exudes, first and foremost, elegance and balance. The interior of the palace is embellished with pictorial works by Mihail Simonide. However, its aesthetic qualities aside, the C.E.C. Palace is said to feature one of the most solid bearing structures of all the buildings in Bucharest, a reputation put to test, amongst others, during the 1977 earthquake, when the glass dome was the only element affected, with little and insignificant damage to the rest of...