CEC Palace, București

The story of the CEC Palace begins on June 8th 1897, when the first stone of the building is placed in the presence of King Carol I of Romania and Queen Elisabeta and is named The Palace of the House of Deposits, Consignations and Economy. It is situated on Calea Victoriei, in front of the Palace of the Post, which has been constructed around the same time. In its’ place, two buildings were once here: the inn and monastery ”Sfântul Ioan cel Mare”.

CEC Palace is one of the most beautiful buildings in Romania, because of its’ architecture, realised after the French style, under the guidance of Paul Gottereau. Finished in 1900, the Palace has 5 glass domes, one in the center and 4 in the corners. Their role isn’t just aesthetic, but also acoustic, because the sound is directed upwards – this way, the conversations happening at the desks couldn’t be heard. These desks have been used for almost a 100 years, between may 1900 and november 1999.

The Palace candelabra was brought from Wien, and the most impressive room is the Council Hall, which presents stunning sculpted decorations and panels of green silk. The edifice had one of the “happiest” histories in Romania, because it did not suffer through the earthquakes or the wars, this being a proof of the resistance of the structure.

The CEC Institution was started in 1864 by Alexandru Ioan Cuza. It has functioned in different buildings, deciding only in 1875 that the construction of a permanent residence was needed. The follower of the CEC of that time is CEC Bank, who resides in the Palace.

CEC Palace is one of the best known buildings in Bucharest, being present in the life of its’ citizens constantly, because of its’ position, near the center of the city. Its’ beauty captivates tourists and locals alike.