Buildings, Details 7/21/06—3/31/25

2006-07-21_12789_WTA_5DM1 Stressa, Italy
1 Stressa, Italy
2006-11-28_15368_WTA_5DM1 Durham, England
2 Durham, England
2011-08-04_14-37_10754_WTA_5DM2 Barcelona, Spain
3 Barcelona, Spain
2011-08-05_18-43_11424_WTA_5DM2 Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
4 Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
2011-08-12_10-32_14459_WTA_5DM2 Gothic Barrio
5 Gothic Barrio
2011-08-12_12-03_14618_WTA_5DM2 Gothic Barrio
6 Gothic Barrio
2011-08-12_12-26_14781_WTA_5DM2 Gothic Barrio
7 Gothic Barrio
2011-08-12_12-40_14846_WTA_5DM2 Gothic Barrio
8 Gothic Barrio
2011-08-12_16-13_14969_WTA_5DM2 Gothic Barrio
9 Gothic Barrio
WTA_IMG - 2012_05_28 - 1109-Edit-2
10
2013-05-26_15-06_23944_WTA_5DM3 Dublin Panorama - Original is 25904 x 3564
11 Dublin Panorama - Original is 25904 x 3564
2014-02-01_09-58_00297_WTA_5DM3_HDR Lee Plaza (Also known as the Lee Plaza Hotel or Lee Plaza Apartments) is a vacant high-rise apartment building in Detroit, Michigan... The building was designed...
12 Lee Plaza (Also known as the Lee Plaza Hotel or Lee Plaza Apartments) is a vacant high-rise apartment building in Detroit, Michigan... The building was designed by Charles Noble and constructed in 1929, it rises to 15 floors and is an excellent example of Art Deco architecture of the 1920s.
First built as an ornate high rise hotel along West Grand Boulevard, Lee Plaza was an upscale apartment with hotel services. Decorated with sculpture and tile outside, the structure rivaled the Book-Cadillac Hotel and Statler Hotel for architectural notice in Detroit during the 1920s. After economic contraction, the apartment's ownership changed several times, being used as a Senior Citizen's complex before finally closing as a residence in the early 1990s. During its years of vacancy, much of the artwork, internal wiring, fixtures and valuable material has been removed illegally by scavengers.
2014_05_25-WTA-5DM3-6790 The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply Oxford) is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. While having no known...
13 The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply Oxford) is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. While having no known date of foundation, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the world's second-oldest surviving university. It grew rapidly from 1167 when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. After disputes between students and Oxford townsfolk in 1209, some academics fled northeast to Cambridge, where they established what became the University of Cambridge. The two "ancient universities" are frequently jointly referred to as "Oxbridge".
2014_05_25-WTA-5DM3-7287_HDR The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply Oxford) is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. While having no known...
14 The University of Oxford (informally Oxford University or simply Oxford) is a collegiate research university located in Oxford, England. While having no known date of foundation, there is evidence of teaching as far back as 1096, making it the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the world's second-oldest surviving university. It grew rapidly from 1167 when Henry II banned English students from attending the University of Paris. After disputes between students and Oxford townsfolk in 1209, some academics fled northeast to Cambridge, where they established what became the University of Cambridge. The two "ancient universities" are frequently jointly referred to as "Oxbridge".
2023-05-10_190780_WTA_R5_HDR The Mississippi State Capitol stands as an impressive testament to the state's rich history and architectural grandeur. Construction of the Capitol building...
15 The Mississippi State Capitol stands as an impressive testament to the state's rich history and architectural grandeur. Construction of the Capitol building began in 1901 and was completed in 1903. Designed by architect Theodore C. Link, the Capitol showcases a stunning Beaux-Arts architectural style, characterized by its symmetrical layout, grand dome, and intricate ornamentation. The exterior is adorned with Corinthian columns, detailed friezes, and sculptures, while the interior boasts exquisite marble and mosaic work, elegant chandeliers, and a majestic rotunda. The Capitol building is situated on a prominent hill in downtown Jackson, commanding a commanding presence and offering panoramic views of the city. It serves as the seat of the state's legislative branch and remains an iconic symbol of Mississippi's political history.
The Mississippi State Capitol has witnessed many significant historical events throughout its existence. It has been the site of important legislative decisions, political debates, and ceremonial occasions. Over the years, the building has undergone renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing needs of the state government while preserving its architectural integrity. The Capitol also serves as a repository of Mississippi's history, housing notable artifacts and artwork that showcase the state's heritage.
2024-03-01_192588_WTA_Mini4Pro The Michigan State Capitol, located in the heart of Lansing, stands as a testament to the state's rich history and democratic principles. Designed by renowned...
16 The Michigan State Capitol, located in the heart of Lansing, stands as a testament to the state's rich history and democratic principles. Designed by renowned architect Elijah E. Myers and completed in 1879, the Capitol's majestic neoclassical architecture exudes a sense of grandeur and civic pride. Its distinctive dome, rising 267 feet above ground level, serves as a prominent focal point, adorned with a stunning cupola and topped by a bronze statue of "Justice" symbolizing the state's commitment to fairness and equality. The Capitol's exterior, constructed primarily of sandstone, features elaborate Corinthian columns, intricate carvings, and ornate details that showcase the craftsmanship of its era.
Steeped in political significance, the Michigan State Capitol has witnessed key moments in the state's legislative history. It served as the meeting place for the Michigan Legislature and housed the state's executive offices, providing a forum for debate, lawmaking, and governance. Throughout its storied past, the Capitol has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the evolving needs of Michigan's government while preserving its architectural integrity.
2025-03-14_313367_WTA_R5m2 Iași City Hall, housed in the historic Roznovanu Palace, stands as a testament to the city's rich political and architectural heritage. Originally constructed...
17 Iași City Hall, housed in the historic Roznovanu Palace, stands as a testament to the city's rich political and architectural heritage. Originally constructed in the late 18th century, the palace underwent significant reconstruction between 1830 and 1833 under the direction of Iordache Ruset-Roznovanu, a member of the influential Rosetti family citeturn0search1. Designed by architect Gustav Freywald, who also contributed to the Iași Metropolitan Cathedral, the palace initially showcased Neoclassical architectural elements citeturn0search4. Throughout its history, the building has played pivotal roles, notably serving as the seat of the Romanian government during World War I
Architecturally, Roznovanu Palace reflects a blend of Neoclassical design with later influences, embodying the evolving aesthetic sensibilities of Iași over the centuries. Its façade and interior details highlight the grandeur typical of noble residences of its era. Today, while functioning as the administrative center for the city's governance, the palace also serves as a cultural landmark, hosting various events and exhibitions that celebrate Iași's historical and artistic legacy citeturn0search0. Situated on Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt, the building remains a focal point for both locals and visitors, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Iași's past and present
2025-03-16_318196_WTA_R5m2 The I.A. Gagarin Youth Centre in Chișinău, Moldova, was inaugurated in 1972 as a prominent hub for youth and cultural activities during the Soviet era. Funded...
18 The I.A. Gagarin Youth Centre in Chișinău, Moldova, was inaugurated in 1972 as a prominent hub for youth and cultural activities during the Soviet era. Funded through weekend labour initiatives by Komsomol members—the youth division of the Communist Party—the centre featured an 800-seat auditorium, a 400-seat theatre, sports facilities, a disco, and a hotel designated for foreign guests. Notably, it hosted workshops, including one where the Soviet Union's first energy-saving lamp was reportedly developed. The building's façade is adorned with the striking "Plowman of the Universe" mosaic by artist Aurel David, exemplifying socialist modernist art. Following the Soviet Union's dissolution in the early 1990s, the centre fell into disuse and now stands as one of Moldova's most significant abandoned structures, with plans for its demolition to make way for residential development
2025-03-16_318210_WTA_R5m2 The I.A. Gagarin Youth Centre in Chișinău, Moldova, was inaugurated in 1972 as a prominent hub for youth and cultural activities during the Soviet era. Funded...
19 The I.A. Gagarin Youth Centre in Chișinău, Moldova, was inaugurated in 1972 as a prominent hub for youth and cultural activities during the Soviet era. Funded through weekend labour initiatives by Komsomol members—the youth division of the Communist Party—the centre featured an 800-seat auditorium, a 400-seat theatre, sports facilities, a disco, and a hotel designated for foreign guests. Notably, it hosted workshops, including one where the Soviet Union's first energy-saving lamp was reportedly developed. The building's façade is adorned with the striking "Plowman of the Universe" mosaic by artist Aurel David, exemplifying socialist modernist art. Following the Soviet Union's dissolution in the early 1990s, the centre fell into disuse and now stands as one of Moldova's most significant abandoned structures, with plans for its demolition to make way for residential development
2025-03-16_318322_WTA_R5m2 The Jewish Funeral Hall in Chișinău, Moldova, stands as a poignant remnant of the city's once-thriving Jewish community. Constructed in the early 20th century,...
20 The Jewish Funeral Hall in Chișinău, Moldova, stands as a poignant remnant of the city's once-thriving Jewish community. Constructed in the early 20th century, the hall was part of the larger Chișinău Jewish cemetery complex and served as a sacred space where families could perform traditional rites and rituals before burial. The building is notable for its Neo-Moorish architectural style, a design choice reflecting the cultural richness of the Jewish diaspora in Eastern Europe. The funeral hall bore witness to both the flourishing of Jewish life and the tragedies that befell the community, including the devastating pogroms of 1903 and 1905. During the Soviet era, the cemetery and its buildings suffered from neglect, and many structures were damaged or destroyed. Today, the funeral hall, though in a fragile state, is recognized for its historical and cultural significance, representing both the memory of the Jewish community in Chișinău and the broader narrative of Jewish history in Moldova.
2025-03-16 318371 WTA R5m2
21 The Jewish Funeral Hall in Chișinău, Moldova, stands as a poignant remnant of the city's once-thriving Jewish community. Constructed in the early 20th century, the hall was part of the larger Chișinău Jewish cemetery complex and served as a sacred space where families could perform traditional rites and rituals before burial. The building is notable for its Neo-Moorish architectural style, a design choice reflecting the cultural richness of the Jewish diaspora in Eastern Europe. The funeral hall bore witness to both the flourishing of Jewish life and the tragedies that befell the community, including the devastating pogroms of 1903 and 1905. During the Soviet era, the cemetery and its buildings suffered from neglect, and many structures were damaged or destroyed. Today, the funeral hall, though in a fragile state, is recognized for its historical and cultural significance, representing both the memory of the Jewish community in Chișinău and the broader narrative of Jewish history in Moldova.
2025-03-16 316335 WTA R5m2-HDR-Pano
22 The Jewish Funeral Hall in Chișinău, Moldova, stands as a poignant remnant of the city's once-thriving Jewish community. Constructed in the early 20th century, the hall was part of the larger Chișinău Jewish cemetery complex and served as a sacred space where families could perform traditional rites and rituals before burial. The building is notable for its Neo-Moorish architectural style, a design choice reflecting the cultural richness of the Jewish diaspora in Eastern Europe. The funeral hall bore witness to both the flourishing of Jewish life and the tragedies that befell the community, including the devastating pogroms of 1903 and 1905. During the Soviet era, the cemetery and its buildings suffered from neglect, and many structures were damaged or destroyed. Today, the funeral hall, though in a fragile state, is recognized for its historical and cultural significance, representing both the memory of the Jewish community in Chișinău and the broader narrative of Jewish history in Moldova.
2025-03-16 316471 WTA R5m2
23 The Jewish Cemetery in Chișinău, Moldova, is one of the oldest and most significant Jewish burial sites in the region, with its origins dating back to the 18th century. Serving as a final resting place for generations of the city’s Jewish community, it reflects the once-thriving Jewish presence in Chișinău, which was a major center of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. The cemetery contains thousands of graves, including those of prominent rabbis, scholars, and community leaders. Over the years, it has endured damage and neglect, particularly during the Soviet era and the Holocaust, when the Jewish population suffered devastating losses. In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and restore the cemetery as a cultural and historical landmark, honoring the legacy of Chișinău’s Jewish heritage.
2025-03-18 290400 WTA R5m2-2
24 Moldova - Day 4
2025-03-18 290400 WTA R5m2
25 Moldova - Day 4
2025-03-18 290482 WTA R5m2-HDR
26 The Centrul Cultural, or House of Culture, in Ciuciulea, Moldova, serves as a pivotal institution for the village's cultural and social life. Located in the Glodeni district, this community center functions as a venue for various events, including performances, gatherings, and educational activities. It stands as a testament to the village's commitment to preserving and promoting local traditions and fostering community engagement. While specific architectural details are limited, the center's role in the community underscores its importance as a hub for cultural expression and social interaction.
In recent years, Ciuciulea has gained recognition for its dedication to the arts, particularly through the annual international wood sculpture workshop titled "Ciuciulea, precincts of legends and mystery." Initiated in 2021 with support from the United Nations Development Programme and local authorities, this event brings together renowned sculptors from Moldova and abroad to create oak wood sculptures that are permanently displayed in the village's leisure park. This initiative not only enhances the village's aesthetic appeal but also solidifies its status as a cultural destination, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts alike.
2025-03-18 290610 WTA R5m2
27 The Centrul Cultural, or House of Culture, in Ciuciulea, Moldova, serves as a pivotal institution for the village's cultural and social life. Located in the Glodeni district, this community center functions as a venue for various events, including performances, gatherings, and educational activities. It stands as a testament to the village's commitment to preserving and promoting local traditions and fostering community engagement. While specific architectural details are limited, the center's role in the community underscores its importance as a hub for cultural expression and social interaction.
In recent years, Ciuciulea has gained recognition for its dedication to the arts, particularly through the annual international wood sculpture workshop titled "Ciuciulea, precincts of legends and mystery." Initiated in 2021 with support from the United Nations Development Programme and local authorities, this event brings together renowned sculptors from Moldova and abroad to create oak wood sculptures that are permanently displayed in the village's leisure park. This initiative not only enhances the village's aesthetic appeal but also solidifies its status as a cultural destination, attracting tourists and art enthusiasts alike.
2025-03-18 290946 WTA R5m2
28 Casa lui Nicolae Pisoski, situated on Strada Unirii in Botoșani, Romania, is a significant historical landmark tied to the country's 19th-century unification efforts. Colonel Nicolae Pisoski, a Moldavian noble of Polish descent, played a pivotal role in the 1848 revolution and the subsequent movement for the unification of the Romanian principalities. He was instrumental in the election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruler of both Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859, and he remained a loyal supporter, even accompanying Cuza into exile after his abdication in 1866 . The house, once a vibrant center of political activity, later became known as Casa Isăcescu after Vasile Isăcescu, a prominent local official who acquired the property in the early 20th century . Despite its historical significance, the building has suffered from neglect in recent years, though there are plans for its restoration and integration into Botoșani's cultural heritage initiatives
2025-03-18 290981 WTA R5m2
29 Casa lui Nicolae Pisoski, situated on Strada Unirii in Botoșani, Romania, is a significant historical landmark tied to the country's 19th-century unification efforts. Colonel Nicolae Pisoski, a Moldavian noble of Polish descent, played a pivotal role in the 1848 revolution and the subsequent movement for the unification of the Romanian principalities. He was instrumental in the election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruler of both Moldavia and Wallachia in 1859, and he remained a loyal supporter, even accompanying Cuza into exile after his abdication in 1866 . The house, once a vibrant center of political activity, later became known as Casa Isăcescu after Vasile Isăcescu, a prominent local official who acquired the property in the early 20th century . Despite its historical significance, the building has suffered from neglect in recent years, though there are plans for its restoration and integration into Botoșani's cultural heritage initiatives
2025-03-25 336929 WTA Mini4Pro
30 Romania - Day 11
2025-03-27 330563 WTA R5m2-HDR
31 The Calafat Art Museum, situated in the southern Romanian city of Calafat, is housed in the historic Marincu Palace. Commissioned by Ștefan Marincu, a wealthy landowner and former mayor of Calafat, the palace was built between 1904 and 1908 in memory of his daughter Mărioara, who tragically died at the age of 13 from tuberculosis. Designed by French architect Paul Gottereau and constructed by Italian craftsmen led by engineer Pietro Adotti, the palace showcases French neoclassical architecture with baroque and rococo influences, as well as elements of early 20th-century Romanian design. The building spans over 8,000 square meters and features nearly 50 rooms across three levels, adorned with ornate details, marble staircases, and frescoed ceilings.
In his will, Ștefan Marincu donated the palace to the local community, stipulating that it serve as a girls' school in honor of his daughter. Over the years, the building fulfilled various educational and administrative roles, including functioning as St. Mary's Girls' School, a kindergarten, and housing the Agricultural School of Calafat. Since 1967, it has operated as the Museum of Art and Ethnography, featuring permanent exhibitions of Romanian art, including paintings, graphics, and sculptures by renowned artists such as Nicolae Grigorescu, Henri Catargi, and Theodor Pallady. The museum also hosts ethnographic displays and a section dedicated to the history of Calafat, enriched by donations from the Marincu family descendants
2025-03-28 331965 WTA R5m2
32 The "Neptune" Imperial Baths (Băile Neptun) in Băile Herculane are among the most iconic and historically significant spa buildings in Romania. Constructed between 1883 and 1886 during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the baths were commissioned as part of an ambitious modernization effort to transform the town into a world-class therapeutic resort. They were built on the site of ancient Roman thermal springs, continuing a tradition of balneotherapy that dates back nearly two millennia. At the time of their completion, the Neptune Baths were considered some of the most advanced spa facilities in Europe, offering both luxurious surroundings and state-of-the-art medical treatments using the region's naturally thermal and mineral-rich waters. Emperors and aristocrats—including Emperor Franz Joseph—frequented the baths, enhancing their reputation as a refined and healing retreat.
Architecturally, the Neptune Baths were designed in the neoclassical style with strong Baroque influences, characterized by a grand façade, symmetrical layout, richly ornamented interiors, and elegant arcades. The central hall, with its impressive dome and decorative stucco work, exudes imperial splendor and reflects the Austro-Hungarian vision of leisure combined with health. Sculptural elements, Roman-themed motifs, and Corinthian columns give the structure a timeless quality, tying it back to the classical roots of spa culture. Although the building has suffered from neglect and decay over the past few decades, it remains a masterpiece of spa architecture and a key symbol of Băile Herculane’s golden age. Restoration efforts in recent years aim to preserve and revive its historic and architectural legacy.
2025-03-31 338352 WTA R5m2
33 The National Museum of Romanian History, located in the heart of Bucharest on Calea Victoriei, is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Established in 1970, the museum is housed in the former Palace of the Post (Palatul Poștelor), a building that dates back to the late 19th century. Originally designed to serve as Romania’s central postal headquarters, the structure was commissioned during the reign of King Carol I and completed in 1900. Over the years, the palace transitioned into a museum to preserve and showcase Romania's rich historical legacy, including ancient artifacts, medieval treasures, and modern-era memorabilia.
Architecturally, the building is a striking example of Neoclassical design, inspired by the grand civic buildings of Western Europe. It features a symmetrical façade with a grand staircase, a series of Corinthian columns, and ornate stonework that highlight its monumental character. The museum's most iconic space is the grand hall with its arched glass roof, once the main postal hall. This blend of formality and functionality not only makes the structure an architectural landmark but also a fitting home for a national institution dedicated to preserving Romania’s cultural heritage.
2025-03-31 338393 WTA R5m2
34 The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments (Palatul CEC), located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Built between 1897 and 1900, the palace was commissioned as the headquarters of CEC (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), Romania’s oldest savings bank, established in 1864. The site chosen for the palace previously housed the ruins of the 16th-century Saint John the Great Monastery. King Carol I personally supported the construction of the new CEC building, reflecting the importance of modern financial institutions in Romania's development during the late 19th century.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments is a masterpiece of the French Beaux-Arts style, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau in collaboration with Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building features a grand façade with Corinthian columns, sculptural details, and a striking glass and metal dome crowning the central lobby. The symmetrical design and decorative elements reflect the elegance and formality of Beaux-Arts architecture, blending neoclassical and baroque influences. Its opulent interiors, including a marble staircase and stained glass skylights, showcase the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and grandeur.
2025-03-31 338408 WTA R5m2
35 The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments (Palatul CEC), located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Built between 1897 and 1900, the palace was commissioned as the headquarters of CEC (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), Romania’s oldest savings bank, established in 1864. The site chosen for the palace previously housed the ruins of the 16th-century Saint John the Great Monastery. King Carol I personally supported the construction of the new CEC building, reflecting the importance of modern financial institutions in Romania's development during the late 19th century.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments is a masterpiece of the French Beaux-Arts style, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau in collaboration with Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building features a grand façade with Corinthian columns, sculptural details, and a striking glass and metal dome crowning the central lobby. The symmetrical design and decorative elements reflect the elegance and formality of Beaux-Arts architecture, blending neoclassical and baroque influences. Its opulent interiors, including a marble staircase and stained glass skylights, showcase the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and grandeur.
2025-03-31 338463 WTA R5m2
36 The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments (Palatul CEC), located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Built between 1897 and 1900, the palace was commissioned as the headquarters of CEC (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), Romania’s oldest savings bank, established in 1864. The site chosen for the palace previously housed the ruins of the 16th-century Saint John the Great Monastery. King Carol I personally supported the construction of the new CEC building, reflecting the importance of modern financial institutions in Romania's development during the late 19th century.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments is a masterpiece of the French Beaux-Arts style, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau in collaboration with Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building features a grand façade with Corinthian columns, sculptural details, and a striking glass and metal dome crowning the central lobby. The symmetrical design and decorative elements reflect the elegance and formality of Beaux-Arts architecture, blending neoclassical and baroque influences. Its opulent interiors, including a marble staircase and stained glass skylights, showcase the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and grandeur.
2025-03-31 338468 WTA R5m2
37 The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments (Palatul CEC), located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Built between 1897 and 1900, the palace was commissioned as the headquarters of CEC (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), Romania’s oldest savings bank, established in 1864. The site chosen for the palace previously housed the ruins of the 16th-century Saint John the Great Monastery. King Carol I personally supported the construction of the new CEC building, reflecting the importance of modern financial institutions in Romania's development during the late 19th century.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments is a masterpiece of the French Beaux-Arts style, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau in collaboration with Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building features a grand façade with Corinthian columns, sculptural details, and a striking glass and metal dome crowning the central lobby. The symmetrical design and decorative elements reflect the elegance and formality of Beaux-Arts architecture, blending neoclassical and baroque influences. Its opulent interiors, including a marble staircase and stained glass skylights, showcase the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and grandeur.
2025-03-31 338502 WTA R5m2
38 The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments (Palatul CEC), located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Built between 1897 and 1900, the palace was commissioned as the headquarters of CEC (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), Romania’s oldest savings bank, established in 1864. The site chosen for the palace previously housed the ruins of the 16th-century Saint John the Great Monastery. King Carol I personally supported the construction of the new CEC building, reflecting the importance of modern financial institutions in Romania's development during the late 19th century.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments is a masterpiece of the French Beaux-Arts style, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau in collaboration with Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building features a grand façade with Corinthian columns, sculptural details, and a striking glass and metal dome crowning the central lobby. The symmetrical design and decorative elements reflect the elegance and formality of Beaux-Arts architecture, blending neoclassical and baroque influences. Its opulent interiors, including a marble staircase and stained glass skylights, showcase the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and grandeur.
2025-03-31 338532 WTA R5m2
39 The Palace of the Deposits and Consignments (Palatul CEC), located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania, is a historic landmark and a symbol of the city’s financial heritage. Built between 1897 and 1900, the palace was commissioned as the headquarters of CEC (Casa de Economii și Consemnațiuni), Romania’s oldest savings bank, established in 1864. The site chosen for the palace previously housed the ruins of the 16th-century Saint John the Great Monastery. King Carol I personally supported the construction of the new CEC building, reflecting the importance of modern financial institutions in Romania's development during the late 19th century.
Architecturally, the Palace of the Deposits and Consignments is a masterpiece of the French Beaux-Arts style, designed by French architect Paul Gottereau in collaboration with Romanian architect Ion Socolescu. The building features a grand façade with Corinthian columns, sculptural details, and a striking glass and metal dome crowning the central lobby. The symmetrical design and decorative elements reflect the elegance and formality of Beaux-Arts architecture, blending neoclassical and baroque influences. Its opulent interiors, including a marble staircase and stained glass skylights, showcase the era’s dedication to craftsmanship and grandeur.

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