Bucharest is one of the younger European cities, dating back to 1459. It is the economic, political, educational and industrial center of Romania. Architecturally it is an eclectic mix of styles dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. After decades under Communist style rules, the city and country has established itself as a cultural and economic force in Eastern Europe once again.

Travelers to Bucharest will find many interesting and exciting sites to visit. At one time, Bucharest was known as "Little Paris" for the atmosphere, its broad tree-lined boulevards. Flowering trees along the long avenue leading to an Arc de Triomphe make this vista one of beauty. Awesome building, with an eclectic mix of architectural styles ranging from Orthodox churches to old monasteries and from the Stalinist blocks of the Communist years to Second Empire mansions. The second largest building in the world--the Parliament House-- is located in Bucharest.

As a visitor, one of your stops should be the Romanian Art Museum which houses the former Royal Collection. A broad spectrum of Romanian Art in the European context is presented. The Romanian Philharmonic Society presents classical and contemporary performances in the Romanian Atheneum, a symbol of the city since 1888 in the tourist literature.

Other points of interest include the outdoor Village Museum which gives visitors a realistic view of life in a Romanian village. The Cotroceni National Museum provides a three century look at the impact of the Cotroceni upon Romanian life. The interplay of political, religious, military, cultural and diplomatic aspects are displayed in a palace, church, and monastery setting. The Snagov Monastery is located on a tiny island in Snagov Lake. The order was founded in the 14th century and again in the 15th century. The site is said to be the final resting place of Count Dracula.