A Belle Époque mansion built for a prominent Bucharest family, this elegantly appointed palace later served as headquarters for UNESCO’s European higher education research centre.
At a glance
Kretzulescu Palace stands near the Cișmigiu Gardens on Știrbei Vodă Street, a landmark of early 20th-century Bucharest architecture. Designed by Romanian architect Petre Antonescu, the residence exemplifies the refined taste of the city’s aristocratic circles during the Belle Époque period.
History
The palace was commissioned by Elena Kretzulescu (1857–1930), daughter of Constantin Kretzulescu and Maria Filipescu, as her family residence. Construction took place between 1902 and 1904 under the direction of architect Petre Antonescu (1873–1965).
During Elena’s extended stays in Paris, the writer and cultural figure Barbu Bellu occupied the house for a considerable period. From 1972 onwards, the palace underwent transformation into an institutional space, housing UNESCO’s European Centre for Higher Education (CEPES) until 2011.
What you see
The palace reflects the architectural vocabulary of turn-of-the-century Bucharest, with refined detailing characteristic of Antonescu’s residential designs. Its proximity to the Cișmigiu Gardens, one of Bucharest’s most significant green spaces, adds to its cultural setting.
Cultural significance
The Kretzulescu Palace represents a vanishing typology—the aristocratic townhouse of pre-war Bucharest. Its later service as a UNESCO centre reflects the building’s adaptability and continued relevance to intellectual life in Romania’s capital.
Key facts
- Location: Știrbei Vodă Street nr. 39, Bucharest
- Country: Romania
- Coordinates: 44.43955833, 26.08858889
- Constructed: 1902–1904
- Architect: Petre Antonescu (1873–1965)
- Original patron: Elena Kretzulescu (1857–1930)
- Institutional use: UNESCO-CEPES headquarters, 1972–2011
Practical information & getting there
The palace is located on Știrbei Vodă Street near the Cișmigiu Gardens in central Bucharest. Current opening hours and visiting arrangements should be confirmed before planning a visit, as the building’s status may have changed since its UNESCO occupation ended.
Sources & resources
- Kretzulescu Palace – Wikipedia
- Cultural Heritage Online
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