The National Military Circle, Bucharest
The National Military Circle (Cercul Militar Na葲ional) stands proudly near Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei) in central Bucharest. Conceived as the cultural hub of the Romanian Army, its impressive French neoclassical fa莽ade was drawn up by architect Dimitrie Maimarolu, with contributions from Victor Stefanescu and Ernest Doneaud, and built between 1911 and 1923 on the former site of the Sarindar Monastery. Though construction was interrupted by World War I and the subsequent German occupation, the grand palace was restored and inaugurated in February 1923, thanks to donations from army officers and state funding.
Beyond its majestic exterior, the interior of the Circle is a showcase of opulent design. Visitors may glimpse sumptuous halls鈥攕uch as the Marble, Moorish, Gothic, and Norwegian rooms鈥攅ach meticulously decorated for ceremony and cultural occasions. A spectacular double marble staircase leads to the upper levels, opening into richly adorned salons and a historic restaurant, serving military and civilians alike since the early 20th century.
Throughout the interwar era, the Circle gained renown for hosting lavish military balls. It was here that young officers sought suitable partners amidst well-dressed debutantes, turning its grand entrance into a social stage and symbol of status in Bucharest society. Under communism, the building was renamed 鈥淐asa Central膬 a Armatei,鈥� only to reclaim its historic title after 1989.
Today, the Circle remains a living monument: a historic and architectural asset classified under Bucharest鈥檚 Grade A heritage listings. It's open to the public via its restaurant, cinema, library, and occasional cultural events鈥攆ilm screenings, book launches, and concerts all breathe new life into its century-old halls. For tourists, it offers a unique opportunity: step into a space where imperial elegance meets military tradition, right in the heart of modern Bucharest.
Beyond its majestic exterior, the interior of the Circle is a showcase of opulent design. Visitors may glimpse sumptuous halls鈥攕uch as the Marble, Moorish, Gothic, and Norwegian rooms鈥攅ach meticulously decorated for ceremony and cultural occasions. A spectacular double marble staircase leads to the upper levels, opening into richly adorned salons and a historic restaurant, serving military and civilians alike since the early 20th century.
Throughout the interwar era, the Circle gained renown for hosting lavish military balls. It was here that young officers sought suitable partners amidst well-dressed debutantes, turning its grand entrance into a social stage and symbol of status in Bucharest society. Under communism, the building was renamed 鈥淐asa Central膬 a Armatei,鈥� only to reclaim its historic title after 1989.
Today, the Circle remains a living monument: a historic and architectural asset classified under Bucharest鈥檚 Grade A heritage listings. It's open to the public via its restaurant, cinema, library, and occasional cultural events鈥攆ilm screenings, book launches, and concerts all breathe new life into its century-old halls. For tourists, it offers a unique opportunity: step into a space where imperial elegance meets military tradition, right in the heart of modern Bucharest.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bucharest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The National Military Circle on Map
Sight Name: The National Military Circle
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
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The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
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