Palace of the Parliament, Bucharest

The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania, stands as a colossal testament to the country's communist past and the grandiose ambitions of its former dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu. This monumental building, known also as the People's House (Casa Poporului), is one of the largest and heaviest administrative structures in the world, second only to The Pentagon in the United States.

Constructed over a span of 13 years, from 1984 to 1997, the Palace of the Parliament is an iconic feature of Bucharest's skyline. The building boasts an impressive 330,000 square meters and is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for its immense size. Its design reflects the neoclassical style, with a blend of socialist realism and Romanian architectural traditions. The palace has more than 1,100 rooms, and visitors are often struck by the opulent interiors, which are adorned with marble, gold leaf, lavish carpets, and crystal chandeliers.

Despite its initial purpose as a symbol of socialist power and efficiency, the palace now houses the Romanian Parliament, consisting of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, as well as the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the International Conference Centre. The building is also available for various public and private events, including exhibitions and concerts.

Tours of the Palace of the Parliament are available to the public, providing a unique opportunity to explore the vast halls and richly decorated chambers of this imposing edifice. Visitors can marvel at the sheer scale of the construction and the luxurious materials used throughout, which stand in stark contrast to the austere period in which it was built.