National Geographic has included the Hill of the Patriarchate and its surroundings among the places that deserve to be (re)discovered in Bucharest.
The article signed by Elena Draghici notes that the Hill of the Patriarchate is special ‘both through its history and through the panorama it offers over the city.’
“To reach the top, you can jump over the classic route that starts from Dealul Mitropoliei Alley, so crowded on big holidays, and choose the alternative and less paved path. Look for the narrow stone steps, flanked by houses with wooden porches, which connect Ienăchiță Văcărescu Street with Mitropoliei Alley.”
“You will climb for a few good minutes, you will stop to admire the old houses and you will catch your breath. At the end of the stone steps, it is quiet and smells of basil and you can cool off with plenty of holy water,” Elena Draghici recommends tourists and Bucharesters.
National Geographic briefly described the history of the Patriarchal Ensemble, located on the Patriarchate’s Hill in Bucharest.
“Once upon a time, the whole hill was covered by the vineyards of the prince and the monks who served at the monastery of the Holy Emperors Constantine and Helen. Today the vineyards have disappeared and a set of three buildings consisting of the Patriarchal Cathedral, the Patriarchal Residence and the Patriarchate Palace has remained in their place.”
In addition, National Geographic mentioned that the Patriarchate’s Palace “was our first reinforced concrete building and that here, in 1859, the election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as ruler prince of the Romanian Principalities and the union of Muntenia with Moldova was voted. The Patriarchate’s Palace can be visited during the week (closed during the pandemic).”
Photography courtesy of National Geographic
Follow us on Twitter: @BasilicaNews and @BasilicaPhotos
Thank you for reading Basilica.ro!
