Traditional Romanian Architecture : A Glimpse into the Past - Travel back in time and discover the beauty and cultural significance of Romania's traditional architecture.
Romania is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and its architecture reflects its diverse history and the influence of various cultures. Traditional Romanian architecture is a testament to the country's unique and diverse style, which is characterized by a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Ottoman influences.
Traditional Romanian Architecture: A Glimpse into the Richness of Romania's Cultural Heritage
In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional Romanian architecture and explore its unique features and characteristics. We will delve into the several types of buildings and structures that are associated with traditional Romanian architecture and discuss the history and cultural significance behind each one.
Peles castle from Romania
The main Romanian architecture styles
Given the fact that we are a people with a long history should have been that we have a richer portfolio of arhitectural styles and derivatives.
The reality is that.... there are only two styles of architecture considered to be original Romanian.
Analyzing these two styles we find that the decoration elements are taken from the architecture of the neighboring peoples (Turks, Bulgarians, etc.) but also from the architecture of the Western peoples.
This principle of composition is found in all the styles of architecture of all time, namely, the elements that made up the decoration from ancient architecture.
Returning to the two Romanian styles of architecture considered original they are, as follows:
- Brancovenian style
- Neo -Romanian style
In addition to the two listed above, a style of architecture derived from the first style, called the NeoBrancovenian , is also present in the list of the traditional Romanian arhitectural styles.
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Brancovenian Style
This style emerged during the reign of Constantin Brancoveanu (1688-1714) and was mainly seen in church architecture and the residences of important figures such as rulers and nobles.
Houses that used the "Brancovenian " arhitectural style are characterized by the following elements:
- Heavy, solid, and stable proportions with more solid surfaces than openings
- Impressive appearance due to the large plan and height of the building
- Vertical organization of functions: ground level for staff areas, first floor for living spaces, and unused attic space
- Facades finished with white plaster and exposed brick
- Simple horizontal plaster band at the level of the first floor, while the upper part of the facade has an embossed band with flat decorations and a series of stepped planes
- Windows and doors with stone-carved frames, and the upper part of the windows features a false arch and a prominent plastered sill with geometric motifs
The ground level has simple doors and windows, while the first floor has solid wooden doors with simple geometric patterns and multi-pane windows. Access to the first floor is through a porch with Byzantine stone columns with decorative capitals, arches in the shape of accolades made of plaster, and balustrades with floral motifs.
What is Neoromantic/NeoRomanian Architecture?
Neoromantic architecture is a style that emerged in early 20th century, characterized by a revival of classical and romantic architectural elements. This style was particularly popular in Europe and the United States, where architects sought to revive the grandeur and splendor of ancient buildings.
They reinterpreted the tradition and specific elements of peasant constructions and created an original style that met the needs of the 1900s. The style became the expression of the national identity of the new independent state. Today, you can find it on the streets of Bucharest, scattered among buildings in eclectic or Parisian Renaissance styles.
The National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, designed by Nicolae Ghica-Budești, in 1941
How to recognise the NeoRomanian Architecture style
These Neo -Romanian style houses are characterized by the following elements, as follows:
-weights and stability resulting from the higher proportion of the full surfaces compared to that of the holes; The voids begin to have a greater weight compared to the Brancovanian architecture,
-In imposing character due to the large surface in the plane and the height of the building,
-vertical tething of spaces:
-Parter -allocated to commercial functions and has the highest height,
-the upper stations -allocated to the housing function,
-attic pod -allocated to the housing function.
-Materials used to finish the facades: plaster color gray,
-Decorations of the facades:
-The prominent socle with bruce outstreated,
-upper part -in relief with abundant decorations with flat relief; The brightly colored decorations on the brick and the floral motifs are noted.
-Treating goals:
-the goals for doors and windows had plaster frames; The frames had arcades (form form) at the top,
Evolution on this style until now
Speaking of the evolution, I found a great explanation of the evolution of this style ..Let me share it with you!
A dash of history regarding the Traditional Romanian Architecture
I promise this wont be boring
NeoRomanian architecture, also known as Neo-Brancovenian or Brancovenian Baroque, emerged in Romania at the end of the 19th century within the Art Nouveau movement. It was initially a result of attempts to find a distinctive Romanian architectural style.
The main architects behind these efforts were Ion Mincu (1852-1912) and Ion N. Socolescu (1856-1924). The peak of the style was during the interwar period, as a national reaction to the dominance of eclecticism. In addition to foreign influences, the contribution of Romanian architects became increasingly prominent, reinventing tradition while creating an original style...and they advocated for a modern architecture that was distinctly national.
Ion Mincu and his successors, including Grigore Cerchez, Cristofi Cerchez, Petre Antonescu, and Nicolae Ghica-Budești,an interesting fact about Ion Mincu:
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Examples of this arhitectural style
1. The Cantacuzino Castle
Cantacuzino Castle is a prime example of traditional arhitectural romanian style
The Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni was designed by Grigore Cerchez for Prince George Grigore Cantacuzino and was completed in 1911.
Front view of the The Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni
They based their approach on the ideas put forth by Alexandru Odobescu around 1870, which encouraged the study of even the smallest remnants of artistic production from the past and the transformation of these elements into the foundation of a great art.
All of these changes were made possible by Romania's prosperous period at the time. The economic growth during the reign of King Carol I led to significant development in the arts and architecture. The desire for a unique identity gave rise to the neoromanian style.
2.The City Hall of Craiova is another prime example of this construction style
frontview of City Hall of Craiova,
The City Hall of Craiova, designed by the renowned architect Ion Mincu and completed in 1916, is a remarkable example of neoromantic architecture in Romania.
The building is characterized by its symmetrical facade, adorned with ornate decorations and intricate details. The central part of the building features a grand entrance, flanked by two imposing towers that rise above the roofline. The towers are topped with curved domes, adding to the building's grandeur and elegance.
The use of locally-sourced materials, such as bricks and stone, gives the building a sense of place and connects it to the surrounding landscape. The interior of the building is equally impressive, featuring spacious halls, high ceilings, and decorative elements that reflect the neoromantic style.
Overall, the City Hall of Craiova is a testament to the neoromantic style's enduring popularity in Romania. Its grandeur and attention to detail make it a landmark of the city, and a significant contribution to the country's architectural heritage.
3.The City Hall of Craiova is another prime example of this construction style
Cula Greceanu, the oldest Oltenia Cula in the country (1517), located in the town of Măldărești, Vâlcea county.
Cula Greceanu, located in the town of Măldărești, Vâlcea County, is the oldest surviving cula in Romania, dating back to 1517. This impressive fortified house is a testament to the defensive architecture of the Oltenia region and a significant example of the neoromantic style's inspiration.
4.Former Bank Marmorosch Blank from Bucharest
Former Bank Marmorosch Blank, from Bucharest, designed by Petre Antonescu, completed in 1923,
The former Marmorosch Blank Bank, located in Bucharest, is a remarkable example of neoromantic architecture designed by Petre Antonescu and completed in 1923. This building is a significant contribution to Romania's architectural heritage and an excellent representation of the neoromantic style's influence in Romania during the early 20th century.
The building's exterior is characterized by its grandeur and attention to detail, with ornate decorations and intricate designs adorning the facade. The entrance features a grand portico supported by two massive columns that give the building a sense of grandeur and elegance. The use of locally sourced materials such as stone and brick, as well as the attention to detail in the decorative elements, are indicative of the neoromantic style's emphasis on traditional craftsmanship.
Inside, the building features a grand entrance hall with a high ceiling and intricate decorative elements. The walls and floors are made of polished stone, creating an elegant and luxurious atmosphere. The upper floors contain several offices and meeting rooms, all designed with the same attention to detail and functional elegance as the entrance hall.
Overall, the former Marmorosch Blank Bank is an excellent example of the neoromantic style's influence on Romanian architecture during the early 20th century. Its grandeur, attention to detail, and use of traditional materials and construction techniques make it a landmark of the city and a significant contribution to Romania's cultural and architectural heritage.
5.The open porch of Horezu Monastery is another great example of the Romanian traditional arhitectural styles
The open porch of Horezu Monastery, built in the Brancovenian style, is a remarkable architectural feature that reflects the unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman influences in Romanian architecture.
The porch is characterized by a spacious, open-air design, with a series of arches supported by massive columns that give the building a sense of grandeur and elegance. The columns are decorated with ornate carvings and intricate patterns, reflecting the Brancovenian style's emphasis on detailed craftsmanship.
The open porch serves as a gathering place for visitors to the monastery, where they can take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape and admire the intricate details of the architecture. It is a testament to the traditional Romanian arhitectural called "Brancovenian" style's emphasis on functional elegance and its ability to create a space that is both beautiful and functional.
6.The amazing Mogoșoaia Palace
the main facade of the Mogoșoaia Palace
The main facade of the Mogoșoaia Palace, with the monumental scale that connects the porch to the courtyard, the loggia with the stone pillars and the trilobate arches.
6.The Lahovary, Bucureşti (1886)
The Lahovary's house designed by Ion Mincu for General Lahovary is one of the representative buildings of the style, the first one. Today in the courtyard of the Cantacuzino spit in Bucharest, it is a glossary of elements reinterpreted from the traditional Romanian architecture. They subsequently become recurrent reasons in Mincu's architecture, and are representative for the neo -Romanian style.
The Lahovary's house designed by Ion Mincu and it's a good exmaple of traditioanl romanian arhitectural style
The access to the building is made through a porch decorated with wood carved pillars and trilobate arches, elements taken from both the popular architecture and from the Brancovian style. The charm of the entrance is given by the colored frieze from the terracotta - the ornate band above the arches. This includes vegetable and zoomorphic motifs. The buttons applied to the facade play the rose with eight arms, an inspiration from the Christian tradition.
You can also see the roof with the sloping slope and the prominent sting, which besides the obvious role of protecting the building, also have a decorative role in the whole facade.
Iacob Lahovary's house, visionary general passionate by duels at the privilege of which the future king came including King Ferdinand and the Ottoman ambassador.
In sector two of the capital, one of the first homes erected in Neo -Romanian style by the architect Ion Mincu was the House Iacob Lahovary.
front view of the House of the General Lahovary,a prime example of Traditional Romanian Architecture
Built in 1886 at the request of General Iacob Lahovary, The building served as a housing and , later, as a flag of the section of Maternity of Cantacuzino Hospital, currently being ranked as a historical monument.
The house on Ion Movilă street, number 5, represents a resurrection of
"The healthy roots of a broken storm tree", as states the architect Ion Mincu in an article of the magazine "Architecture".
Check this out - 132 years old and still looking great !
The details that I personally love about this building are the colorful ceramic, columns of wooden arcs in frozen brace. At the same time, the specific of the Romanian houses from the fifteenth century is rendered by the porch designed above a false in the cellar of the house.
Some of the decorative elements of the house remind of Architecture in Italy, Franca Istanbul, places Ion Mincu. He had visited in the student years. Among the materials used in the construction of the house we find the case, plaster with lime mortar, wooden wood. Just arrived in the country, Mincu calls for some photos of the painter I. Paraschivescu-Alpar (1857-1901) at a few houses of mountain monasteries he had visited.
7. The "Ion Mincu " University of Architecture from Bucharest
fatada-Universitatea_de_Arhitectura_si_Urbanism__Ion_Mincu
Although the title of the Institute bears the name of the architect who started the neo -Romanian style, it was designed by the disciple of Ion Mincu, his name being Grigore Cerkez. Built between 1912-1927, the building contains numerous elements inspired by the Brancovenian style, such as the loggia on the floor on the main facade, the ornamental motifs, the trilobate arches or the carved columns. The spectacular portal on the main facade is inspired by the Moldovan, but also Gothic style.
NeoRomanian Architecture Today
Today, the NeoRomanian architecture remains a popular style, particularly in the design of some luxury homes, public buildings, and traditional hotels. Architects continue to draw inspiration from classical and romantic elements, combining them with modern building techniques and materials to create stunning structures.
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traditional Romanian architectural style in the Danube Delta -casa traditionala in delta dunarii-
The image above for example is a typical Danube Delta arhitectural style. Take our boat tours and you can discover this type of traditional architecture as well as enjoying nature!
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How can we differentiate between the traditional ROmanian arhitectural styles?
How we distinguish the neo -Romanian style from the Brâncoveniianstyle
Although, at first glance, the two styles are seem identical, there are some important criteria that distinguish them:
- The period of appearance: the Brancovenian style developed at the end of the seventeenth century, as a national style for the principality of Wallachia. The neo -Romanian style appears at the end of the 19th century, this being the expression of the national identity of the new independent Romanian state.
- Types of buildings: Brancovenian style is mainly found in religious architecture, the only one that has continued over time. In contrast, the neo -Romanian style is the most common in civil constructions, public institutions, villas, mansions or castles. It was loved by the wealthy population of that period.
- Inspiration: the Brancovenian style combines elements specific to the local Byzantine and Ottoman traditions, as well as elements from the traditional architecture of the Romanian Country. In contrast, the neo -Romanian style combines elements specific to the Brancovenian style with those of the Moldovan style and of the ethnographic architecture from all over the country, not just the southern area of Romania.
- Details: Although the Neo -Romanian borrows decorative details from Brancovenian, it differs by using the ceramics and colored terracotta to play the ornamental motifs. Also, the facades of buildings in neo -Romanian style are stronger than those in Brancovenian style. The roof also plays an important aesthetic role. Also, the symmetry of the buildings (specific to Brancovenian) is broken by massive appearance, defense tower.
Caractheristics of this Traditional Romanian Arhitecture style called Neo-romanian
The Neo-romanian style is characterized by several distinctive features that set it apart from other architectural styles. While the style incorporates motifs and ornaments from other styles, they are never mechanically copied or enlarged in scale. Instead, architects such as Ion Mincu and others sought to create an aesthetic that allowed them to use local materials and traditional construction techniques.
The primary source of inspiration for neoromantic buildings is the "cula," a type of fortified house built in the Oltenia region. Originally owned by small boyars or wealthy peasants, culas emerged in the second half of the 17th century and were designed with defensive features to withstand attacks by the Ottoman Empire. The cula is the defining element that sets the neoromantic style apart from other styles, as it features a tower-like structure that serves a defensive purpose.
In addition to the cula, neoromantic buildings are known for their ornate decorations and intricate details, which are often inspired by traditional Romanian motifs and patterns. These elements are carefully crafted to complement the overall aesthetic of the building and create a cohesive design.
Overall, the neoromantic style is characterized by a unique blend of traditional and modern elements, reflecting Romania's rich cultural heritage and its place in the modern world. Its emphasis on local materials and traditional construction techniques, combined with ornate decorations and distinctive features such as the cula, make it a unique and significant contribution to the history of architecture.
One of the most striking features of traditional Romanian architecture is the use of wood as the primary building material. This is evident in the numerous wooden churches, houses, and other structures that can be found throughout the country.
Types of constructions that are using this architectural style
Wooden Churches
Wooden churches are one of the most iconic examples of traditional Romanian architecture. These churches are characterized by their intricate and detailed carvings, which often depict biblical scenes and other religious themes. The wooden churches are usually painted in bright colors and are topped with steep, pointed roofs that are designed to withstand the harsh winters.
One of the most famous wooden churches in Romania is the Church of the Holy Archangels in Maramures, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church dates back to the 18th century and is known for its unique architecture and intricate wooden carvings.
Wooden Houses
Another example of traditional Romanian architecture is the wooden houses that can be found throughout the country. These houses are typically small, one-story structures that are built using a combination of wood and clay. The houses often feature intricately carved wooden details and are painted in bright colors.
The wooden houses are designed to withstand the harsh winter climate and are often built with thick walls and roofs that are angled to shed snow. Many of these houses can be found in rural areas of the country, where they are still used as family homes.
Fortified Churches
Fortified churches are another example of traditional Romanian architecture that can be found throughout the country. These churches were built during the Middle Ages and were designed to withstand attacks from invaders. The churches were fortified with thick walls, towers, and other defensive structures.
One of the most famous fortified churches in Romania is the Biertan Fortified Church in Transylvania, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church dates back to the 16th century and is known for its impressive architecture and defensive structures.
In addition to the wooden churches, houses, and fortified churches, Romania is also home to a number of other traditional structures, including watermills, windmills, and traditional gates.
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Now...we were talking about the romanian traditional style that became neoromantic, or Romanian neoromantic...
Cultural Significance of Traditional Romanian Architecture
Traditional Romanian architecture is not only a reflection of the country's rich history and diverse cultural heritage, but it also holds significant cultural and religious value. Many of the wooden churches and other traditional structures are still used for religious purposes, and they play an important role in the daily lives of the local communities.
In addition to their religious significance, traditional Romanian architecture also holds important cultural value. The unique style and design of these structures have been passed down through generations, and they continue to inspire contemporary Romanian architects and designers.
The Neo-Romanian style borrows ideeas from:
- From the life of the peasants of Romania: Wooden elements such as solar rosette, wolf tooth, rope motif.
- Elements taken from the Moldovan style (tall and sloping roofs)
- Church inspired motifs.
- This combines them with elements taken from Balkan, Ottoman, or late Italian Renaissance architecture.
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Conclusion about the traditional Romanian arhitecture styles
Romania's traditional architecture is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage, with unique style and design that reflects its diverse history. From the intricate wooden carvings of the churches to the defensive structures of the fortified churches, traditional Romanian architecture is a fascinating glimpse into the past.
If you're interested in learning more about Romanian architecture, there are a variety of resources available both online and in person, including museums, cultural centers, and guided tours. Exploring the traditional architecture of Romania is a great way to gain a deeper appreciation for the country's unique history and cultural significance.
The neo-romantic style of Romanian traditional architecture combines classical and romantic elements, featuring arches and columns, ornate decoration, symmetry, and classical and romantic motifs. This style continues to inspire architects today, and its grandeur and elegance are sure to endure for generations to come.
Overall, traditional Romanian architecture is an important and unique aspect of the country's cultural heritage. From the wooden churches and houses to the fortified churches and other traditional structures, these buildings offer a fascinating insight into Romania's diverse history and cultural significance.
Whether you're planning a trip to Romania or simply interested in learning more about its traditional architecture, be sure to explore these iconic structures and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this captivating country.
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