The monumental, historical, cultural, entertainment, and tourist complex Mogoșoaia is a public cultural institution under the authority of the General Council of Bucharest. It is located in the village of the same name in Ilfov County, approximately 15 km from downtown Bucharest.
Currently, the area comprises: Mogoșoaia Palace, which now houses the Brâncovenesc Art Museum, featuring valuable paintings and sculptures (a collection totaling about 300 pieces); the Cuhnia (the royal kitchen); the watchtower and the Târgoviște Gate; a residence and conference center; a restaurant; the Glacier (formerly used for ice storage); the English park with Italian-style gardens; a church dedicated to St. George, built by Constantin Brâncoveanu in 1688; the Gheorghe Bibescu Chapel (which houses the tombs of the former owners of Mogoșoaia and their relatives: Prince Nicolae G. Bibescu and his wife Hélène Louise Ney d’Elchingen, Prince George Bibescu and his wife Valentine de Caraman Chimay, Princess Elisabeth Bibescu, and Princes Mihai Basarab Brâncoveanu and George Basarab Brâncoveanu); and the N. Bibescu greenhouses.
The Royal Court of Mogoșoaia was first attested at the end of the 17th century, while construction was completed at the beginning of the 18th century. Mogoșoaia Palace was built in 1702 by Constantin Brâncoveanu, Prince of Wallachia between 1688 and 1714. The complex belongs to the Brâncovenesc architectural style.
The palace takes its name from the widow of the Romanian boyar Mogoș, who owned the land on which it was built. In 1912, Prince George Valentin Bibescu gave the palace to his wife, Martha Bibescu, as a gift. Martha Bibescu, a poet and writer, renovated and transformed the previously derelict property into a venue for cultural gatherings. She became one of the most distinguished figures of the Romanian interwar period and of the European aristocracy of the 20th century.
For the refurbishment, she spent much of the wealth she earned from her literary works. In 1945, Martha Bibescu left the country and transferred the palace to her daughter Valentina and her husband, Dimitrie Ghika-Comănești. In 1949, it was nationalized by the communist government.
Mogoșoaia offers a sublime landscape, where visitors can enjoy peaceful moments surrounded by fresh air. Here, tourists have the opportunity to admire an architectural masterpiece. The gardens resemble a hedge maze typical of an English park and are bordered by a tranquil lake and a forest. Visitors can also enjoy art exhibitions (painting and sculpture), while the restaurant at Mogoșoaia Palace serves as a venue for events such as weddings and christenings.
In addition, the Bucharest City Hall has arranged a dedicated picnic area, allowing both residents and tourists to relax in a pleasant setting away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For more information about the “Brâncovenesc Palaces” Cultural Center of Mogoșoaia and visiting hours, please visit the official website:
https://palatebrancovenesti.ro/
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