Calea Victoriei (Victory Road) is one of Bucharest's most
charming streets. It was built as a main road in 1692 under orders from Constantin
Brancoveanu who needed a road to link his palace at Mogosoaia with the Old Court.
In the beginning the street was known as Podul Mogosoaia - Mogosoaia Bridge - because
it was paved with wood. In 1878 after the Romanian War of Independence the street's
name became Calea Victoriei.
Between the two world wars Calea Victoriei became one of the most fashionable streets.
Following this avenue from Piata Natiunilor Unite to Piata Victoriei you'll find
some of the most beautiful buildings in Bucharest. Among these are Stavropoleos Church
- on Str. Stavropoleous, few second away from Calea Victoriei, the National Savings
Bank or CEC building, the Art Deco Telephone Palace, the Cretulescu Church, the
Central University Library, the Romanian Atheneum, the Royal Palace which today
houses the National Art Museum and the Cantacuzino Palace.
