Romanian Athenaeum

This exquisite circular building is the majestic heart of Romania's classical music tradition. The Romanian Athenaeum hosts prestigious concerts and should not be missed. Scenes from Romanian history are featured on the interior fresco inside the Big Hall on the first floor and the dome is 41m high. A huge appeal dubbed 'Give a Penny for the Athenaeum' saved it from disaster after the original patron's funds dried up.

The peristyle is adorned with mosaics of five Romanian rulers, including Moldavian prince Vasile Lupu (r 1512-21), Wallachian Matei Basarab (r 1632-54) and King Carol I (r 1881-1914). Built in 1888, George Enescu made his debut here in 1898, followed five years later by the first performance of his masterpiece Romanian Rhapsody. Today it's home to the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra.