Gheorghe Șincai National College is today one of Bucharest’s symbolic educational institutions, a place that breathes history and tradition, and also a living proof of the evolution of Romanian education over more than a century. Officially founded on December 8, 1892, the high school was established by royal decree, as a response to the increasing number of students enrolled at “Matei Basarab” High School.

The birth of a prestigious high school in the heart of the capital

Two years before this moment, two divisional classes from Matei Basarab High School had been relocated to a modest space in the courtyard of Sfântu Gheorghe Vechi Church, but the growing demand soon led to the addition of two more classes. Thus, the idea of a new classical gymnasium emerged, which was named “Gheorghe Șincai Classical Gymnasium”, in honor of the great Transylvanian scholar.

In its early years, the school operated in temporary spaces, until in 1919 the gymnasium was elevated to the rank of high school. Since then, the name “Gheorghe Șincai” has been synonymous with rigor, culture, and the authentic Romanian spirit.

Transformations throughout the century: a high school with a tumultuous history

After the 1948 education reform, the high school changed its name to “Boys’ High School no. 5.” In the following years, administrative and educational reorganizations gave it other titles: in 1950, it became “High School no. 20,” and in 1956 it merged with “Girls’ High School no. 21,” forming Mixed Secondary School no. 20.

However, its identity and spirit were never lost. On the proposal of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Presidium of the Great National Assembly, by Decree no. 257/1956, decided that the institution would once again bear the name “Gheorghe Șincai”, in honor of the cultural contribution of the esteemed Transylvanian scholar.

In 2002, the high school received the title of National College, a status recognizing academic performance, tradition, and the exceptional educational level it had achieved.

An emblematic building, designed by Romania’s first female architect

The current building of Gheorghe Șincai National College is itself an architectural masterpiece. Construction began in 1924, and by 1928, when the high school moved into the new building, only the wing facing Ion I.C. Brătianu Boulevard—known today as Dimitrie Cantemir Boulevard—had been completed.

The building bears the signature of Virginia Andreescu Haret, a remarkable personality and a pioneer of female architecture in Romania. Born on June 21, 1894, in Bucharest, Virginia Andreescu was the first female architect in Romania and the first woman in the world to reach the rank of general inspector architect.

Orphaned of her mother at the age of nine, young Virginia took over household responsibilities and cared for her three siblings. With extraordinary determination, at the age of 18, she obtained, with the support of Spiru C. Haret, a special license at the Higher School of Architecture in Bucharest, graduating with the distinction “very good.”

In 1928, she married a nephew of the famous mathematician Spiru Haret, and her professional activity became a reference point for interwar Romanian architecture. Among the buildings bearing her signature are Cantemir Vodă National College, several residential blocks on Calea Victoriei, and the administrative pavilion of Băneasa Airport, including its underground facilities.

The Gheorghe Șincai College building is representative of the neo-Romanian style, combining refined decorative elements with the rigorous functionality required by an educational facility. Large windows, spacious halls, and subtle ornaments reflect the elegance and sobriety of the 1920s, while providing an environment conducive to learning.

Who Gheorghe Șincai was – the scholar who inspired generations

The high school’s name was no coincidence. Gheorghe Șincai, born on February 28, 1754, in the village of Râciu de Câmpie, Mureș County, was one of the major figures of the Transylvanian School, the movement that laid the foundations of modern Romanian national consciousness.

He came from a family of small nobles from the Făgăraș region, with roots in the village of Șinca Veche, which also gave him his name. His education was exceptional: he first studied in Hungarian, then Latin, in Târgu Mureș and Cluj, and later in Rome, where he benefited from the support of Cardinal Ștefan Borgia, secretary of the Congregation “De propaganda fide.”

He was a man of impressive erudition, mastering Romanian, Latin, Hungarian, German, Ancient Greek, Italian, and French. In 1779, he earned a doctorate in philosophy and theology, and in 1780, together with Samuil Micu, he published the first printed grammar of the Romanian language: Elementa linguae daco-romanae sive valachicae.

As director of Greek-Catholic education in Transylvania, Șincai made a decisive contribution to spreading Romanian education, establishing over 300 schools in rural areas. Through his tireless efforts, the Romanian language and culture gained recognition in an era dominated by foreign pressures and cultural assimilation.

“The Chronicle of the Romanians” – a monumental work of national identity

His most valuable work, “The Chronicle of the Romanians and of several nations”, was completed in 1811 after 34 years of meticulous research in European libraries and archives. Written in the form of annals, the work gathered information from thousands of sources, presenting the history of Romanians in the context of Southeastern Europe from the year 86 to his own time.

The Chronicle is more than just a historical work—it is a testimony of cultural resistance, continuity, and the Latin origin of the Romanian people. Through its rigorous research and wealth of information, it surpassed everything published in Romanian historiography until then.

The full publication of the work was realized only in 1853, thanks to the philologist and historian August Treboniu Laurian, who firmly stated: “As long as it is not published, Romanians will have no history.”

A high school that carries the legacy of a learned mind

Giving Gheorghe Șincai’s name to an educational institution means recognizing his intellectual heritage. For more than a century, Gheorghe Șincai National College has been more than a school; it is a temple of knowledge, where generations of students have been formed in the spirit of truth, culture, and excellence.

From remarkable teachers to international olympiad winners, the high school has helped shape the elites of modern Romania. Its halls still echo the footsteps of thousands of students, and its library, rich in heritage volumes, reflects the passion for learning of the scholar whose name it bears.

The legacy of Virginia Andreescu Haret – a woman ahead of her time

The construction of the high school marked an important stage in Virginia Andreescu Haret’s career, at a time when women had very few professional opportunities. Through her talent and dedication, Virginia proved that genius has no gender.

Her career spanned diverse projects—from schools and administrative buildings to civil constructions and infrastructure works. In all, she brought balance, proportion, and elegance. At a time when modernism was beginning to influence Romanian architecture, she preserved the traditional spirit while ensuring functionality and innovation.

Her international recognition came not only from her achievements but also from her position: the first woman in the world to achieve the rank of general inspector architect, securing her a unique place in the history of world architecture.

Gheorghe Șincai College today – between tradition and modernity

Today, Gheorghe Șincai National College continues to be an educational landmark in Bucharest. Despite the passage of time and modern challenges, the school retains its old-world charm: wide corridors, monumental staircases, and the imposing facade recall the interwar era, while the interior atmosphere carries a dignity that is hard to match.

With a dedicated teaching staff and exceptional students, the college maintains a high academic standard. Extracurricular activities, cultural projects, and international partnerships complement the educational process, transforming it into a lively space where tradition harmoniously blends with innovation.

For over 130 years, Gheorghe Șincai National College has not merely been a high school; it is a symbolic institution that has survived eras, regimes, and reforms, always remaining faithful to its mission: educating young people in the spirit of truth, humanist values, and respect for Romanian culture.

Thus, the building designed by Virginia Andreescu Haret and dedicated to the memory of the great scholar Gheorghe Șincai represents a bridge between past and future—a proof that education and culture, when guided by passion and perseverance, can create monuments that endure for centuries.

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