In the center of Bucharest, surrounded by crowded streets and historic buildings, amidst the horns and sounds of the tram, stands the impressive monument of the city's glorious history, the meeting point between past and present: the Manuc's Inn.

With its long history and fascinating architecture, the inn is more than just a tourist destination in Bucharest: it is a historic building concealing a mysterious and charming place that served as a source of inspiration for Romania's greatest writers, but also a symbol of the diversity and cultural and commercial interactions of 19th century Bucharest. 

Let's start our journey to the monumental inn by looking at and discovering the origins and cultural influences that contributed to its formation more than two centuries ago!

Manuc's Inn was built between 1804-1808 by the Armenian merchant Manuc Bei. At that time, Manuc was considered one of the wealthiest landowners in the Balkan region. In 1800, he was appointed dragoman and adviser to the Turks, and from 1808 (when the construction of the inn was completed), Bei of Moldavia (a Turkish title meaning "chieftain", generally applied to leaders of tribal groups). Curiously, some even claim that Manuc was also a Turkish-Russian double agent, serving more Russian interests.

Situated right at the entrance to the Old Center of Bucharest, Manuc's Inn stands out for its architecture with specific Brancovenetian elements, to which Manuc took care to give a romantic touch, probably out of a desire to avoid the appearance of a fortress. The large, elegant arches and exterior spaces reflecting oriental influences add a special charm to the whole structure. 

As you walk through the inner courtyard, you can feel the tumultuous stories it has survived and which have given it significance over the centuries, with Manuc's Inn witnessing important historical events.  

During Manuc Bei's lifetime, the inn went through a prosperous period, being the meeting place for Turkish, Bulgarian and Greek merchants passing through Bucharest, as well as Transylvanian carters and German tolbahs. At the same time, the inn was also a place where economic and political issues that shaped the country's history were discussed.

One of the most important days in the history of the inn was written at the very beginning of its existence, on May 26, 1812, when the Peace of Bucharest was signed in the Voievodal Hall, and the Russo-Turkish War was concluded. After the end of the war, Manuc decided to move with his family to the estate he owned in Hincesti in the Republic of Moldova, wanting to sell the inn. As fate would have it, he passed away on June 20, 1817 (he apparently fell from a horse) before finding a buyer, so the inn ended up being administered by an epitropy that included his wife. 

In 1838, Manuc's Inn was hit by a powerful earthquake, following which the Bucharest authorities recommended that a large part of the building be demolished and rebuilt. As the repairs were very costly and keeping the inn would no longer bring a considerable profit, Manuc's son Murat, who had in the meantime become full heir, decided to sell the building in the early 1840s.

In the following period, the halls of the building began to be used for parties attended by the capital's socialites, including theatrical performances, concerts and masked balls, which were highly appreciated by the socialites of the time.

Various moments, however, have added new dimensions and meanings to its history, transforming it into a place of memory and reflection on the evolution of the city and the country as a whole. The peace negotiations during the Romanian War of Independence of 1877-1878 took place in the very premises of the inn. Another important moment which marked the history of the inn took place more than a century ago: in the Dacia Hall, the intellectual elite of the time gathered to plan Romania's entry into the First World War and the Union with Transylvania and Bukovina. Politicians such as Take Ionescu, Octavian Goga, Barbu Ștefănescu Delavrancea and Nicolae Filipescu took part in the discussions.

From an administrative point of view, the inn went through many changes. It was bought and sold several times until 1949, when it became state property. At one point, shortly before 1989, there was even the question of demolishing the building in order to systematize the Union Square to make way for the "Victory of Socialism" boulevard. Nicolae Ceausescu abandoned the idea, however, after the chief architect told him that it would be a pity to demolish a building in whose rooms the communist outlaws often met for meetings.

Since 2006, however, the Manuc's Inn has again become private property, owned by Constantin Șerban Cantacuzino, who, after a lawsuit that lasted almost 10 years, won the ownership of the property in court. Cantacuzino decided to renovate it as soon as he took possession of the property, so from 2007 to 2011 the inn was closed. Throughout its history, Manuc's Inn has undergone several renovations, the most notable being in 1848, 1863, 1966 and 1992.â
Manuc's Inn - loved by Romanian writers

Manuc's Inn - loved by Romanian writers

Manuc's Inn has also found a well-deserved place in the history of Romanian literature. Its history-laden atmosphere, impressive architecture and rich history were often reflected in their literary works.

An outstanding example is Mihai Eminescu, who was fascinated by the melancholic and mysterious atmosphere of the inn. Manuc's Inn was also a frequent setting in the works of Ion Luca Caragiale. The famous Romanian playwright and prose writer often transposed the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the inn into his satirical and humorous stories, presenting varied characters and comic or dramatic situations that unfolded in this lively setting.

Other Romanian writers, such as Mircea Eliade and Liviu Rebreanu, have mentioned or used Manuc's Inn in their works, thus highlighting the lasting impact that this place has had on the Romanian literary imagination.

Manuc's Inn - today 

Today, Manuc's Inn continues to be a vibrant and lively place in the heart of Bucharest. Whether you are looking for great oriental and Romanian food, want to get lost in the souvenir shops, or want to take part in various cultural events such as art exhibitions, theater performances or traditional music concerts, Manuc's Inn is ready to delight your senses, taking you through the history of Bucharest.