The Stirbei Palace in Buftea is one of the largest and most appreciated event domains in the capital area, its construction dating back more than 150 years. Situated on the shores of the lake of the same name, the Stirbei Palace is an important tourist attraction due to its historical, architectural and cultural value. 

Stirbei Palace - history 

The history of the palace, located only 18 km from the capital of Romania, has been written since 1850, on the initiative of Barbu Stirbei, ruler of the Romanian Lands, brother of Gheorghe Bibescu.

Barbu Dimitrie Știrbei started the construction of the palace as a cul-de-sac, equipped with two tunnels for exiting in case of danger. Later, the prince's descendants added two floors and made a series of important changes in keeping with the architecture of those years. 

In 1916, during the First World War, the palace became a place of refuge for Queen Marie and five of her six children. In 1917, when the city was occupied by the German army, the palace became the property of the army and Marshal August von Mackensen, commander of the German armies in Romania and Bulgaria, took up residence here. On March 5-18, 1918, Romania and the Central Powers concluded the Peace of Buftea here, by which Romania lost Dobrogea and the Carpathian slopes.

In 1946, shortly after Prince Stirbei's death in bizarre circumstances, the entire estate was expropriated and taken over by the Communist Party's Household.  Prince Stirbey was buried next to his grandfather, Prince Barbu Stirbei, in the Chapel of the "Holy Trinity" Palace on the shores of Lake Buftea. 

In 2006, the Stirbei estate was returned to the heirs of Prince Stirbei's family and the palace was closed to the public. In 2007, the palace was sold to Bucharest Arena for €9 million, which developed a five-star restaurant and exclusive accommodation in the building.

Stirbei Palace and Park - architecture 

Although gradually enlarged over the years, with the last extension after the First World War, the Stirbei Palace has retained its sober architecture, with its stone-anchored facade and simple decorative motifs. What gives the building its charm are the Gothic features with which Romanesque architecture is often confused. 

The pride of the Buftea estate was and remains, however, the Byzantine-influenced chapel, a jewel built in neo-Gothic style with an altar and grotto and a particularly beautiful access staircase in white Carrara marble, carved, with two flights and stained-glass windows polished with gold, unfortunately lost today. The chapel was designed by the Austrian architect Baron Theophil von Hansen, of Danish origin.

Stirbei Palace and Stirbei Park - event domain 

The charm of the 24-hectare park is given by the over 400-year-old secular trees and the beautiful inner lake. There are 7 venues for private and corporate events, with capacities ranging from 50 to 1500 people. Thus, the Stirbei Palace can organize intimate family events, but also congresses, symposiums or large-scale parties.

 Whether you're passionate about architecture, history or art, the Stirbei Palace offers a captivating and educational experience, bringing a part of the country's glorious past into the light of the present.