On one of Bucharest’s oldest and most elegant boulevards, Calea Victoriei, stands a building that has withstood centuries, political regimes, and urban transformations without losing its grace: Nifon Palace. Today, it is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the Romanian capital and is listed as a historical monument. It currently belongs to the Archdiocese of Bucharest and, after an extensive process of consolidation and restoration begun in 2019, it is set to house an educational, social, and philanthropic center dedicated to children from underprivileged families.

From the furrier Dedu’s inn to an architectural jewel of Bucharest

But before becoming the residence of a metropolitan and a symbol of neoclassical architecture, the site on which Nifon Palace now stands had a completely different purpose. In the 18th century, there was the inn of the furrier Dedu, a small merchant inn typical of that era’s Bucharest — a city of craftsmen, trade, and caravanserais. 

This modest inn was gradually demolished to make way for a construction of another magnitude, one that would radically change the image of the area. Thus, the history of Nifon Palace is, in a way, the history of Bucharest’s modernization — the transformation of an Oriental-style town of inns and courtyards into a European capital with palaces, boulevards, and institutions.

Metropolitan Nifon — between spiritual vocation and national mission

The Nifon Palace was built in 1895, following the plans of the French architect Paul Gottereau, as the residence of Metropolitan Nifon, one of the emblematic figures of modern Romanian history.

Born Nicolae Rusăilă in 1789, Nifon entered monastic life at a young age. In 1805, he became a monk at Cernica Monastery, taking the monastic name Nifon — the name by which he would later become famous throughout the country.

His ecclesiastical and political career was remarkable. He served as Metropolitan of Ungro-Wallachia between 1850 and 1875, and later as Metropolitan of Romania from 1865 to 1875. Nifon was not only a cleric with a deep spiritual calling but also an active participant in the great historical events of his time. 

In 1857, he became President of the Ad-hoc Divan of Bucharest, and two years later, on January 24, 1859, he presided over the Elective Assembly that chose Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruler of the United Principalities, thus contributing decisively to the Union of the Romanian Principalities.

He was also the first President of the Romanian Senate, a position that confirmed his influence in the country’s institutional and political life. His legacy is not only religious but also national: he was a promoter of unity, education, and social responsibility.

Architect Paul Gottereau — a Frenchman who gave Bucharest its style

The construction of Nifon Palace was entrusted to one of the most important architects of the era: Paul Gottereau. Born in France, Gottereau arrived in Romania in the second half of the 19th century and quickly became the preferred architect of the Romanian elite, both political and ecclesiastical. 

His style was Beaux-Arts, influenced by the Parisian architectural school, combined with neoclassical and eclectic elements — a blend that profoundly marked the appearance of late 19th-century Bucharest.

Besides Nifon Palace, Paul Gottereau designed the C.E.C. Palace (1875–1900), the Cotroceni Palace (1888), and the Central University Library (1891–1893) — three architectural landmarks of the Romanian capital. For his merits, he was decorated with the Order of the Star of Romania, one of the country’s highest distinctions.

Gottereau did not limit himself to public projects; he also worked for some of the most influential families of Bucharest’s high society — Lahovary, Filipescu, Bibescu, and Cantacuzino — designing luxurious private residences. Through Nifon Palace, he added a new layer of elegance to Calea Victoriei, helping transform it into the boulevard of aristocracy and power.

A masterpiece of Bucharest’s neoclassical style

According to the original plans, Nifon Palace has a surface area of 6,391 square meters, with two floors, an attic, and a loft. Its imposing façade impresses with symmetry and refined neoclassical details: Corinthian columns, elegant pediments, tall windows, and a carefully balanced decorative composition. 

Inside, architect Gottereau combined Western refinement with clerical sobriety, creating an interior that reflected both the dignity and authority of the Church and the Metropolitan’s taste for art and culture.

An interesting discovery made during restoration revealed cast-iron pillars and beams — an advanced construction solution for the late 19th century, demonstrating the technical modernity of the period. The palace was also equipped with an ingenious rainwater collection and storage system in underground tanks, showcasing sophisticated engineering and architectural foresight.

The decline and decay of a historic monument

Throughout the 20th century, Nifon Palace underwent multiple transformations and suffered damage from earthquakes, neglect, and the changing urban landscape. 

After the establishment of the communist regime, many ecclesiastical and aristocratic buildings were left in disrepair, and Nifon Palace was no exception. Over time, the building deteriorated severely, developing deep cracks, water infiltration, and a high risk of collapse.

Despite its state of decay, the palace’s architectural beauty remained unmistakable. Its white façade, massive columns, and harmonious proportions continued to attract the eyes of those passing along Calea Victoriei. Aware of the building’s historical and cultural value, both the authorities and the Romanian Orthodox Church began searching for solutions to save it from ruin.

The restoration of Nifon Palace — a fight against time and fire

In 2019, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration, through the National Investment Company, launched a major consolidation and restoration project for Nifon Palace. The objective was to restore the building’s former splendor and transform it into a space dedicated to educational and social activities.

Work began optimistically, but in 2022, a devastating fire severely damaged the palace’s roof and approximately 300 square meters of its surface. The fire destroyed part of the attic’s structure and caused significant delays. The restoration, initially planned to last two years, had to be extended, and the palace remained a construction site longer than expected.

Nevertheless, the specialists involved managed to save the original façade and completely rebuild the structural framework, using modern technologies compatible with the historical materials. Thus, Nifon Palace is not only restored but also reinforced to withstand future seismic and environmental challenges.

A new beginning: the “Metropolitan Nifon” Center

Once the works are completed, Nifon Palace will regain not only its beauty but also its social and cultural role. Within its walls will function the “Metropolitan Nifon” Center, an educational, social, and philanthropic institution of the Archdiocese of Bucharest, dedicated to children from financially disadvantaged families.

The project includes exhibition halls, a library, reading rooms, spaces for courses and conferences, and even a social canteen. In this way, the palace will reclaim its vocation as a place of culture, learning, and compassion — values that Metropolitan Nifon himself upheld throughout his life.

Through this transformation, Nifon Palace becomes an example of responsible restoration and social reintegration of a historical monument. It will continue to serve as an architectural landmark of Calea Victoriei, but also as a living space, open to people and education.

Nifon Palace today — between memory and the future

Today, Nifon Palace is seen not only as an architectural masterpiece but also as a symbol of resilience, faith, and renewal. Its history, stretching from the modest inn of a furrier to the grand palace of a metropolitan, mirrors Bucharest’s own journey — from a provincial trading town to a sophisticated European capital.

The palace’s rebirth in the 21st century is more than a restoration project; it is a gesture of respect toward the city’s past and an investment in its cultural and moral future. When the doors of the Metropolitan Nifon Center finally open, the building will once again fulfill its mission — to bring light, knowledge, and hope to those who need it most.

In the heart of Bucharest, on Calea Victoriei, Nifon Palace will continue to tell its story: a story of transformation, endurance, and beauty — the story of a building that, for more than a century, has reflected the very spirit of Romania’s capital.

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