The name Cantacuzino holds a special place in Romanian history and culture. Descended from a branch of the great Byzantine Cantacuzino family, which once gave emperors to Constantinople, this dynasty managed to preserve its prestige even after the fall of Byzantium, shifting its center of influence to the Romanian principalities. Over the centuries, the Cantacuzinos produced voivodes, important boyars, men of culture, doctors, aviators, and even actors. Their history is one of constant adaptation, proof that nobility lies not only in “blue blood” but also in the contribution made to the public, cultural, and scientific life of a nation.

Șerban Cantacuzino — the revolutionary ruler and agricultural innovator

Voivode of Wallachia between 1678 and 1688, Șerban Cantacuzino is remembered for introducing corn as a staple food in the region and for supporting Romanian-language printing.
 During his reign, the first Bible printed in Bucharest (the Cantacuzino Bible, 1688) was published, a defining moment for Romanian culture.

Constantin Cantacuzino Stolnicul — the encyclopedic scholar

One of the brightest figures of the family was Constantin Cantacuzino Stolnicul (1639–1716). Educated in Padua, he was a Renaissance-style erudite, passionate about philosophy, history, mathematics, and geography. He was the first major Romanian intellectual to attempt writing a complete history of the Romanian Lands, based on sources and critical method.

As a political figure, the Stolnic held important administrative offices and was a strong supporter of culture. At the same time, he was known for his intellectual refinement and for maintaining connections with the great scholars of his time. Through him, the Cantacuzino family consolidated its reputation as patrons of Romanian culture.

Ștefan Cantacuzino — the betrayed voivode

Another remarkable figure was Ștefan Cantacuzino (1675–1716), son of Constantin Stolnicul. He became ruler of Wallachia between 1714 and 1716, his reign being short but intense.
 In an extremely complex geopolitical context, caught between Ottoman pressure and Habsburg expansion, Ștefan sought support from Vienna. 

His gesture was seen as treason by the Ottomans, who deposed and executed him in Istanbul, alongside his father. Their deaths ended the Cantacuzino voivode line in Wallachia and opened the path to the Phanariot era.

Ștefan remains in history as a courageous ruler but also as a symbol of the fragility of power at a time when alliances shifted quickly and betrayal was punished with death.

Gheorghe Grigore “The Nabab” Cantacuzino — the Romanian richer than King Charles I

Jumping ahead a few centuries, we encounter Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino (1832–1913), remembered in history as “the Nabob.” A conservative politician and Prime Minister of Romania, he was renowned for his enormous wealth, which he displayed ostentatiously.

Proofs of his opulence remain visible today: the Cantacuzino Palace on Calea Victoriei, now home to the “George Enescu” Museum, and the Florești Palace, a grand residence nicknamed “the Versailles of Romania.”

The Nabob was not just a collector of palaces but also a powerful political player who dominated Romania’s conservative scene at the end of the 19th century.

Constantin “Bâzu” Cantacuzino — the aviator prince

The 20th century brought to light a romantic and modern figure: Constantin “Bâzu” Cantacuzino (1905–1958). Grandson of the Nabob, Bâzu was a national tennis champion and, above all, one of the greatest aces of Romanian aviation.

During World War II, he was credited with over 40 aerial victories, becoming one of the elite pilots of the Royal Romanian Air Force. He was celebrated for his reckless courage but also for the elegance of a refined prince, a true “knight of the skies.”

After the communist regime was established, Bâzu was marginalized and spent his last years in exile in Madrid. His figure remains a symbol of aristocratic heroism, of a time when nobility was expressed through courage and sacrifice.

Matei Cantacuzino — the visionary doctor

The family also gave great personalities to science. Matei Cantacuzino (1862–1925) was a renowned bacteriologist, university professor, and director of the Institute of Serums and Vaccines. His contributions to immunology and microbiology were fundamental for the development of modern Romanian medicine.

He was the younger brother of politician Ion Cantacuzino and father of historian George Matei Cantacuzino. Matei represents the scientific dimension of the family, the branch through which the Cantacuzinos contributed to public health and social progress.

Ion Cantacuzino — the doctor who saved Romania from cholera

Perhaps the brightest medical figure of the family was Ion Cantacuzino (1863–1934), a world-renowned bacteriologist. A student of Louis Pasteur and Ilya Mechnikov, Ion Cantacuzino introduced anti-tuberculosis vaccination in Romania and organized campaigns to fight cholera and typhus epidemics.

He founded the Romanian School of Microbiology and created the Cantacuzino Institute, which still bears his name today. Through his work, Ion Cantacuzino saved thousands of lives and placed Romanian medicine on the world scientific map.

Șerban Constantin Cantacuzino — the actor with a princely name

In the cultural field, a distinct figure was Șerban Constantin Cantacuzino (1928–2011). A direct descendant of the family, Șerban made his mark as a film and theater actor. 

He had a spectacular debut in A Stormy Night (1943), playing Rică Venturiano, a role that brought him immense popularity. His charm and naturalness made him one of the favorite young actors of the Romanian public at the time.

After the communists took power, his aristocratic origins caused him difficulties, leading him to emigrate and continue his career in France and later Spain. He passed away in Madrid in 2011, leaving behind the image of an elegant and discreet artist, heir to a noble tradition transposed into art.

The Cantacuzino family, between glory and legend

From voivodes executed in Istanbul to heroic aviators, from life-saving doctors to charismatic actors, the Cantacuzinos traversed Romanian history in all possible roles.

Always visible, always relevant, they were often regarded as Romania’s “uncrowned kings,” because their influence went beyond politics or wealth.

The Cantacuzino name remains synonymous with power, culture, and dedication. Behind it lies a dynasty that knew how to combine public glory with personal sacrifice, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate.