Ever wonder what stories these walls could tell? We are standing before the Cantemir Vodă National College. This high school has been a cornerstone of Bucharest education since 1868. Cantemir Vodă National College is more than just a school. It is a historic monument.
Founded on October 27, 1868, Cantemir Vodă National College initially went by another name. It was first known as Școala Secundară Matei Basarab. In 1878, the school’s name changed to Școala Secundară Cantemir-Voda. The name honored Dimitrie Cantemir. He was a scholar and ruler of Moldavia.
The decision to rename the school came from the faculty. They admired Cantemir’s contributions. He excelled as a historian. He also was an archeologist and a man of science.
Early years were tough for Cantemir Vodă National College. It faced insufficient classrooms and frequent location changes. Financial struggles also caused delays in paying teachers. World War I and the German occupation disrupted activities. Despite the difficulties, dedicated teachers shaped generations of students. They helped them become top specialists.
In 1919, Cantemir Vodă gained the status of a high school. Vasile Șuteu’s leadership marked the period between 1919 and 1945. As principal, Șuteu made Cantemir Vodă one of Bucharest’s best schools. Students excelled in physics, chemistry, and mathematics.
After the war, Cantemir Vodă National College expanded. Student numbers rose quickly. By 1948, the school had over a thousand students. In 1965, the school’s name changed to Liceul Dimitrie Cantemir. It became a boys-only school, unique in Bucharest.
Cantemir Vodă then modernized its teaching methods. It introduced recording equipment and magnetic tapes. In 1971, the famous researcher Henri Coandă visited the school. This visit was due to the students’ achievements in physics. Despite its focus on electrotechnics and mechanics, an IT lab opened in 1985.
In 1997, Liceul Dimitrie Cantemir became a national college. Its official name became Colegiul Național Cantemir Vodă. Today, the school celebrates Dimitrie Cantemir every October 26. This tradition honors its namesake.
The building itself is a historical landmark. Architect Virginia Andreescu Haret designed it in 1915. The building was expanded in 1922 and 1932. The 1940 earthquake and World War II damaged the building. During the war, the army used it as a textile factory.
Cantemir Vodă National College faced challenges in 2018. There were concerns about budget cuts. Teachers and parents expressed worries about resources. They emphasized the need to support high-achieving students.
Many notable figures have passed through these halls. Petre Antonescu became a renowned architect. Ștefan Bănica Sr. became a famous actor. George Călinescu became a respected writer. Mircea Cărtărescu also is an alumnus.
Cantemir Vodă National College stands as a testament to education. It has overcome many challenges. The school has produced generations of talented individuals. It remains a vital part of Bucharest’s cultural heritage.