166 iron pillars support Manuc’s Inn. They’re wrapped in oak wood. Imagine the weight of history held within those sturdy pillars. This isn’t just a building. It’s Manuc’s Inn a living testament to Bucharest’s rich past.
Built in 1808 by Emanuel Mârzaian known as Manuc Bei this grand inn was more than just a place to stay. It was Bucharest’s most important commercial hub. Imagine 15 wholesalers 23 retail stores and 107 rooms for offices or living all under one roof. That’s the scale of Manuc’s Inn in its prime.
Manuc’s Inn hosted history itself. It served as the location for preliminary talks that led to the Treaty of Bucharest ending the 1806-1812 Russo-Turkish War. Bucharest’s town hall even resided here briefly in 1842. Around 1880 a hall within Manuc’s Inn became a theatre. It staged the first Romanian operetta performance.
Before World War I Manuc’s Inn’s “Sala Dacia” hosted meetings of the pro-war party. They aimed to create a Greater Romania uniting with Transylvania and Bukovina. Notable figures like Nicolae Filipescu and Octavian Goga spoke here. Their words resonated within these very walls. Think of the weight of their ambition their hopes for the future.
Manuc’s Inn has seen many restorations. The structure however remains largely intact. It’s a survivor. One of three 19th-century inns in the Lipscani district still standing. It is the only one still operating as a hotel. This remarkable resilience speaks volumes about Manuc’s Inn’s enduring legacy. It continues to serve as a vibrant hub. The restaurant the bars the shops and a coffee house all contribute to its unique atmosphere.
Ownership changed hands many times. It was even nationalized in 1949. In 2007 ownership was restored to Prince Șerban-Constantin Cantacuzino. The legacy of Manuc’s Inn continues. Its history its architecture and its enduring spirit invite you to step back in time. Embrace the stories whispered by these walls. Experience Manuc’s Inn.