Bucharest
Mihai Vodă was originally built in 1601. After a fire in 1761 it was left to rot before thorough rebuilding was carried out from 1827-38. In 1985 it was moved 285 metres east - on rails - and hidden in its present location behind the apartment blocks. Mihai Voda Monastery is part of the oldest buildings in Bucharest, preserved until today. It was built on the ruins of an old church, in 1594, founded by Michael the Brave. Originally it was surrounded by a high wall, with a fortress, but with the passing of the years the building had several functions: residence, military hospital, school of medicine, State Archives.
The stocky building sitting on one of the corners of University Square is the National Theater. It was built in 1973 after plans by a group of Romanian architects. The old building of the National Theater was destroyed during the WWII. Originally the building had a different facade, modeled after the architecture of Moldova's monasteries but in 1984 it was remodeled and got its present massive shape. The theatre has 4 performance halls.
The Central University Library is a beautifully ornated building located opposite the Royal Palace in the Revolution Square. The library was founded by king Carol I and the building was designed by the French architect Paul Gottereau, who also designed the National Savings Bank (CEC) building. The building was heavily damaged during the December 1989 movement but was later restored and now it looks really pretty.
The Military Club was build in 1912 on the site of the former Sarindar Monastery (the name witch is preserved in the name of the fontain directly in front of the building). This neoclassic masterpiece, designed by the romanien architect Dimitrie Maimaroiu, was build to host the social, cultural and educational needs of the Romanian army.