Description
What is Old Town Bucharest? It is an initiative to highlight Bucharest’s Old Town, from the history of the exceptional architectural monuments, to the diversity and multitude of tasteful restaurants and cafés and, finally, to the touristic potential of a truly noble district, founded by the great Bălăceanu family.
The museums, theatres and outstanding works of architecture are just a couple of the key-elements involved in the Old Town Bucharest project; our main goal is to offer an overview of the historical center of Romania’s capital, all in stories and images.
We invite you to enjoy the essence of Little Paris. Welcome to Old Town Bucharest.
II. A WALK THROUGH HISTORY
1. Șelari – A Red Light District of Bucharest
From cozy inns and venerable crafts to luxury brothels and famous places, “Ulița Șelarilor” has seen it all. A primary access gate to the Historic Center, Șelari comes across as the backbone of Old Bucharest, from where we can easily reach most of the other important streets in the area.
Back in the days, it was well known for its flourishing commericial activity, always being filled with merchants that sold a variety of goods a0nd widely reputed craftsmen. The name of Strada Șelari was chosen because here “you could find the workrooms and shops of the saddlers (șelari), the craftsmen who manufactured richly decorated saddles, with gold and silver ornaments.1” Speaking of craftsmanship, we must mention another interesting place on this street, famous for the art of glassblowing.