Bucharest is the European capital containing the Palace of the Parliament, widely recognized as the world’s heaviest building.
The immense building dominates Bucharest’s central civic district and was commissioned during the rule of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceaușescu. Construction began in 1984 as part of a sweeping redevelopment project that demolished large sections of historic neighborhoods. The structure was designed by architect Anca Petrescu and completed after the fall of communism, with work continuing in stages.
It contains hundreds of rooms, including parliamentary chambers, offices, and ceremonial spaces. Its huge scale, extensive use of Romanian materials, and heavy stone construction account for its famous weight. It is also commonly described as the world’s second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon by floor area.
The palace is sometimes called the People’s House, a name reflecting its communist-era origin. Today it houses Romania’s Parliament and other institutions, and parts are open to visitors.