Mogoșoaia & Snagov: the back story

About Mogoșoaia & Snagov: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Bucharest Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

Just outside Bucharest, a lakeside palace built by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu and an island monastery linked with Vlad III make a peaceful half-day or day out.

Brâncoveanu’s palace

Constantin Brâncoveanu, prince of Wallachia at the turn of the 18th century, gave his name to a whole style of architecture, mixing Byzantine, Ottoman and Renaissance forms. His palace at Mogoșoaia, completed in 1702 by a lake north-west of the city, with arcaded loggias and carved stone, is its finest example, and its gardens are lovely in spring and summer.

The island monastery

North of the city, Snagov Monastery stands on an island in a forested lake, reached by a footbridge. Its small church dates from the 16th century, and legend says that Vlad III, the prince known as Vlad the Impaler, was buried here.

Two easy escapes from the city, each with its own story.

Our advice: both are easiest by car or taxi. Mogoșoaia is about 15 kilometres from the centre, and you can combine it with lunch on the lake; Snagov is about 40 kilometres north. Check opening times before you go.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Mogoșoaia & Snagov: the back story before you go.