Continuing the nightly stroll on Victory Road, here’s a shot of the Romanian Savings Bank, which I already introduced a few days ago with this post. Designed in eclectic style by the French architect Paul Gottereau and raised between the years 1896-1900, this was the only bank that was allowed to do business during communism when it served as the state savings bank called “CEC” (“Casa de Economii şi Consemnaţiuni” in Romanian) where people used to keep their savings. After the 1990 Revolution, when other banks were allowed to open offices in Romania, the CEC lost many of its customers. The bank was privatized and now it’s called “CEC Bank”. I’ve read in the newspaper that the building is set to become a museum but at this moment is still used as a bank.
Victory Road at night – Part 1
Victory Road at night – Part 2
Victory Road at night – Part 3
It's a magnificent building in that light. How interesting the bank was owned by the government under communism. I thought banks were a capitialist-type idea!
I explored the links and was amazed by the story of statue of Ataturk. It's not unusual to see statues of foreign leader around, but usually the are 'pushed' by communities and consensus, not by the unlawful act of a single foreign citizen.
It's easier with non political figures and I just remember the statue of your Mihai Eminescu, behind the Romanian Orthodox Church in Paris.
Please forgive me for commenting here another post…
Fabulous foto of the night illumination of a magnificent building! Love your blog photos, Andreea!
Yes, magnificent is the right word for this building. It would perfectly house a museum as well. Nicely captured!