June 25, the day that changed Bucharest's face: How the Palace of the Parliament construction began

The official commencement of construction for the Palace of the Republic, later known as the Palace of the Parliament, and the "Victoria Socialismului" Boulevard in Bucharest took place on June 25, 1984. This monumental project, built in the spirit of socialist realism, became a defining feature of the Romanian capital.

The Palace of the Parliament is an imposing structure, measuring 270 by 240 meters, standing 84 meters high with an additional 92 meters below ground. It features nine above-ground levels and nine subterranean ones, making it one of the largest administrative buildings in the world.

Beyond the palace's construction, the date June 25 is marked by other historical occurrences. In 1937, the renowned actor Dorel Vișan was born. Additionally, in 1923, the football club CFR București, which would later be renamed Rapid, was founded on this day.

The article also touches upon the lives of notable figures born on June 25 in different years. Frederic de Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, the younger brother of King Carol I of Romania, was born in 1843. He served as a cavalry general in the Prussian army. In 1852, the celebrated Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí was born. Gaudí became known for his unique architectural style, heavily influenced by Gothic design and his own imagination, leaving behind iconic works such as Park Güell and the Sagrada Familia.