Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, serving as its primary cultural, industrial, and financial center. Once known as the "Paris of the East" due to its elegant architecture and sophisticated atmosphere during the interwar period, the city presents a blend of historical charm and modern development, despite significant changes during its communist era.
The Palace of the Parliament is the heaviest building in the world, weighing about 4,098,500 tonnes (9.04 billion pounds), and is the largest civilian administrative building in the world, the largest military administrative building being the yet larger US Pentagon (cf. List of largest buildings).
Bucharest's Arcul de Triumf -Arch of Triumph - is a significant monument commemorating Romania's WWI victory and unity, inspired by Paris's arch, featuring granite, intricate sculptures by Romanian artists like Jalea and Paciurea, and hosting a small museum with city views from its summit, recently undergoing restoration and reopening for public visits. It's a central spot for national celebrations, especially National Day which is December 1, with recent unveiling of restored elements and ongoing historical significance as a symbol of "Romania made whole".