Despite the massive demolitions during the communist period, the city of Bucharest boasts many old buildings of great architectural value. Among them is a house located in the former Armenian quarter. The building’s history is shrouded in mystery, with many speculating that it was used as a Masonic Temple.
Bucharest has not lost its charm, despite the less happy periods of its history. Formerly known as Little Paris, the most important city in Romania can be proud of numerous heritage buildings that escaped the demolitions of the communist era.
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Casa Maura, the architectural gem in the center of the Capital
Among the old buildings full of history that always attract the attention of tourists is the Maura house. It is located on Corbeni street, in the former Armenian quarter. According to historical data, it was built around 1895 and creatively combines Flemish/Dutch, Moorish, even neo-Byzantine elements. It seems that around 1911 the Maura house was owned by the family of a captain named Alexandru Ionescu. According to the Annual of Romania, in 1918, the house was owned by a financial institution, Banca Colentina. Since then, the history of the house has not been documented, the information being lost in the mists of time.
All this makes the Maura house a unique building in the Capital. The facade full of brick and glazed tiles of the house attracts the eyes of passers-by and tourists arriving in this area. At the same time, it is believed that the large arch on the 1st floor represents the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This is an ornament of Byzantine origin that was later reproduced within the neo-Romanian architecture, very specific to our country. Also at the level of the floor there are some arches with very colorful glazed ornaments reminiscent of the Middle East and close to the style of synagogues. The controversial architectural style of this house has produced a number of speculations about it. More specifically, some believe it housed a Masonic Temple.
Casa Maura – Photo source: bucurestiinoisivechi.blogspot.com
Promoted on TikTok
Casa Maura is also promoted through social networks, many being impressed by its appearance. A video posted recently on TikTok gives a brief history of the building, which all Bucharest residents should admire. Despite the fact that it is not known who the owners of the house are, netizens have launched into speculation.
@elanomad ✅️ This is the unique building in Bucharest that reminds you of Holland and which some say functioned as a Masonic temple. ✅️ Its history was lost in the darkness of time and after 1911 not much information is known about the owners. -
