The Cotroceni architectonic ensemble is hiding behind the surrounding park more than 3 centuries of Romanian history. Medieval rooms like the kitchen, the refectory, the cells and cellars still bear witness to olden times, to the rule of prince Serban Cantacuzino (1678-1688), whose main achievement was the foundation of the Cotroceni monastery; these places still hold lithic elements and objects which belonged to the former church demolished in 1984.

     Erected between 1893-1895 by the French architect Paul Gottereau, the Cotroceni Palace was to meet the etiquette standards set by a residence designed for the heir prince and princess, Ferdinand and Marie. During the first half of our century, queen Marie demanded that palace be expanded, which actually occured, by several stages; inner decorations have been changed and the neo Romanian artistic style as expressed by architect Grigore Cerchez was adopted.
      The Cotroceni museum is the host on the two floors many rooms decorated in different styles, from German New Renaissance , Henry the II-nd, Luis the XV-th, Rococo, to Empire, Biedermeier or Art Nouveau. The monumental stairs and the French new baroque should not be overlooked. The best preserved room is the one storied library covered in wood. The passage door between this room and the big reception hall is the original one made in massive, sculptured wood.

     The last important adjustments were made in the 80's. In 1991 the Cotroceni Palace became the official residence of the President of Romania.