Ghica-Tei Palace

Summary

A Neoclassical summer palace on the shore of Tei lake in Bucharest (Sector 2), built from 1822 for Prince Grigore IV Ghica. The Ghika Voievod foundation was created by his will; the palace has served as a prefecture, ministry office, restaurant and museum point.

Legal status

Historic monument LMI B-II-a-A-18582; the foundation was never dissolved and the 1833 will requires a trustee; July 2003 takeover by a private person claiming Ghica descent ↗

History

Prince Grigore IV Ghica began the palace in 1822 as a summer residence beside the family church, on the site of the older house of Ban Dumitrache Ghica; it is attributed to the Catalan architect Xavier Villacrosse. Its Italian-style Neoclassical design has a lion-flanked entrance, winged-nymph tympanums and ceilings painted by Giacometti. In his will of 1833 the prince required the estate to be kept for the people's recreation, creating the Ghika Voievod foundation under a trustee. In the 20th century it served as the Ilfov prefecture and as a Ministry of Health office. The whole complex was restored from 1978, and a museum point with Ghica family items opened in 1980, alongside a restaurant. In July 2003 the property was taken over by a private person claiming descent from the Ghica family, according to Wikipedia.

Transactions & prices

Listed components

• Palatul Grigore Ghica - Tei — 1822 (B-II-m-A-18582.01)
• Biserica „Înălțarea Domnului” - Ghica - Tei — mijl. sec. XVIII - XIX (B-II-m-A-18582.02)

Sources & links