Ghica Tei Palace
About Ghica Tei Palace
Ghica Tei Palace is a neoclassical summer residence on the shore of Lake Tei, in north-eastern Bucharest, built in 1822 for Grigore IV Ghica, the first native-born ruler of Wallachia after the Phanariot era. The design is attributed to the architect Xavier Villacrosse, and the Colentina estate on which the palace stands belonged to the Ghica family. Beside it, the prince built the family church, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord.
In his 1833 will, Grigore Ghica asked his heirs to keep the estate for "the innocent pleasure and pleasant recreation of the people". The building later served as the prefecture of Ilfov County and as the seat of the Ministry of Health, and from the 1970s until 1989 it housed a restaurant. It was restored in 1978, and since 2003 the estate has been run by the Ghica family's heirs.
What you can see
The palace has a ground floor and an upper floor and a perfectly symmetrical façade with a slightly recessed central block. On the ground floor, the entrance is flanked by two sculpted lions; above the cornice, a high relief shows two cannons and two flags, and a portico with pseudo-Doric columns supports a triangular pediment. Inside, several salons keep their ceilings painted with mythological scenes, allegorical figures and plant motifs by the Italian artist Giacometti. Next to the palace stands the Ghica family church, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, and around it the linden-shaded estate slopes down to the lake.
Good to know
The palace is private property and works as a venue for weddings, christenings and other events: it is not open as a museum and has no tickets. The interior can be seen at events or on a viewing arranged with the organisers, and the courtyard is closed to the public. The façade can be glimpsed through the fence from Strada Doamna Ghica.
Information verified on 25 October 2026.
- The symmetrical neoclassical façade, with a triangular pediment and a portico of pseudo-Doric columns.
- Two sculpted lions on either side of the entrance.
- The high relief above the cornice, with two cannons and two flags.
- The ceilings painted with mythological scenes in the interior salons, visible only at events or on arranged viewings.
- The Ghica family church, dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, next to the palace.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the palace is in Sector 2, at Strada Doamna Ghica 3-5, between Lake Tei and the Colentina river, ~5 km from the Romanian Athenaeum, ~10–15 minutes by car outside rush hour.
Public transport: the Lacul Tei and Teiul Doamnei tram stops are 100–350 m from the palace; check the lines in a public transport app.
- Fees & discounts
No visitor tickets are sold: the estate is entered only for private events, on the terms set by the organiser.
- Rules
The palace and its courtyard are private property; access is only for events or arranged viewings. The façade can be photographed from the street.
- Facilities
air-conditioned event halls · terraces opening onto Lake Tei · private car park for guests
Frequently asked questions about Ghica Tei Palace
- How long does a visit to Ghica Tei Palace take?
- A visit to Ghica Tei Palace takes about 15 min (exterior only, from the street).
- How do I get to Ghica Tei Palace?
- Ghica Tei Palace is located at Strada Doamna Ghica 3-5, Sector 2, București. By car: the palace is in Sector 2, at Strada Doamna Ghica 3-5, between Lake Tei and the Colentina river, ~5 km from the Romanian Athenaeum, ~10–15 minutes by car outside rush hour. Public transport: the Lacul Tei and Teiul Doamnei tram stops are 100–350 m from the palace; check the lines in a public transport app.
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