The Vernescu House, built in 1821 by the Wallachian squire Filip Lens, son of a French nobleman, was originally a wedding present for his wife, Lisaveta Balotescu-Carpinisanu. After a devastating fire in 1822, the building was rebuilt by its owner and became the most beautiful palace in Bucharest at that time.
Over the years, the Vernescu House has housed various institutions, such as the Military College, the Ministry of War and the General Staff of the Russian Army. During this period, the great Russian writer Lev Tolstoy was among the visitors of the famous house.
The building was destroyed again in a fire in 1882, and in 1886 it was purchased by Gheorghe “Guna” Dimitrie Vernescu, lawyer and politician, who gave his name to the house. Vernescu hired architect Ion Mincu to restore the villa between 1887 and 1889, transforming it into the most impressive palace on Calea Victoriei. The restoration work included paintings by George Demetrescu Mirea, who added a touch of elegance and sparkle with gilded decorations, stained glass and massive mirrors.
However, for financial reasons, Vernescu had to sell the house. In the run-up to World War II, the building served as the headquarters for various ministries and even the Romanian government. In 1944, the Lens-Vernescu House was requisitioned by the Red Army, which damaged many of the murals. After 1945, the building was taken over by the Groza Government and served as a protocol house for various ministries until 1990. Then it became the headquarters of the Romanian Writers’ Union.
In 1993, the Vernescu House was restored in an extensive process and now houses the famous Casino Palace Bucuresti, remaining a true architectural masterpiece.
The most important and significant periods in which Casa Vernescu underwent considerable changes and gave meaning to this emblematic building of Bucharest. With a history of about two centuries, it was, at its inauguration, one of the most beautiful buildings in the country.
1821
Începutul Clădirii Istorice
The Lenș-Vernescu House was built in 1821, being one of the most impressive buildings in Bucharest, still admired today by passers-by on Calea Victoriei.
1993
Inaugurarea unuia dintre cele mai bine cotate Restaurante de 5 stele
Modernization of the Vernescu house and transformation of the palace into a 5-star restaurant, considered the most elegant restaurant in Bucharest.
1995
Istoria modernă a clădirii
The year the Palace Casino was inaugurated on the palace floor, a prestigious location still offering memorable experiences and sensations.
1821
Vernescu House
It is a well-known historical and architectural monument, originally built in 1821 and then rebuilt in 1876, at the request of the Vernescu family, by the famous architect Ion Mincu.
2023
Vernescu House
Since 1995, Casa Vernescu has hosted one of the most prestigious and imposing live casinos in Bucharest and in the country under the name of Palace Casino.
1821
Vernescu House
It is a well-known historical and architectural monument, originally built in 1821 and then rebuilt in 1876, at the request of the Vernescu family, by the famous architect Ion Mincu.
2023
Vernescu House
Since 1995, Casa Vernescu has hosted one of the most prestigious and imposing live casinos in Bucharest and in the country under the name of Palace Casino.
We invite you to visit us and discover a live casino at a new level and standard of elegance.
The stately and iconic architecture will transport you into a fairytale atmosphere.
