40 Beautiful Portraits of Romanian Girls From the 1920s and 1930s

The photographic portraits of Romanian girls from the 1920s and 1930s offer a breathtaking glimpse into a world where tradition and natural beauty lived in perfect harmony.

In these vintage frames, young women are often seen wearing the iconic “Ia”, the traditional hand-embroidered blouse, which served as a proud symbol of their regional identity and artisanal heritage. Whether captured in the rural landscapes of Transylvania or in classic studio settings, these girls possessed an ethereal poise, their hair often adorned with flowers or delicate silk headscarves.

These portraits do more than just document the fashion of the interwar period, they capture the “Romanian soul,” preserving a sense of innocence, dignity, and cultural pride that continues to inspire the world of art and fashion today.

See more»

30 Beautiful Portraits of Romanian Wedding Couples in the 1920s and ’30s

The 1920s and ’30s marked a fascinating period of transition for Romanian wedding couples, as the burgeoning modernization and increasing influence of Western European fashion began to merge with deep-rooted traditions.

While couples in rural areas largely maintained the full, elaborate costume popular, often worn for several days of celebration, those in cities like Bucharest or Cluj started to adopt more contemporary styles. The bride’s attire, in particular, saw the most significant change: instead of catrință, many urban brides opted for a white, Western-style wedding dress, sometimes featuring the drop-waist or bias-cut silhouettes popular in those decades, often paired with a long veil.

Despite this shift, traditional elements were frequently preserved or integrated; an urban bride might wear a simpler gown but still carry a traditional embroidered sash or adhere to the ceremonial legarea miresei (the ritual of tying the scarf). The groom increasingly traded his wool vest for a three-piece suit or tuxedo, reflecting the new social elegance.

This era thus represented a beautiful cultural compromise, where couples navigated the pressures of modernity while remaining respectful of the vibrant folk heritage of Romania. These beautiful photos capture portraits of Romanian wedding couples from the 1920s and ’30s.

See more»

Moving an Apartment Building to Create a Boulevard in Alba Iulia, Romania 1987

During the Romanian communist on May 27, 1987 in the city of Alba lulia an entire apartment building was moved to create space for the impressive Transylvania Boulevard. It was a large, 100-meter-long apartment building, known as Blocul A2. It weighed 7,600 tons and housed 80 families. How did this get made?

The engineers decided to split the structure in two halves. One half was moved on the right side of the boulevard, the other one on the left by digging under the building, putting railways and wheels and moving it 55 meters away with the help of a network of hydraulic jacks placed under the framework that was fixed under the structure to support its weight.

The whole operation took place without any incident in less than six hours. And all this was done without evicting the residents from the building. The building remained connected to all the utilities (water, gas, electricity, telephone and sewage) during the entire moving process. Urban legends say that dozens of residents went out on the balconies to observe the procedure while drinking a coffee or a beer. But there is more, because a housewife decided to place a glass of water on the edge of her balcony and it didn’t spill a drop, demonstrating that the movement was extremely smooth although it was the fastest displacement ever made.

Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania’s communist leader had an ambitious program of urban planning to carry out during his regime which consisted mainly in the demolition and reconstruction of already existing towns and cities, with the stated goal of turning Romania into a “multilaterally developed socialist society.” In this context one of the city’s big boulevards had to be widened, but the specialists were blocked by an apartment building. Therefore they had to decide between demolishing the entire structure and moving it. But because the cost of repositioning the structure was cheaper than demolishing and rebuilding it from the scratch, they decided to move it.

Eugeniu Iordăchescu, the creator of the “concrete tray,” who took inspiration from “the waiter who carries glasses on a tray without spilling a drop,” was not concerned about an accident occurring despite the block being connected to the electricity, water, and gas networks, and this was because nobody deviated from his plans. There have been no issues with the structural integrity, and the building is still strong and inhabited more than 35 years later.

The project was incident-free, opening the way for the famous and beautiful Transylvania Boulevard, which reveals the path towards the Bell Tower of the Coronation Cathedral of Alba Iulia. A historically significant landmark of Romanian culture and history.

See more»

Lovely Vintage Wedding Photos of Romanian Couples From the 1920s and 1930s

During the 1920s and 1930s, Romanian weddings were deeply rooted in tradition, blending rural customs with the growing influence of modern European fashion. Wedding couples of this era often dressed in a combination of regional folk attire and contemporary formalwear, reflecting both their cultural heritage and aspirations for modernity.

In rural areas, brides typically wore richly embroidered blouses, long woven skirts, and ornate headpieces or veils, while grooms donned traditional wool coats, wide belts, and hats. These garments often featured intricate patterns specific to their region, serving as a visual expression of identity and community.

In urban settings, Western-style wedding fashion began to take hold. Brides increasingly chose white dresses with lace, long veils, and floral bouquets, while grooms wore suits or tuxedos, mirroring styles seen in Western Europe at the time.

Regardless of location, weddings remained highly ceremonial, often including godparents (nași), who played a central role in the religious and social aspects of the marriage. These sponsors were not only witnesses but also lifelong mentors to the couple.

These lovely photos from this period capture a transitional time in Romanian wedding culture—where tradition met modernity, and local identity was proudly displayed alongside evolving global trends.

See more»

The Bordei, Traditional Romanian Dwelling From the Early 20th Century

The bordei was a traditional semi-subterranean home used by peasants in rural Romania, especially in regions like Teleorman County. By 1906, these dwellings were among the oldest forms of local housing, valued for their practicality in extreme climates. Built partially underground, bordei featured walls made from woven materials coated in clay and straw-thatched roofs—solutions well-suited to the land and seasonal cycles.

Life in early 20th century Teleorman remained deeply tied to agriculture, and the bordei offered a simple yet effective shelter. Typically consisting of a single room with minimal furnishings, they included a hearth for warmth and cooking. While not ornate, these homes embodied self-sufficiency and a lifestyle closely connected to nature. Their construction was often a communal activity based on shared customs.

As Romania began redefining its national identity around 1906, such traditional homes gained attention from ethnographers and cultural historians, who saw them as important symbols of rural heritage. Although many have disappeared, replaced by modern buildings, the bordei remains a powerful reminder of Romania’s agrarian roots and enduring cultural traditions.

40 Beautiful Studio Portraits of Romanian Women From the Early 20th Century

In the early 20th century, Romanian women’s appearance reflected a mix of traditional and modern influences, shaped by regional customs, socioeconomic status, and cultural changes.

Many rural women wore traditional folk costumes, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate embroidery. Headscarves or traditional hats were commonly worn, often made of wool or cotton, reflecting local styles.

In urban areas, women began to adopt Western fashion trends. This included simpler, more tailored dresses that emphasized the waistline and featured shorter hemlines compared to traditional attire. Accessories such as gloves, hats, and jewelry became popular among women in cities, showcasing a more cosmopolitan lifestyle. Hair was typically worn long and often styled in braids or updos. In urban settings, women might adopt more modern hairstyles.

Here below is a collection of beautiful photos from Costică Acsinte that shows portraits of Romanian women in the 1920s and 1930s.

See more»

The Eyes of Sibiu: Pictures of the Houses Have Eyes in Romania

The Eyes of Sibiu are the iconic eyebrow dormers on the roofs of Sibiu’s houses. Sibiu lies in Transylvania, a historical region of Romania. The eyes, which are a symbol and a tourist attraction of the city, have given Sibiu the nicknames of The City with Eyes, The City Where Houses Don’t Sleep and the portmanteau Seebiu. They vary in shape – most of them are trapezoid-shaped, others having rounded or elongated forms.

Although the eyes originate from as early as the 15th century, most of them were built in the 19th century. They were most likely invented by a local of Sibiu, because they are widespread in the city and its surroundings. They are an element of Baroque architecture. Some of them were even built as late as the 20th century, after Sibiu became part of the Kingdom of Romania.

There are legends, according to which the eyes were built to frighten the people, making them believe they are being watched. Their real purpose was to act as a ventilation system for the houses’ attics. Nowadays, the eyes have become one of Sibiu’s most famous symbols, making them a tourist attraction.

Apart from Sibiu itself, the eyes have also been built in the city’s surroundings. Most of them are found in the Sibiu County. Some of them can also be found in other nearby places, like the cities of Brașov and Făgăraș, both located in the Brașov County.

See more»

30 Fascinating Photos Capture Street Scenes of Bucharest in 1996

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania. It is described as the cultural, financial, entertainment, and media center in the country with a significant influence in Eastern and Southeastern Europe as well. It is also a city with a significant influence in terms of education, tourism, research, technology, health care, art, fashion, sports, and politics.

Bucharest is a major economic center in Romania, with a diverse and growing economy that includes industries such as IT, finance, and manufacturing. The city has also seen significant investment in infrastructure, with new roads, bridges, and public transportation systems being built to improve connectivity and mobility. It is located in the south-east of Romania, on the banks of the Dâmbovița river, less than 60 km (37.3 mi) north of the Danube River and the border with Bulgaria. It is also one of the most populated cities of the European Union (EU) within city limits and the most populated capital in Southeastern Europe.

Economically, Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania and the richest capital and city in the region, surpassing Budapest a few years ago. The city has a number of large convention facilities, educational institutes, cultural venues, traditional ‘shopping arcades’ and recreational areas.

These fascinating photos from Sludge G that captured street scenes of Bucharest in 1996.

The Bulevardul Unirii leading away east from the Presidential Palace, Bucharest, June 1996

An older part of the city which managed to escape the bulldozer. In the background, the new Bucharest, June 1996

Banc Post, Bucharest, June 1996

Bulevardul Unirii, fountains and tower cranes, Bucharest, June 1996

Bucharest, June 1996

See more»

Romania in 1994 Through Fascinating Photos

The year 1990 was year 0 of democracy in Romania, a year of social unrest and political battles, whose results shaped the country’s evolution for the years to come. The first year of freedom was also the year when social and political divides appeared, some of which are also visible today in Romania’s society.

1990 was also the year when Romania made the first steps from a state-controlled and planned economy to a market economy. The new government came with a plan to privatize state companies, the first private firms appeared and state control on the prices of some goods was removed. However, the economic reforms met a lot of resistance even from within the ruling party and economic developments were chaotic during the first few years after the Revolution. The consequences of the poor economic start are still visible today when Romania lags behind other countries in Eastern Europe that also started their transition in the same period.

Romanians discovered consumption after years of shortages and imports soared, a cultural revolution also started, hundreds of newspapers and dozens of radio stations appeared almost overnight. Western literature, music, and movies entered the Romanians’ lives. On top of everything, the good performance of the national football team at the World Cup in Italy brought Romanians a sense of pride that some had lost during communism.

These fascinating photos were taken by Sludge G that show street scenes of Romania in 1994.

Braşov street scene with Dacia cars, May 1994

Braşov Jugendstil Bankcoop, Co-op Credit Bank, June 1994

Braşov Merchants' Hall and Carpathian Stag Restaurant, June 1994

Braşov Post Office from Bulevard Eroilor, June 1994

Braşov street scene, May 1994

See more»

Bucharest in the 1970s Through Fascinating Black and White Photos

Bucharest is the capital and largest city of Romania, as well as its cultural, industrial, and financial centre. It is located in the southeast of the country, on the banks of the Dâmbovița River, less than 60 km (37.3 mi) north of the Danube River and the Bulgarian border.

Bucharest is the fourth largest city in the European Union by population within city limits, after Berlin, Madrid, and Rome, just ahead of Paris. In recent years, the city has been experiencing an economic and cultural boom. It is one of the fastest-growing high-tech cities in Europe.

Economically, Bucharest is the most prosperous city in Romania. The city has a number of large convention facilities, educational institutes, cultural venues, traditional 'shopping arcades’ and recreational areas.

These fascinating black and white photos from DAN VARTANIAN that captured street scenes of Bucharest in the 1970s.

See more»

Just After the Romanian Revolution, That’s What Romania Looked Like in 1990

The Romanian Revolution was a period of violent civil unrest in Romania during December 1989 as a part of the Revolutions of 1989 that occurred in several countries around the world. The Romanian Revolution started in the city of Timișoara and soon spread throughout the country, ultimately culminating in the show trial and execution of longtime Romanian Communist Party (PCR) General Secretary Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena, and the end of 42 years of Communist rule in Romania.

It was also the last removal of a Marxist–Leninist government in a Warsaw Pact country during the events of 1989, and the only one that violently overthrew a country's leadership and executed its leader.

Social and economic malaise had been present in the Socialist Republic of Romania for quite some time, especially during the austerity years of the 1980s. The austerity measures were designed in part by Ceaușescu to repay the country’s foreign debts.

Just after the Romanian Revolution, these amazing photos were taken by Duccio Pugliese that show what Romania looked like in 1990.

Bucharest, 1990

Bucharest railways station, 1990

Bucharest, 1990

Bucharest, 1990

Bucharest, 1990

See more»