Hotel Capsa

Hotel Capsa: A Tale of Elegance and Tradition in the Heart of Bucharest.

Have you ever longed to travel back in time, indulge in a touch of luxury, and savor a piece of Bucharest's golden age?

I don't know how many people have actually stepped through the doors of Hotel Capsa or tasted the delights of Capsa Confectionery, but if you haven't yet, I wholeheartedly recommend you do! You won't regret it.

If you've ever found yourself in the center of Bucharest, you've undoubtedly noticed Hotel Capsa, a symbol of elegance and refinement that perfectly blends tradition with modernity. For over 130 years, this historic landmark has been a magnet not only for tourists but also for Bucharest residents, who feel right at home in this corner of history. But what makes Hotel Capsa so special? Let's find out together!

A Glimpse into the Past: More Than Just a Hotel

Hotel Capsa isn't just a place to rest your head; it's a living, breathing monument to Bucharest's vibrant past. Imagine this: the late 19th century, a city buzzing with artists, writers, and intellectuals, and right in its heart, the Capsa brothers open their doors. Casa Capsa is a legendary Bucharest establishment, located on Calea Victoriei, which began in 1852 as the confectionery "At the Two Brothers, Anton and Vasile Capsa," across from the Zlătari Church, in the former Damari Inn. Shortly after, it moved to the Slătineanu house, where it remains today. It quickly became the place to be, a hub for political discussions, artistic inspiration, and, of course, indulging in the finest sweets. Think of it as Bucharest's version of a Parisian salon, but with even better pastries!

Casa Capsa wasn't just a confectionery; it was a center of political intrigue. Rumor has it that secret meetings took place in the back rooms, with decisions that shaped the course of Romanian history being made over coffee and a slice of Joffre cake.

Over the years, Capsa has hosted countless historical figures, witnessed crucial moments in Romanian history, and even served as a backdrop for literary masterpieces. It's a place where you can almost feel the echoes of conversations from a bygone era.

From its opening, the establishment began to be frequented by prominent figures of the time. In 1873, Casa Capsa received the Grand Medal at the Vienna Universal Exposition, becoming appreciated internationally, obtaining in 1882 the patent of supplier to the house of Prince Milan Obrenović of Serbia, and in 1908 becoming the supplier of Prince Ferdinand of Bulgaria.

Casa Capsa was also known to Bucharest residents as "the café of writers and artists," with the idea circulating that a writer wasn't a writer if they didn't frequent Capsa. Virgil Carianopol said: "To become a writer, you had to obtain the baptism of Capsa, which, without any literary firm, was still the editorial office of editorial offices, the Gordian knot of the passage to immortality," and Tudor Arghezi said about Capsa that "it is the only intellectual place on Calea Victoriei." Here are just a few names of the "pillars" of the café, but also true pillars of Romanian culture: the poet Ion Barbu opened Capsa, appearing as early as 8:00 in the morning for coffee and staying there for much of the day, as if at the office, then followed: the critic Șerban Cioculescu, Liviu Rebreanu, Tudor Arghezi, Ionel and Pastorel Teodoreanu, Camil Petrescu, Zaharia Stancu, Ion Minulescu, and others.

Architecture – A Masterpiece of Elegance

Beyond its historical significance, Hotel Capsa is a visual masterpiece. Gazing at the facade of Hotel Capsa, it's impossible not to pause and appreciate its imposing architecture. The building, a stunning example of neoclassical style, reflects the architectural influences of its construction period, as well as a harmonious blend with French-inspired details. From the solid wood doors and elegant ironwork to the balcony railings, everything is designed to offer a sense of refinement and comfort.

But it's not just about the exterior beauty! The hotel's interior continues to impress with its classic furniture, sparkling chandeliers, and carefully chosen decor, creating a distinctive atmosphere. Every detail is chosen with care, to make you feel like a special guest, surrounded by luxury and history. A place where history is felt at every step, Hotel Capsa was a luxurious haven and a meeting place for the intellectuals and artists of the time, and today it continues to maintain its aura of elegance. You can almost feel that each room, each corner of the hotel tells a story.

The hotel has been carefully restored to preserve its original charm, so you can truly experience the magic of its past.

Take a moment to simply stand outside and admire the building's beauty – it's like stepping into a postcard.

The Sweetest Chapter: Capsa Confectionery – A Legacy of Goodness

Now, let's talk about the real star of the show: Capsa Confectionery. This isn't just any pastry shop; it's a legendary institution that has been delighting taste buds for generations. The Capsa brothers were masters of their craft, creating recipes that have been passed down through the years, ensuring that every bite is a taste of perfection.

Capsa experienced a major development in 1886 when Grigore Capsa expanded the establishment, opening a hotel and a café. From that moment on, Capsa became the "official" meeting place for personalities from politics, journalism, art, and culture. Grigore Capsa was the one who replaced the oriental flavor in Bucharest with the Western perfume, the one who made the transition from baklava and sarailie to confectionery, chocolate, ganache, and "bonbons."

During the interwar period, Casa Capsa hosted the most important dinners in Bucharest, and in 1920, at the invitation of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria, the famous French Marshal Joseph Jacques Césaire Joffre arrived in Bucharest. The great confectioner Grigore Capsa, supplier to the Royal House, created a chocolate cake in honor of the marshal that suggested the cylindrical shape of French military caps. Marshal Joffre suffered from diabetes, which is why the master confectioner, who studied in Paris, invented a cake that could be consumed without risks by the guest. The cake was named "Joffre" and went around the world, being taken over by French cuisine, from whose tradition it had been inspired.

What makes Capsa pastries so special? It's the combination of high-quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and a whole lot of love. From the moment you walk in, you're greeted by the aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sight of beautifully decorated cakes and tarts.

Must-Try Delights: A Sweet Adventure Awaits

Nothing compares to a visit to Capsa Confectionery, a place with a tradition spanning nearly a century, where every pastry is a culinary masterpiece. The confectionery has become a symbol of refinement in Bucharest and a must-visit destination for lovers of fine sweets.

What makes the pastries at Capsa so special? First and foremost, they are prepared according to traditional recipes, passed down from generation to generation, using carefully selected ingredients.

If you're wondering what to try, here are a few desserts you shouldn't miss:

Joffre Cake: The signature cake, a rich chocolate delight named after a French general who was a frequent visitor. It's a must-have for any chocolate lover.
Capsa Cake: An exclusive cake with fine layers of cream and delicate sponge, that will make your taste buds dance with pleasure.
Savarina: A classic Romanian pastry, soaked in rum syrup and topped with whipped cream. It's sweet, boozy, and absolutely irresistible.
Amandina: Another chocolate-based cake, known for its intense flavor and fine texture.
Gateaux all’orange: An absolutely delicious cake that combines the aroma of orange with the chocolate of the sponge.
In addition, Capsa Confectionery is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious coffee or tea while relaxing in the elegant atmosphere, perfect for an unforgettable chat with friends or a business meeting. We recommend that you don't miss a visit to this historic location, especially if you are a gourmand in search of traditional delights.

More Than Just a Visit: An Unforgettable Experience

Whether you're in Bucharest for a short vacation or a local looking to rediscover a place with a fascinating story, Hotel Capsa and its Confectionery promise a truly special experience. You'll create unforgettable memories, and your visit will be complete with a delicious pastry savored in an elegant setting.

Beyond the daily delights, Capsa Confectionery hosts unique cultural events that transform each visit into a memorable experience. Capsa's literary evenings are a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Romanian literature, revealing untold stories of masterpieces, the lesser-known histories of the muses behind the lines, and the true source of inspiration for Romania's great writers and poets. Participating in such an event is an invitation to savor Capsa's distinguished atmosphere, connect with Bucharest's history and culture, and rediscover the unparalleled charm of the written word.

So, if you haven't been to Capsa yet, don't wait any longer! And if you've been before, don't forget to return. The history, architecture, and desserts at Capsa will make you want to come back again and again, each visit being a new opportunity to experience the charm of this special place.

Visiting Hotel Capsa and its confectionery is more than just a tourist activity; it's an experience. It's a chance to connect with Bucharest's history, admire its architectural beauty, and indulge in some of the most delicious pastries you'll ever taste.

So, the next time you're in Bucharest, be sure to add Hotel Capsa to your itinerary. You won't regret it!