Palatul Bruck (Bruck House), Timisoara (must see)
The Bruck House (Palatul Bruck) is one of Timisoara鈥檚 most distinctive landmarks, located in the heart of Victory Square. Its story begins with a pharmacy established on the site in 1898, known as the Golden Cross. Owned initially by the Geml family-though some sources mention the Zifkovich family-the pharmacy was later refurbished and managed by Salamon Bruck, whose name the building still carries. Remarkably, the pharmacy continues to operate today, retaining much of its original furniture and display cases, which adds a living layer of history to the site.
The current structure was built between 1910 and 1911, replacing the earlier Viennese Baroque-style building with a new design in the fashionable Secession style. The project was overseen by Laszlo Szekely, Timisoara鈥檚 chief architect at the time, who collaborated with Arnold Merbl. To monitor the construction closely, Merbl even lived in a wooden shack on the site until the works were completed. The result was a strikingly slender building, often compared to a slice of cake, which immediately stood out in the square鈥檚 architectural ensemble.
Architecturally, the Bruck House reflects both Art Nouveau and Secession influences, with a number of unique features. Unlike many other Secession buildings, its corners were left sharp rather than rounded, signaling a break from tradition. The fa莽ade is decorated with ceramic tiles featuring Hungarian folk motifs, while the initials 鈥淏S,鈥� for Salamon Bruck, are inscribed on the pediment. The structure, built with thick brick walls and vaulted ceilings, includes a basement, ground floor, and three upper stories. Distinctive elements such as two-level bow windows, closed balconies with glazed curtain walls, and an intricately shaped roof highlight its Secession character.
After falling into disrepair in the years following 1989, the Bruck House was saved by a major renovation in 2012, initiated by an Italian businessman who had purchased an apartment in the building in the late 1990s. Today, it stands once again in restored splendor, symbolizing both Timisoara鈥檚 architectural heritage and its resilience. For visitors, the Bruck House offers not only a glimpse into the city鈥檚 Art Nouveau legacy but also an enduring link to everyday life through its still-functioning historic pharmacy.
The current structure was built between 1910 and 1911, replacing the earlier Viennese Baroque-style building with a new design in the fashionable Secession style. The project was overseen by Laszlo Szekely, Timisoara鈥檚 chief architect at the time, who collaborated with Arnold Merbl. To monitor the construction closely, Merbl even lived in a wooden shack on the site until the works were completed. The result was a strikingly slender building, often compared to a slice of cake, which immediately stood out in the square鈥檚 architectural ensemble.
Architecturally, the Bruck House reflects both Art Nouveau and Secession influences, with a number of unique features. Unlike many other Secession buildings, its corners were left sharp rather than rounded, signaling a break from tradition. The fa莽ade is decorated with ceramic tiles featuring Hungarian folk motifs, while the initials 鈥淏S,鈥� for Salamon Bruck, are inscribed on the pediment. The structure, built with thick brick walls and vaulted ceilings, includes a basement, ground floor, and three upper stories. Distinctive elements such as two-level bow windows, closed balconies with glazed curtain walls, and an intricately shaped roof highlight its Secession character.
After falling into disrepair in the years following 1989, the Bruck House was saved by a major renovation in 2012, initiated by an Italian businessman who had purchased an apartment in the building in the late 1990s. Today, it stands once again in restored splendor, symbolizing both Timisoara鈥檚 architectural heritage and its resilience. For visitors, the Bruck House offers not only a glimpse into the city鈥檚 Art Nouveau legacy but also an enduring link to everyday life through its still-functioning historic pharmacy.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Timisoara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Palatul Bruck (Bruck House) on Map
Sight Name: Palatul Bruck (Bruck House)
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Timisoara, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Timisoara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Timisoara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Palaces and Castles Walking Tour
The 鈥淟ittle Vienna鈥� has amazed thousands of curious eyes for many years. This is thanks to the stunning palaces built in various styles, meant to lure visitors from all over the world. Take this tour to appreciate the most important historical buildings in Timisoara.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Timisoara Introduction Walking Tour
One of the largest cities in Romania, Timisoara holds an honorary spot on one's travel map. One will be thrilled with the city鈥檚 harmoniously grouped landmarks and of course, it is incredible that the city houses quite a number of squares with historical value. Are you curious to visit Timisoara? Check out the city鈥檚 prominent landmarks.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles