# Cazarma Jandarmilor Călare din Escorta Regală

Adresă: Bd. Nicolae Balcescu nr. 17-19, Sector 1, Cartierul Centru - Cișmigiu, București
An construcție: 1860
Tip ansamblu: Publice și administrative
Tip clădire: 2-5 niveluri
Stil arhitectural: Neoclasic
Monument istoric: clasa B
Etichete: arhitectura, arhitect, modernist, artdeco, patrimoniu, monument istoric, risc seismic

## Descriere
Cazarma Jandarmilor Călare din Escorta Regală adăpostea în anul 1867 birouri, depozite, dormitoare, puncte de pază, și până în anul 1938 grajduri pentru cai. După aproape 140 de ani, din întregul ansamblu doar această clădire a rezistat timpului. A fost sediul Statului Major General al Armatei, al Școlii Superioare de Război, al tipografiei armatei și primul sediu al Muzeului Militar.

## Articol
Ignorată de cele mai multe ori de trecătorul de astăzi, fosta Cazarmă a Jandarmilor Călare din Escorta Regală este unul dintre cei trei ultimi martori ai vechii Ulițe a Colței, actualul Bulevard Nicolae Bălcescu, la numărul 19. Clădirea a fost construită la jumătatea secolului al XIX-lea, în stil neoclasic. Parterul este marcat prin bosaje, cu relief puternic și muchii netede. Corpul principal al clădirii este ușor decalat, brâul și cornișă sugerează orizontalitatea clădirii. Coloanele angajate marchează ferestrele, cu frontoane triunghiulare, din corpurile laterale, iar în corpul principal acestea împart fațada în registre verticale egale. Dacă fațada de est, dinspre Bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu, este sobră, cercetând fațada de vest rămânem surprinși să găsim un veritabil exemplu de arhitectură neoclasică.

Cazarma Jandarmilor Călare din Escorta Regală adăpostea în anul 1867 birouri, depozite, dormitoare, puncte de pază, și până în anul 1938 grajduri pentru cai. După aproape 140 de ani, din întregul ansamblu doar această clădire a rezistat timpului. A fost sediul Statului Major General al Armatei, al Școlii Superioare de Război, al tipografiei armatei și primul sediu al Muzeului Militar. Acum este sediul Uniunii Producătorilor Agricoli, al Ligii Naționale și Internaționale pentru Drepturile Omului și al Federației Naționale a Revoluționarilor din Romania. (Simina Stan)

Referințe:

- Pe bulevard, monșer!

August 2023:

ChatGPT despre stilul arhitectural al clădirii din bulevardul Nicolae Bălcescu 17-19:

The building located at Nicolae Bălcescu 17-19 in Bucharest is an exquisite example of early 20th-century neoclassical architecture, blending elements of grandeur and symmetry that are characteristic of this style. Constructed during a period when Bucharest was undergoing significant urban development, this building reflects the architectural ambitions of the time, aiming to align the city with the grand European capitals.

Neoclassical architecture, which emerged in the mid-18th century and gained prominence in the 19th century, is known for its adherence to the classical principles of symmetry, geometry, and the use of classical orders. The building at Nicolae Bălcescu 17-19 exemplifies these principles through its balanced proportions and refined detailing.

The façade of the building is characterized by its orderly arrangement of windows and doors, which are symmetrically placed to create a sense of harmony and balance. The central part of the façade features a prominent pediment, a triangular gable that is a distinctive element of classical architecture. This pediment is supported by pilasters, which are flat, rectangular columns that are engaged with the wall. These pilasters are likely designed in one of the classical orders, possibly Doric or Ionic, which adds to the building's classical aesthetic.

The windows of the building are set within elegant surrounds, often topped with pediments or keystones, emphasizing their importance and adding a decorative element to the façade. The ground floor windows and entrance are framed by rusticated stonework, a technique where the stone is cut with a rough surface to provide a textured appearance. This rustication not only adds visual interest but also creates a sturdy, fortified look that is typical of neoclassical buildings.

Above the rusticated base, the upper floors of the building are smoother, with more refined finishes that contrast with the textured lower section. This technique of varying the texture and detailing between different levels of the building helps to delineate the structure visually and adds depth to the façade.

The roofline of the building is another area where classical influences are evident. The cornice, which is the uppermost section of the entablature, projects outward and is often decorated with dentils or modillions—small, repeating blocks that add a rhythmic element to the roofline. This decorative cornice serves both a practical and aesthetic function, helping to direct rainwater away from the building while also crowning the structure with a visually pleasing detail.

The building's entrance is grand and welcoming, likely featuring a set of steps leading up to a portico or a large doorway framed by classical columns or pilasters. This entrance would have been designed to impress visitors and convey a sense of importance and stability, qualities that were highly valued in neoclassical architecture.

Inside, the building would have originally been designed with high ceilings, large rooms, and classical detailing such as plaster moldings, ceiling medallions, and perhaps even marble or tiled floors. The layout would have emphasized symmetry and proportion, with rooms arranged logically around a central axis.

The neoclassical style was often used for public buildings, banks, and grand residences in Bucharest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the city sought to modernize and align itself with Western European architectural trends. Buildings like the one at Nicolae Bălcescu 17-19 were part of this broader effort to transform Bucharest into a "Little Paris," reflecting the cultural and political aspirations of the Romanian elite at the time.

Overall, the building at Nicolae Bălcescu 17-19 is a testament to the enduring appeal of neoclassical architecture, with its emphasis on order, symmetry, and classical detailing. It stands as a reminder of Bucharest's architectural heritage and the city's historical efforts to position itself as a modern European capital.

Sursă: https://www.propertyindex.ro/residential/nicolae-balcescu-17-19