In the realm of architectural wonders and historical grandeur, palaces have long stood as enduring symbols of authority, luxury, and cultural significance. As we enter 2024, the title of the world’s largest palace remains with the magnificent Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania. This architectural marvel not only boasts impressive scale but also tells a compelling story steeped in history and cultural importance.
Largest Palace in the World as of 2024
Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament stands as the unrivaled largest palace in the world in 2024. Serving as Romania’s parliamentary seat, it boasts an unparalleled floor space of 330,000 sq m. Not only does it claim the title of the world’s largest palace, but it also holds distinctions as the heaviest and the fourth biggest building globally.
As a symbol of architectural prowess and political significance, the Palace of the Parliament remains an extraordinary testament to Romania’s rich history and its contemporary role on the global stage.
Key Facts About the Largest Palace in the World
Here are some of the key points related to the Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament, the largest palace in the world:
- Largest palace globally, the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest reaches 84 meters in height.
- Spans 365,000 square meters with a volume of 2,550,000 cubic meters.
- Constructed over 13 years (1984–97) under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s vision.
- Houses 1,100 rooms, including a nuclear bunker, and serves as the seat of the Romanian Parliament.
- Valued at €4 billion as of 2020, making it the world’s most expensive administrative building.
- Despite its immense size, approximately 70% of the palace remains unused.
- Ornate interior features 23 sections, hosting museums and an international conference center.
Top-10 Largest Palaces in the World
Bucharest’s Palace of the Parliament, located in Central Bucharest, holds the title of the largest palace in the world, followed by Hofburg Palace, Louvre Palace, Ak Saray and Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Here is the list of top-10 largest palaces in the world:
| Largest Palaces in the World | ||||
| S. No. | Palace | Location | Completed | Floor Area (in sq. m) |
| 1. | Palace of the Parliament | Bucharest, Romania | 1997 | 330,000 |
| 2. | Hofburg Palace | Vienna, Austria | 13th century | 240,000 |
| 3. | Louvre Palace | Paris, France | 14th century | 210,000 |
| 4. | Ak Saray | Ankara, Turkey | 1404 | 200,000 |
| 5. | Rashtrapati Bhavan | New Delhi, India | 1929 | 200,000 |
| 6. | Istana Nurul Iman | Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei | 1984 | 200,000 |
| 7. | Apostolic Palace | Vatican City, Vatican | 16th century | 162,000 |
| 8. | Forbidden City | Beijing, China | 1420-1912 | 150,000 |
| 9. | Malbork Castle | Malbork, Poland | 13th century | 143,000 |
| 10. | Royal Palace of Madrid | Madrid, Spain | 1755 | 135,000 |
World’s Largest Palace – Palace of the Parliament
- Location: Bucharest, Romania
- Opened: 1997
- Area: 330,000 square meters
Situated in the heart of Bucharest, the Palace of the Parliament serves as the official residence for Romania’s Parliament. Renowned as the largest palace globally, it holds the distinction of being the most massive building on Earth, the second-largest administrative structure, and the fourth-largest overall. With a vast floor area of 330,000 square meters (3,552,000 square feet), the palace stands as a monumental architectural marvel, embodying its significance as a pivotal governmental and historical landmark.
Second Largest Palace in the World – Hofburg Palace
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Opened: 1279
- Area: 240,000 square meters
Constructed in the 13th century and continually expanded, the Hofburg Palace stands as a historical masterpiece, once serving as the imperial residence for influential figures in European and Austrian history. This majestic palace, the second largest in the world, housed monarchs from the Habsburg dynasty and rulers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Boasting an impressive 2,600 rooms and a vast total floor area of 240,000 square meters (2,583,000 square feet), the Hofburg Palace stands as a testament to the grandeur of bygone eras.
Third Biggest Palace in the World – Louvre Palace
- Location: Paris, France
- Opened: 14th century
- Area: 210,000 square meters
Originally established as a medieval fortress, the Louvre Palace underwent a transformation into a royal residence during the 14th century under Charles V. Over the years, it intermittently served as the primary residence for the kings of France. Today, the majority of this expansive palace, ranked as the world’s third largest palace, has been repurposed into a museum. Covering a substantial area of 210,000 square meters (2,260,000 square feet), the Louvre Palace stands as a testament to its rich historical evolution and cultural significance.
Fourth Largest Palace in the World – Ak Saray Palace
- Location: Ankara, Turkey
- Opened: 1404
- Area: 200,000 square meters
Ak-Saray Palace, located in Shahrisabz, Uzbekistan, is the fourth largest palace in the world. Constructed during the early Timurid period between 1380 and 1404 under Timur’s reign, it stands as a historic ruin. In 2000, the palace was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural significance and historical value.
World’s Fifth Largest Palace – Rashtrapati Bhawan
- Location: New Delhi, India
- Opened in: 1929
- Area: 200,000 square meters
Rashtrapati Bhavan, located in New Delhi, India, is the fifth largest palace in the world. Originally known as Viceroy’s House during British India, it serves as the official residence of the President of India. Covering 130 hectares, the estate includes the 340-room main building, gardens, staff residences, and various facilities. It ranks second in terms of area among presidential residences, following the Quirinal Palace in Italy.
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