Largest Palace in the World, List of Top-10

In the world of architectural marvels and historical extravagance, palaces have perennially served as iconic symbols of power, opulence, and cultural heritage. As we step into the year 2024, the prestigious title of the world’s largest palace is still retained by the awe-inspiring Palace of the Parliament, situated in Bucharest, Romania. Beyond its imposing dimensions, this architectural gem unfolds a captivating narrative, rich in history and cultural resonance.

World’s Biggest Palace 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:

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: 14^th 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.