Băneasa: from Ban Mareș’s Estate to the Airport, the Forest and the Lake
The name Băneasa comes from the wife of a 17th-century ban (a Romanian nobleman holding a high office). This neighborhood in the north of the capital brings together an old airport, a forest, a lake and a railway station.
Băneasa is a neighborhood in Sector 1, in the north of Bucharest. Between Aurel Vlaicu Airport, Băneasa Forest and the lake, the area is tied to the history of Romanian aviation and to the chain of lakes on the Colentina.
Where the name comes from
In the 17th century, the village here was administered by a ban named Mareș. The neighborhood bears the name of his wife, called the “băneasa” (the ban’s wife). After the ban’s death, she expanded the estate. About a century later, the estate passed to Ștefan Văcărescu.
Aviation and the railway
In 1909, the first flights took place at the hippodrome here, designed by Ion D. Berindey. Three years later, the Romanian Aerial League (Liga Aeriană Română), led by Prince George Valentin Bibescu, set up a school there. The new air terminal, shaped like a three-bladed propeller, began construction in 1947, and the works lasted five years. The airport, today called Aurel Vlaicu, has been part of the “Bucharest Airports” National Company (Compania Națională „Aeroporturi București”) since May 12, 2007, and is used mainly by private planes and business aviation.
The royal station was built in 1936, in parallel with the one in Sinaia, and received the name Băneasa in 1940. The Saint Nicholas Church (Biserica Sfântul Nicolae), built by Ienăchiță Văcărescu, is still in use. The Miorița Fountain, made of Dobruja granite, was inaugurated in 1936 on the occasion of an exhibition.
The forest and the lake
Băneasa Forest borders the neighborhood and the airport. Băneasa Zoo is on its southern edge. In the chain of lakes on the Colentina, Lake Băneasa covers 40 hectares. After 1989, a large part of the forest’s land passed from state ownership into private hands.
Landmarks
The area includes Băneasa Shopping City and the United States Embassy. The Research and Development Institute for Plant Protection is located here, in the former Băneasa Royal Farm, on Bulevardul Ion Ionescu de la Brad. Băneasa railway station is in the neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Băneasa?
After the wife of Ban Mareș, called the “băneasa”, who expanded the estate in the 17th century.
What is Băneasa Forest?
A forest in the north of the capital, next to the neighborhood and the airport. Băneasa Zoo is on its southern edge. The guide has a separate page about it.
Is Băneasa airport still operating?
Yes. Aurel Vlaicu International Airport is used mostly by private planes and business aviation.
