Fabrica de Glucoză (the Glucose Factory): the story behind the name of the road

A factory from 1902

The Fabrica de Glucoză (Glucose Factory) was built in 1902, after about ten years of work, with Belgian capital. It produced glucose and alcohol. The buildings stood on today’s Bulevardul Barbu Văcărescu, next to the bridge over the Colentina lakes, where the boulevard meets the road that now bears its name.

The Caro hotel, which occupies the factory’s site today, mentions Belgian and Romanian capital in its history.

The closure, in the 1980s

Production stopped in 1987, and the equipment was moved to the former Bragadiru brewery on Calea Rahovei. The history of the Caro hotel gives 1986 as the year alcohol production was moved.

There is also a legend about the closure: Nicolae Ceaușescu, who lived in the Primăverii neighborhood, was supposedly bothered by the smell of the factory. The story has been passed on by word of mouth, with no document to confirm it.

What is on the factory’s site today

After 1990, the land was privatized. The Caro hotel complex now operates on about five hectares.

The factory’s name has stayed on the map. On Șoseaua Fabrica de Glucoză (literally “Glucose Factory Road”) stands the Muzeul Național al Aviației Române (Romanian National Aviation Museum), and next to it, on Strada Anton Holban, previously also known as Fabrica de Glucoză, are the Quartier du Nord projects.

Frequently asked questions

When did the Glucose Factory in Bucharest operate?

The factory was built in 1902 and operated until 1987. Production then stopped, and the equipment was moved to the former Bragadiru brewery.

What is on the site of the Glucose Factory today?

The Caro hotel complex operates on the factory’s site, on about five hectares.

Where does the name of Șoseaua Fabrica de Glucoză come from?

The road is named after the glucose and alcohol factory that operated here between 1902 and 1987.