Founded at the end of the 19th century by
architect Ion Mincu, the neo-Romanian architectural style intertwines elements
of the peasant and Brâncovenesc styles in a new mix that was swiftly adopted
and adapted by architects in the early 20th century. Bucharest in
particular, but many other cities from the former Principality of Wallachia,
are living evidence of how fast the neo-Romanian style expanded. One of the
iconic representatives of this style was architect Cristofi Cerchez, whose life
has been documented by art historian Oana Marinache.
Cristofi Cerchez was born Cristofi Hristea in July 1872
into a very numerous family. It seems there were 18 siblings in total, but
unfortunately, due to the hardships and illnesses of the 19th
century, the life of many family members was cut short, and only three boys and
three girls made it to adulthood. Still, it was a family of certain financial
means. Their father administered large estates for important noblemen, which
meant