Squares, Bucharest

Piata Unirii is the central square of what is called the 'centru civic', a surreal area built by the great dictator in an attempt to create the ultimate communist city. The area is centered around the parlamentul and walking around can be a strange experience because of the unfiished buildings, the lack of pedestrians and megalomania that characterizes most of the buildings.

Unirii Square is the most expressive place of the megalomania of the Ceausescu. Huge concrete building flank the long boulevard leading to the enormous and cubical People's House now Palace of Parliament, the second huge building of the world.

Piata Revolutiei (previously Piata Republicii)
The revolution in Bucharest started here at noon on December 21, 1989.It is surrounded by the National Museum, the university library and the former Central Committee building which is now part of Romania's Senate). There is a white marble triangle with the inscription Glorie martirilor nostri (Glory to our martyrs) that points to the balcony above the entrance of the Central Committee building where Nicolae Ceausescu held his last public speech. When protestors stormed the building, a helicopter took Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu away from the roof. The adjoining university library was gutted by fire during the ensuing street fighting but has now been restored. Behind the library, a house has been left in its ruined state as a monument.

Piata Revolutiei (Revolution Square)
During the 1989 uprising, this was the scene of Ceauescu’s final speech from the balcony of the Communist Party Central Committee Building. During the street fighting, the nearby Royal Palace and the University Library were destroyed. Both buildings have been restored. At the north end of the square you will find the Athenee Palace Hotel and the Atheneul Roman Concert Hall. At the south end of the square is the Kretulescu church. The Royal Palace is now home to the National Museum.

Strada Lipscani (Lipscani Street)
This is one of the oldest streets in Bucharest, which was developed around the middle of the 18th century. Much of the original appearance remains unchanged. The street is bustling with shops, cafes, outdoor vendors and artists selling their wares. A favorite place to visit is Hanul cu tei which is an alley where artists display their work.

Cismigiu Park (Parcul Cismigiu)
This is Bucharest’s oldest city park. Due to its central location, many locals use this as a meeting place or spend time relaxing by the pond. At the western end of the park are the games areas. Avid chess players use one section. The other section is for more active outdoor games. A great place for people watching or strolling around.

Ateneul Român (Romanian Atheneum)
This domed building is the headquarters for the George Enescu Philharmonic. The beautiful interior features a rotunda with ornate staircases. The concert hall can seat 600 people and also contains 60 boxes. A large mural showing Romanian history is another feature. Many locals attend the classical musical concerts held here.

Parcul Carol I (Carol I Park)
Here you will find the grave and eternal flame of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by an honor guard. The mausoleum of former Romanian communist leader Gheorge Gheorgiu Dej (Ceausescu's predecessor) sit at the top of a staircase. The monument has five red granite arches but is guarded by armed soldiers so it is off limits to visitors. Many of the locals like to rollerblade around this park.

Gradina Botanica (Botanical Gardens)
The university maintains these well-kept gardens. You will find tall pine trees, a herb garden and a lily pond with a waterfall. The greenhouses are only open 3 days a week. This is a popular location for people who like to stroll through the 10,000 plants and flowers or sit among the beautiful gardens.

The Parliamnet House

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Piaţa Unirii is a massive square with the Unirea Shopping Center on one side. The Piaţa Unirii metro station is just in front of it.

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Piaţa Victor Babeş is the square in front of the opera house. Its centrepiece is the Eroilor Sanitari Monument.

Here is another monument for Air travel. It's a good thing I went with someone who knows the area or I would've thought this monument was for something else!

Yes! In the center of this rotary, is what appears to be a scaled-down version of the Arc de Triumphe in France!

I was there at night and it's all very well lit. I wish my picture came out better.

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Former prime minister and proeminent politician between 1918 - 1945, Iuliu Maniu died in a communist prison, being accused he betrayed his country.

Take a walk on Ana Ipatescu blvd from Piata Victoriei (Victory Square) & Piata Romana (Romana Square)
Heres my dear University - so called ASE.