Revolution Square (Piati Revolutiei) is an architecturally impressive plaza infused with cultural, historical and political importance. Originally called Palace Square, it changed its name in 1989 following the Romanian Revolution, which marked the end of a decades-long communist regime. Stand in Revolution Square today to marvel at a fusion of 19th-century palaces and socialist-era buildings, visit museums and spot humbling memorials.
The centerpiece of the square is the 82-foot-tall (25-meter) Memorial of Rebirth. It honors the efforts of those who fought to overthrow communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. Look for a plaque inscribed with the names of the people who perished during the revolution. Go to the south side of the square to see a statue of the late politician Iuliu Maniu. He opposed the communist government and died in prison after being given a sentence of life with hard labor.
Framing the square’s east side is the Senate Palace, formerly known as the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party. It was here that Ceaușescu, along with his wife, fled from rebelling citizens at the onset of the revolution. Note the imposing square features and Greek-style columns of the building’s façade.
On the opposite side is a majestic neoclassical palace built between 1812 and 1820 as a royal residence. Today, it houses the excellent National Museum of Art of Romania. Its two permanent collections showcase national and European art. Browse works by Constantin Brâncuși, Claude Monet and Rembrandt, among others.
Another striking landmark, the Central University Library, overlooks the northern edge of the square. In front of it, see an equestrian statue of Charles I. It’s a replica of a statue created in 1930 and demolished by communists in 1948.
Centrally located, Revolution Square is less than a 10-minute walk from Universitate metro station. It’s also a short walk from Cișmigiu Garden. While here, take a moment to sit on a bench and ponder the life-changing events that took place and helped to shape modern-day Romania. In addition, visit the nearby Romanian Athenaeum, the city’s finest concert hall.
