Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei)
The basics
The focal point of Bucharest, Revolution Square is visited by almost every traveler to the city. Many walking tours begin here, with guides showing participants key surrounding landmarks such as the neoclassical Royal Palace, now home to the National Museum of Art of Romania; the Senate Palace, the former headquarters of the Romanian Communist Party; and the Romanian Athenaeum concert hall.
Because of its connection to the Romanian Revolution—it was here where Ceaușescu witnessed the start of the revolution before his very eyes—the square is also an important stop on Communist-themed tours of Bucharest.
Things to know before you go
- Revolution Square is a must-do for history buffs.
- Watch footage of former Communist leader Ceaușescu making his final speech before you visit so you can better envision the historic scenes that unfolded here in 1989.
- Go with a guide to gain a better understanding of Romanian history.
How to get there
Take the metro (M2 line) to Universitate station in University Square. Revolution Square is less than a 10-minute walk from there.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Though the square is pretty when lit up at night, the best time to visit is during the day, when you can access nearby attractions such as the National Museum of Art of Romania and Kretzulescu Church (Biserica Kretzulescu). The square is rarely crowded and is especially quiet in the early morning.
Monuments on Revolution Square
Revolution Square is home to several monuments, the most eye-catching among them being the Monument of Rebirth. Occasionally referred to by locals as the “potato on a stick” or the “olive on a toothpick,” this 25-meter (82-foot) tall white triangular pillar pierces through a round nest-like structure. The square also features a wall of remembrance, where names of victims of the violence of the revolution are inscribed, and a statue of Iuliu Maniu, the former prime minister of Romania who was imprisoned by the Communist regime.
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- Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Roman)
- National Museum of Art of Romania (Muzeul National de Arta al Romaniei)
- George Enescu National Museum (Cantacuzino Palace)
- Bucharest University Palace
- Holocaust Memorial
- Pasajul Macca-Vilacrosse (Macca-Villacrosse Passage)
- Grigore Antipa National Museum of Natural History
- CEC Palace (Palatul CEC)
- Lipscani
- National Museum of Romanian History (Muzeul National de Istorie a Romaniei)
- Stavropoleos Monastery (Manastirea Stavropoleos)
- Romanian Peasant Museum (Muzeul National al Taranului Roman)
- Choral Temple (Templul Coral)
- Palace of Parliament (Palatul Parlamentului)
- Great Synagogue (Sinagoga Mare)