Revolution Square

Piața Revoluției

The historic plaza where Ceaușescu gave his final speech in December 1989, surrounded by the former Central Committee building, the Athenaeum and the Memorial of Rebirth. It is a poignant spot central to understanding Romania's revolution.

Things to do

• Stand where Ceaușescu fled — View the balcony of the former Central Committee building (now the Interior Ministry) from which Ceaușescu gave his final speech before escaping by helicopter on 22 December 1989.
• Reflect at the Memorial of Rebirth — Walk to the towering marble spire pierced by a metal 'crown', a controversial monument honoring those who died in the 1989 Revolution.
• Attend a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum — Marvel at the domed neoclassical concert hall, home of the George Enescu Philharmonic, and catch a performance if timing allows.
• Tour the National Museum of Art of Romania — Explore the former Royal Palace on the square, housing Romanian medieval and modern art plus a European masters collection.
• Find the bullet marks and memorial plaques — Look for the scars of gunfire and commemorative plaques around the buildings recalling the violent days of December 1989.
• See the Kretzulescu Church — Visit the small brick Brâncovenesc-style Orthodox church at the square's corner, which survived demolition and witnessed the revolution.
• Visit the Central University Library — Admire the restored 1890s building, badly burned during the 1989 fighting and rebuilt as a symbol of recovery.

Food to try

• Covrigi — Grab a hot Romanian pretzel from a street kiosk near the square, sold plain or coated with poppy seeds, sesame, or salt.
• Papanași — Try these fried doughnut-like dumplings topped with sour cream and sour cherry jam at nearby traditional restaurants.
• Mici (mititei) — Sample grilled skinless minced-meat rolls served with mustard and bread, a beloved Romanian street and pub food.
• Sarmale — Order cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, usually served with polenta (mămăligă) and sour cream.
• Ciorbă de burtă — Warm up with a sour tripe soup seasoned with garlic, vinegar, and cream, a Bucharest comfort-food classic.
• Cafe on Calea Victoriei — Sip Romanian coffee or a house pastry at one of the historic cafes lining the grand boulevard beside the square.

Local customs & good to know

• Treat the square as a memorial — This is a solemn site of the 1989 Revolution where over a thousand people died nationwide, so approach the monuments with respect.
• The 'crown' monument is debated — Locals nickname the Memorial of Rebirth spire the 'potato of the revolution' or 'olive on a toothpick', reflecting divided opinions on the design.
• Watch for traffic on Calea Victoriei — The square borders a busy historic boulevard, so use marked crossings and be alert as vehicles move quickly here.
• Check Athenaeum concert schedules ahead — Tickets for the George Enescu Philharmonic often sell out, so book online in advance to see the ornate interior.

Nearby

• National Museum of Art of Romania — 0 km
• Romanian Athenaeum — 0 km
• Cișmigiu Gardens — 1 km
• Stavropoleos Monastery — 1 km