Tourists may not know, and its inhabitants may have forgotten, how beautiful Bucharest can be.
I’ve realized that, together with the people who lined patiently, last Sunday, waiting to get inside the Arch of Triumph, visited the small museum, got to the upper terrace and admired the panorama from 27 meters high.
The Arch of Triumph was temporarily open to visitors to celebrate 135 years of independence of Romania (1877-2012).
Its history had been quite troubled: the first version was built between 1921-1922, to commemorate Romania’s participation alongside allies and victory in World War I.
Between 1932 and 1936, it suffered a process of restoration and the second inauguration ceremony took place on December 1st, 1936, when Romanians celebrated 18 years of the Union of Transylvania with Romania.
During communism, the monument was “mutilated” by removing parts of it, reminding of the times when Romania was a monarchy.
The Arch of Triumph was listed historical monument, in 2004
Nowadays, soldiers march in military parades beneath the Arch of Triumph on the occasion of Romania’s national day, every 1st of December.
One of the best known monuments and certainly a landmark of Bucharest, the Romanian capital, Arch of Triumph (architect Petre Antonescu) is located in a beautiful part of the city, surrounded by green areas, such as Herastrau Park.
Quiz: The Arch of Triumph in Bucharest has a great resemblance with another monument in a very known and visited European country. Do you know which country is it ?
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I’ve never been to Bucharest and I honestly had no idea that there was an Arch of Triumph there, too. The views from the terrace are breathtaking!
I hope the monument stays intact from now on.
I think this Arch of Triumph looks similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, doesn’t it?
Hi Aledys, you‘ve guessed well, Arc de Triomphe in Paris was a model for the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest !
Thanks
Do people call Bucharest the “Paris of the East”? if they don’t, they totally should!
Bucharest is in my bucket list. One day I’ll visit the city 🙂
Hi Ana, as a matter of fact Bucharest was known as “Little Paris”. I don‘t know if this name is entirely fit for Bucharest nowadays, but the “flavour” is still present.
Looking forward to meeting you in Bucharest !