Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției) is one of Bucharest’s most historically charged public spaces, set along Calea Victoriei in the city centre. In December 1989, it became a focal point of the Romanian Revolution that brought down Nicolae Ceaușescu’s communist dictatorship. From the balcony of the former Communist Party Central Committee building, Ceaușescu delivered his final public speech on 21 December; he fled by helicopter the following day.
Today, the square brings several chapters of Romanian history into view. The former Royal Palace houses the National Museum of Art of Romania, while the Memorial of Rebirth commemorates those who died in the revolution. Nearby, the small Kretzulescu Church and the Romanian Athenaeum add to an architectural mix that makes the area worth exploring on foot.
The square is free to visit and easy to combine with a walk along Calea Victoriei. Come in daylight to take in the buildings and memorials, and allow extra time if you plan to visit the art museum. Traffic can be busy around the square, so use the marked pedestrian crossings.