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Historical places #23 in Bucharest

University's Square

4.5 · 8,272 reviews
Lively and historically significant urban hub
University's Square, Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, București 030167, Romania
Interesting facts
1

The square sits on the site of the former St. Sava Academy, the first higher education institution in the Romanian Principalities.

2

During the 1990 Mineriad, the square was the site of significant protest encampments, which are commemorated by white crosses embedded in the pavement.

3

The National Theatre of Bucharest, located on the southeast corner, is distinguished by its unique, modernistic roof sculptures.

4

The Colțea Hospital, located on the eastern side, was originally built in 1704 as the first hospital in Bucharest.

5

The Sutu Palace, on the square's perimeter, currently functions as the Bucharest City Museum.

6

A monument titled 'The 1989 Revolution' stands near the University building to honor those who lost their lives during the uprising.

7

The square functions as a major venue for public election debates and political rallies due to its central location.

8

The University of Bucharest building, opened in 1869, was designed by architect Alexandru Orăscu on the site of the former St. Sava Monastery.

Overview

University Square (Piața Universității) serves as the primary pedestrian and transit intersection in central Bucharest, marking the site of the 1989 anti-communist revolution. The square is defined by four major buildings at its corners: the University of Bucharest, the National Theatre, the Colțea Hospital, and the Sutu Palace. It features a prominent collection of bronze statues representing historical Romanian cultural and political figures, including Ion Heliade Rădulescu and Mihai Viteazul. The underground level connects to an expansive parking facility and a commercial arcade that links to the city's main metro arteries. The area frequently hosts public manifestations, open-air cultural festivals, and winter holiday markets. It sits directly on the axis of the city's historical 'Zero Kilometer' marker located near the adjacent St. George Church.

Photo spot

The elevated platform near the National Theatre for a wide-angle view of the university building and the statues.

Insider tips

Visit the Sutu Palace museum to understand the historical evolution of the square.

Look for the commemorative ground markers that honor the 1989 revolution participants.

Stay alert when crossing the surface-level intersections, as traffic is dense and multi-directional.

What to avoid

Do not mistake the underground passage mall for a primary tourist destination; it is primarily for transit and quick services.

Etiquette

Maintain respectful behavior around the commemorative crosses and monuments.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45 minutes - 1 hour
Best time to visit
Late afternoon or early evening to witness the transition from commuter hub to social gathering spot.
Address
University's Square, Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta, București 030167, Romania
44.435, 26.101
Get directions
Details
Architectural StylesNeoclassical (University) and Modernist (National Theatre)
Historical SignificanceKey site of the 1989 Romanian Revolution

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45 minutes - 1 hour to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late afternoon or early evening to witness the transition from commuter hub to social gathering spot..

The elevated platform near the National Theatre for a wide-angle view of the university building and the statues.

Close by you'll find Cismigiu Gardens, The Romanian Athenaeum, "Ion Luca Caragiale" National Theatre.