Charles de Gaulle Square, Bucharest

Charles de Gaulle Square (Piata Charles de Gaulle) is a striking urban landmark nestled in the heart of northern Bucharest. It forms a dynamic gateway to iconic city attractions such as Herastrau Park and the impressive Triumphal Arch. The square is also strategically located above Aviatorilor metro station, offering visitors seamless connections to public transit.

The square’s centerpiece is the Millennium Cross (Crucea Mileniului), sculpted by Paul Neagu and erected in the 1990s as a tribute to the Romanian Revolution. Complementing this is a striking statue of General Charles de Gaulle, unveiled in September 2006 during the Francophonie Summit. The 4.6-meter-high bronze work by Mircea Spataru symbolizes Romania’s enduring connection with France.

Walking around the square, visitors encounter layers of history captured in its evolving identity. Once named after Romanian folk hero Iancu Jianu, it was renamed “Hitler Square” during World War II, later “Stalin Square” during the early communist era, and then “Aviators’ Square” in the 1960s, before finally receiving its current name in the late 1990s. These successive name changes reflect Romania’s dynamic political landscape during the 20th century.

Today, Charles de Gaulle Square blends history with modernity. It is framed by the sleek Charles de Gaulle Plaza office tower-a contemporary Class A commercial building dating from 2005-and dotted with well-kept lawns, flowerbeds, and pedestrian pathways. It is a lively meeting point for locals and tourists alike, especially with the nearby cafés and elevated proximity to residential and diplomatic neighborhoods like Primaverii and Dorobanti.

For tourists, the square provides not only a photogenic starting point but also easy access to key landmarks-Herastrau Park’s lakeside trails, the nearby media hub at Romanian Television, and the upscale culinary scene of Dorobanti. Whether you're exploring Bucharest’s historic evolution, soaking up parkside scenery, or catching public transport to your next destination, Charles de Gaulle Square is both a vibrant waypoint and a peaceful urban refuge.