Piața Unirii (Union Square), Bucharest (must see)

Union Square is one of Bucharest’s largest and busiest public spaces, situated between the Old Town and the monumental Civic Center created during the communist period. For centuries, the surrounding area was closely associated with trade and markets, and the square developed from an important marketplace once known as the Great Square, where merchants sold food and other goods near the Dâmbovița River.

The area began taking on a more modern appearance during the 1930s, when major urban works transformed the center of Bucharest. Part of the Dâmbovița River was covered, allowing a large public space to develop above it. After several name changes, the square received its present name in 1959, marking the centenary of the union of Wallachia and Moldavia.

Its appearance changed dramatically again during the 1980s, when communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu ordered the construction of Bucharest’s new Civic Center. Extensive sections of the surrounding historic city were demolished, and Union Square became part of a monumental urban axis leading toward the Palace of the Parliament. The broad avenue extending west from the square was originally known as the Boulevard of the Victory of Socialism and was renamed Union Boulevard after the Romanian Revolution of 1989.

For visitors, one of the square’s most recognizable features is its enormous complex of artesian fountains extending along Union Boulevard. During the warmer months, the fountains host coordinated displays combining water, light and music.

Today, Union Square is also a major transportation and commercial hub, with several metro lines and major roads converging here. The nearby Unirea Shopping Center offers numerous shopping and dining options.

Above all, the square provides an excellent introduction to Bucharest’s contrasting architectural layers. From here, visitors can head toward the communist-era Civic Center or walk into the much older Old Town, with historic Manuc’s Inn nearby and the Patriarchal Cathedral rising above the surrounding area.