The Arcul de Triumf is Bucharest’s answer to the Parisian original, and it stands at the head of Șoseaua Kiseleff, the grand avenue that leads north from the centre towards Herăstrău Park. It commemorates Romania’s victory in the First World War and the Great Union of 1918, when the Romanian provinces were joined in a single state. The first, temporary arch was inaugurated in 1922 for the celebrations, and the permanent granite monument that you see today was rebuilt and opened in 1936. It is twenty-seven metres high, and its sculptures and bas-reliefs are the work of Constantin Baraschi and Dimitrie Paciurea, two of Romania’s leading sculptors of the period. The arch is the focus of the national parade on 1 December, Romania’s National Day, and it stands in the middle of a large roundabout, so it is best seen from the pavement and the park edge. Entry is free, and the monument is occasionally opened so that visitors can climb to the upper platform for a panoramic view of the city, though not on a regular schedule.
How to visit
The arch is on Piața Arcul de Triumf, and the nearest metro station is Aviatorilor on line M2. A number of bus lines also stop nearby. You cannot cross the roundabout casually, so use the pedestrian crossings and the underpasses. Most visitors view the arch from the park side, and combine it with a walk into Herăstrău Park.
If you are lucky enough to visit when the monument is open, the climb to the upper platform is free and gives a good view along the avenue, but it opens only occasionally and the details change, so check local information before you plan around it.
What to expect
An imposing monument rather than an interactive attraction, so a visit is short. The reliefs and sculptures reward a close look, and the view down the avenue towards the city centre is one of the capital’s classic perspectives. The roundabout is noisy and busy, so be careful with children. On 1 December you will see the military parade and the crowds that come for the National Day celebrations, which is an interesting but crowded time to visit.
Making the most of it
Treat the arch as the gateway to the northern part of the city. Walk or ride the short distance to Herăstrău Park and the Village Museum, and add the Grigore Antipa Museum, which is also on Kiseleff Road. Visit in the late afternoon for the best light on the granite and the sculpted figures, and bring a camera with a wide lens.
If you are short of time, a stop of twenty minutes is enough, and it fits easily between a visit to the museums and a stroll in the park.
If the monument happens to be open, expect a short queue and a narrow staircase, and do not plan other activities around it. Otherwise, the monument is best appreciated from the park side, where you can step back and see the full height of the sculpted group. Dress for the weather, because the roundabout is exposed to wind and sun, and carry water in summer, since there is little shade at the monument itself.
What to expect
The experience
A quick, self-guided look at a granite triumphal arch at the head of Kiseleff Road, best combined with the park beside it.
Best time
Late afternoon for the best light, or 1 December for the National Day parade.
How long
Twenty to thirty minutes.
Tips
Use the crossings and underpasses, treat any chance to climb to the platform as a bonus, and pair it with Herăstrău Park.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers and first-timers who want a classic landmark on the way to the northern museums.
- Families
- Quick and free; take care around the busy roundabout.
- Couples
- A pleasant stop on an evening walk towards Herăstrău Park.
- Pair with
- Herăstrău Park, the Village Museum and the Antipa Museum.
- Time needed
- Twenty to thirty minutes.
Good questions
What does the Arcul de Triumf commemorate?+
Romania’s victory in the First World War and the Great Union of 1918.
How tall is it?+
About 27 metres, built in granite.
Can I climb it?+
The monument is only occasionally open, with a panoramic platform at the top. There is no regular schedule, so check before you plan around it.
How do I get there?+
By metro line M2 to Aviatorilor, or by several bus lines to Piața Arcul de Triumf.
Is it free?+
Yes, viewing the monument is free.
