Revolution Square and Memorial of Rebirth

Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei) on Calea Victoriei in Sector 1 of Bucharest is the plaza where the Romanian Revolution of December 1989 turned against the Ceausescu regime. On 21 December 1989 Nicolae Ceausescu addressed a crowd from the balcony of the former Central Committee building on the square's west side, was met with jeering, and fled by helicopter from the roof the next day. That building, now used by the Ministry of Interior, remains the square's most photographed facade, and its balcony is visible from the pavement. At the centre of the plaza stands the Memorial of Rebirth, a 25-metre white marble pillar crowned with a stylised nest-like form, dedicated in 2005 to the victims of the revolution. Beside it a small sculpture and plaques commemorate the dead. Around the square are several landmarks worth including on a short walk: the former Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art, the Central University Library, the Athenee Palace Hilton hotel, Cretzulescu Church and the equestrian statue of King Carol I. The area is open 24 hours and entirely free, and a typical stop takes 30 to 45 minutes. Light is best late in the afternoon and at dusk, when the memorial is illuminated; photographs from the steps of the museum give a clear view of the pillar framed by the old Central Committee building. Traffic is heavy around the square, so visitors should cross at marked lights. The plaza is quietest early in the morning and on Sunday, and crowds gather for commemorations on 21-22 December and other events. Informational panels and a visit to nearby museums add context for the 1989 events. The plaza is a natural stopping point between Calea Victoriei attractions in central Bucharest, Romania.