Contrasts of Communism - Private Walking Tour in Bucharest
- Live Guide
- Pickup Service
- Private Tour
- E-Ticket
- 3.5 hr
You will discover the amazing story of the rise to power of the Romanian communist party and the unparalleled cult of personality of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. You will learn how Ceausescu’s craving for applause and recognition led to his overturn in the most violent anti-communist revolution of 1989. On a tour full of contrasts you will see a communist district built for the elites and one designed for regular working-class families, and learn about day-to-day life during communism, the economy, the propaganda, the relationship with religion. You will explore the New Civic Center and the exterior of the Palace of Parliament and learn about the achievements of Romanian architects, but also the sacrifices for the local community as the old architecture changed so much during the 1980s. You will also have an honest conversation about the present-day socio-political movements in Romania and its future as a member of the European Union. You will finish the walk near the old town.
Itinerary Details
Operated by: My nice Romania
Stop At: Revolution Square (Piata Revolutiei)
You will stand in the place where Nicolae Ceausescu held his last speech in 1989 and hear the story of the most violent uprising in Eastern Europe at the end of communism.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At:
You will travel by metro to explore a typical working-class neighbourhood and see how the 1970s grey communist blocks are getting reinvented thanks to colorful street art.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At:
You will walk down the quiet paths of the memorial cemetery dedicated to the Romanians killed in the revolution of 1989 and learn some of their personal stories
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At:
You will get to the highest point in Bucharest, on Filaret Hill, to discover the Monument of the Heroes for the Freedom of the People and of the Motherland.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Antim Monastery
You go behind the communist blocks to find one of the oldest religious constructions in Bucharest. You will hear the story of the complicated relationship between state and religion during communism.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Palace of Parliament
You will explore the exteriors of the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world, designed by Nicolae Ceausescu as the ultimate home-court advantage to humble world leaders.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At:
You will discover the new Civic Center of Bucharest, the most ambitious project of the Nicolae Ceausescu, built with massive demolitions and sacrifice to local communities and old town architecture.
Duration: 15 minutes
