The most beautiful and bohemian walks in Bucharest immediately integrate Calea Victoriei in the itinerary. At its base, this is a main artery, located right in the center of Bucharest. Initially, it was strategically planned, being a road that provided the necessary link between several points of interest of the city. Today, it houses, on both sides, many exceptional buildings and monuments of the capital.

History and presentation

Famous due to the historical events it hosted, Calea Victoriei is also one of the most important arteries in Bucharest. It crosses the central area, starting from the intersection of the United Nations Square with the Splaiul Independenței and ending at Victoriei Square.

Calea Victoriei stretches over a length of 2,700 meters. It houses, on both sides, many historical monuments that are living evidence of all events.

The history behind it is truly fascinating. Before being called Calea Victoriei, it was known as Drumul Brașovului and did not include more than the portion between Piața Victorie and Cercul Militar. At the same time, the section between the United Nations Square and Regina Elisabeta Boulevard was called Ulița Mare towards Sărindar, as the Sărindar Church was the landmark of the destination. Today, the National Military Circle is located in that place.

Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu was the one who, in 1692, decided to unite the two parts. At that time, Calea Victoriei was called the Mogoșoaiei Bridge and was a special artery. Along it, the pavement used consisted of tree trunks, hence the suggestive name. In the past, all the streets paved with tree trunks were called Bridges.

The construction of the Mogoșoaia Bridge comes as a result of ensuring a connection between the estate of Constantin Brâncoveanu, the royal palace and Mogoșoaia.

Development of Victoriei Road

Immediately after construction, the artery benefited from a continuous development. Thus, boyar houses, churches, hotels, luxury shops and many others appeared here. Later, in the 18th century, the artery was properly lit, and during the 19th century it was paved with stone at the request of Prince Grigore Ghica. Also, in 1882, the first electrical installations in Bucharest appeared in this area.

The name Calea Victoriei is given to it as a result of the triumph of the Romanian army in the War of Independence. Thus, from 1878, the artery changed its name to the one under which it is recognized today.

Historic buildings and representative monuments

On both sides of the Victory Road there are numerous buildings and monuments, many of them integrated on the list of historical ones.

• The National Museum of History of Romania (or the Post Office Palace) - built between 1894 and 1900. Here is the place where the Romanian Treasure exists;

• Church of the Lady - edifice founded since 1683 by Maria Doamna;

• National Military Circle - built in 1912, in accordance with elements of the French neoclassical style;

• Creţulescu Church - a building founded in 1722 by Iordache Crețulescu and his wife Safta;

• The National Art Museum of Romania (part of the Royal Palace) - was inaugurated for the first time during 1937. Nowadays, exceptional works of Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Pallady, Rembrandt and many other artists are preserved and exhibited here. of fame.