Constitution Square (Piața Constituției) is a large square in front of the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest. The semi-circular square lies at the junction of Liberty Boulevard (Bulevardul Libertății) and Union Boulevard (Bulevardul Unirii).
The center of Constitution Square is a (paid) public parking lot, but the square is also often used for events. Due to the large open space and great accoustics with the tall buildings surrounding the square, the location is ideal for concerts.
Some of the largest international artists have already performed here, including Elton John, Shakira, Bon Jovi, Robbie Williams, André Rieu, Rod Steward, Iron Maiden, and Maroon 5. Other events that take place are the yearly New Year’s party and the military parade on December 1st, Romania’s National Day.
History Of Constitution Square
Constitution Square was created in the 1980s, after Bucharest was hit by a devastating earthquake in 1977. The square was part of Nicolae Ceaușescu‘s systemization plan for the redevelopment of the city. The square forms an ensemble with the surrounding buildings and boulevards built around the same time, called the Civic Center (Centrul Civic).
Sights And Landmarks At Constitution Square
The most remarkable landmark on Constitution Square is obviously the enormous Palace of the Parliament, the largest administrative building in Europe. Opposite the palace are two colossal buildings that form a semi-circle around the square and house several ministerial offices and other government institutions.
Hidden away behind the enormous building blocks are two historic churches with a remarkable past: the Antim Monastery and the Nun’s Skete, which both date from the 18th century. The latter church was moved there from its original location to save it from demolishion when the redevelopment plans for the area where executed in the 1980s. The communist regime didn’t like religion and therefore demolished several churches, or hid them away behind tall buildings.
