King Ferdinand I Square (Piața Regele Ferdinand I) is one of the central squares in the historic part of Oradea, Bihor County. The square is located in the Olosig neighborhood on the northern bank of the Crișul Repede River. Several streets, including the main pedestrian artery Republic Avenue, funnel into the square, which is connected via the King Ladislaus Bridge to Union Square on the southern side of the river.
History Of King Ferdinand I Square
The name of the square has been changed many times in its history. It was once known as Bémer Square, after the Roman Catholic Bishop László Bémer, but the name was changed to Queen Marie Square in 1923, only to be changed back to Bémer Square in 1940. After the liberation of World War II in 1945, the name was changed to Stalin Square, and in 1966 to Republic Square. In 1995 the City Council decided to name the square after King Ferdinand I, who ruled over Romania from 1914 to 1927.
Not only the name but also the appearance of the square has gradually changed over time due to the demolition of old buildings and the construction of new buildings. The square was formed during a reconstruction of the city in the 18th century, but most of the current buildings date from the early 20th century.
Sights And Landmarks On King Ferdinand I Square
The most eye-catching landmark is definitely the Oradea State Theater in the center of the square which was built in 1900. To the right is the Oradea Bazaar, which separates the square from Republic Avenue. Behind the theater are the former Ursulines Monastery (now Ady Endre High School) and the Oradea State Philharmonic.
To the left of the theater are the Adorján Houses and the Astoria Grand Hotel, followed by the Transylvania Hotel and the building of the former Central Savings Bank of Oradea further down. In the middle of the square stand the bronze Statue of Queen Marie, the wife of King Ferdinand I.
In the southeastern corner of the square, at the intersection of Strada Iosif Vulcan and Republic Avenue, you can see the Kolozsváry House, the Former Rimanóczy Hotel, and the Poynár House. At the southern end of the square, near the river, stands the Lévay House. On the opposite side of the road is a great bistro with outdoor seating for a drink or a bite right on the riverfront.
