Republic Avenue (Calea Republicii) is the main pedestrian artery in the historic center of Oradea, Bihor County. The street runs from King Ferdinand I Square for about 600 meters in the northern direction and is flanked by numerous colorfully painted historic buildings in Secession, Baroque, Classicist, and Eclectic styles. Republic Avenue is one of the most lively streets in Oradea and is full of shops, cafes, and restaurants, and in summer you can enjoy the atmosphere on the many terraces in the pedestrianized street.
History Of Republic Avenue
The name of the street has changed many times over the centuries. In 1727, it was called Grand Street (Nagy utca / Strada Mare), in 1890 it was changed to Main Street (Strada Principală), and in 1900 to Rákóczi Avenue (Rákóczi ut / Calea Rákóczi), followed by King Ferdinand Street (Strada Regele Ferdinand) in 1920. After the end of World War II, the street got its current name, Republic Avenue.
Most of the buildings in Republic Avenue date from the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century and from this time it also became an important road connecting the railway station with the city’s center. Nowadays, the street is almost fully pedestrianized.
Sights And Landmarks On Republic Avenue
When visiting Oradea, you simply can’t skip a walk through Republic Avenue, which is a feast for your eyes with so many beautiful facades. The street starts on the corner of King Ferdinand I Square where you can see the Poynár House, the Former Rimanóczy Hotel, and the Kolozsváry House. The first building on the left is the Oradea Bazaar, followed by the Ursulines Monastery with the Saint Anna Church.
Further down the street you can see the Rimanóczy Palace and the Bartsch House to the right, followed by one of the most beautiful parts of the street at the intersection with Strada Mihai Eminescu and Trajan Park. Here you can see the Former Széchenyi Hotel and the Miksa Moskovits Palace to the right, and the Stern Palace and Apollo Palace to the left.
On the next intersection, you’ll find the Klobusitzky Palace and the Pomgranate Pharmacy History Museum to the right, and the Descent of the Holy Spirit Church to the left. In front of the church stands the Statue of Kálmán Rimanóczy jr., one of the most famous architects of the city, who played in important role in the development of Republic Avenue.
