United Nations Square (Piața Națiunile Unite) is a square surrounding the United Nations Bridge (Podul Națiunile Unite) over the Dâmbovița River in the center of Bucharest. The square lies at the intersection of Independence Quay, Victory Avenue, and United Nations Boulevard.
Sights And Landmarks On United Nations Square
Although United Nations Square is an intersection of busy roads rather than an actual square, there are a few sights and landmarks worth mentioning.
On the southern side of the Dâmbovița River stands the Old Saint Spyridon Church. Although the church was rebuilt in its current form in the 1990s after it was demolished by the communist regime, its history goes back as far as the 17th century and the church was once part of an important monastery.
The Church of the Saints Apostles Peter and Paul can be found nearby on Strada Sfinții Apostoli, but is rather hidden away behind the building blocks of United Nations Boulevard. The church’s history goes back to the 16th century.
To the east of the church stands the historic Lahovari Fountain (Fântâna Lahovari). The fountain was commissioned by Princess Zoe Suțu in honor of her deceased husband George Emanuel Lahovery, the brother of the polititian Alexandru Lahovari. George Emanuel Lahovery was killed by Nicolae Filipescu in a sword fight, which was meant to settle a dispute between the two. However, Filipescu had broken the code of the duel which led to Lahovery’s death and was therefore sentenced to prison. The monument, the work of the famous sculptor Karl Storck, was placed on the location of the fight. Later the monument was moved to its current location to make space for a new building.
On the northern bank of the river, you can admire the architectural ensemble of two historic buildings that dominate the square: the Adriatica Society Palace and the Agricola-Fonciera Palace. The buildings were constructed between 1926 and 1927 and have a Beaux Art Design which was typical for that time.
