Bucharest Under Communism: Life, Terror & Hope

4.9 (84 reviews) Bucharest, Romania
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Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
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TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 15 travelers

Overview

Three decades have passed since the demise of communism. In spite of the tremendous growth Romania has experienced ever since, the remnants of this regime are still noticeable. That is why most aspects of everyday life were transformed by communism: from the political class to public health care to the urban architecture.
Find out the many shocking tales of what life was like under communism. Furthermore learn about the brutality with which this system was enforced in Romania. Get insight into the dictator Ceausescu’s fascinating life story, from his childhood to his execution.Lastly, understand the difficult transition from socialism to democracy that Romania experienced.
This is an immersive half-day tour around Bucharest that will take you to some of the main communist sights.

What's included

  • Snacks popular in the Communist era
  • Local professional guide
  • Tourist map of Bucharest

What to expect

  1. Piaka Unirii
    30m
    Located in the middle of the city, Unirii Square was designed during the last phase of Communism in Romania. Spectacular thanks to its splendid fountains, it also is crossed by the biggest avenue in Bucharest: the former Victory of Socialism Boulevard . Standing here and taking a stroll on the boulevard will reveal the megalomaniac vision that the Romanian dictator had in store for Bucharest.
  2. Palace of Parliament
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    The Palace of the Parliament is the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon and the most expensive administrative building. We will see this building from the outside and get a true sense of its gigantic size.
    For this, vast amounts of money, materials and work effort were needed. What is more, this structure was made by subjecting the Romanian people to shortages of all kinds during the 1980's.
    You will hear the whole story of how this enormous building was made, what the locals think about it while having viewing it from different angles.
    Standing across the palace is the Academia Romana building, a large scale construction in a similar style. It was intended for the use of the dictator’s wife, Elena Ceausescu.
    However, like several other buildings from the 1980s, it was only half finished. Nowadays, a large section of it is left in ruins as a sore reminder of the dictator’s megalomaniac vision of Bucharest
  3. Mihai Voda Monastery
    30m
    You find out how some churches were destroyed while others were saved in a shocking way during the Communist period. Churches hidden behind the utilitarian buildings are a curious sight that depict how the Communist Party dealt with religion. The Mihai Voda Churchh is a religious place from the Middle Ages which fortunately survived the demolition frenzy and is a testimony of how Bucharest looked before.
  4. Piaka Revolukiei
    30m
    The Revolution Square is where the communist regime began and where it all ended with the people’s protests during the Revolution of 1989. You will see the building that housed Ceausescu's office, the balcony where the dictator had his last speech and the places that saw the first mass demonstration in Bucharest.
    Here you will understand what happened to those who demonstrated against totalitarianism, the story behind the monument dedicated to them and what happened in the aftermath of the Revolution.
  5. University's Square
    30m · Admission ticket included
    The spot where the main protests against communism took place in 1989, with hundreds being massacred for their belief in a free society.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The guide will wait in front of the entrance to the 'Hanul lui Manuc Restaurant', near Piata Sfantul Anton.

End point

The last stop on the tour is in the Revolution Square where the protests that brought the end of Communism happened in 1989. This square is 5 minutes away from the Old Town.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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4.9 (84)
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Operated by BTrip Bucharest Tours · Booked through Viator
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