Private Bucharest Communist Tour | Entree fees included

Some of the decisions that reshaped Bucharest during the Communist Era, which the fanatics considered the Golden Era, included demolishing nearly 6 square kilometres (4 miles) of buildings in the city centre, removing the statues of the Romanian Kings, and removing their stone-carved portraits from the Arch of Triomphe. The term "communist period" refers to the rule of the Romanian Communist Party, which came to power in 1944. It ended in 1989 with the fall of the Iron Curtain and the anticommunist revolution. 

Even though Nicolae Ceausescu, one of the last dictators of Europe, was overthrown more than 30 years ago, the previous communist state had a significant impact on the whole Eastern Bloc. All around the city, communist remnants may still be obviously seen.

Visit Bucharest and discover the most remarkable relics from the time of Romanian communism, as well as the contemporary architecture that aims to modernise the nation's capital.

10:00 AM: Your Bucharest communist tour begins!

Our guide will pick you up from your hotel and lead you through the city.

First Stop: Metro Stations - A Communist Canvas

Our first stop is the metro stations, which were built in 1979 and designed to house a sizable workforce in addition to being decorated in the party's signature colour scheme. Take a tour of Bucharest's metro system as we begin our journey and notice how prominently the shades of red, white, and grey—the colours of the communist party—are incorporated. 

The Old Town

Next, we venture into Bucharest's Old Town, a fascinating juxtaposition of architectural styles. Bucharest has earned the title of "city of contrasts," particularly for the oddly jumbled blend of many architectural styles. The old town of Bucharest survived the early years of communism, beginning in the 1950s, and the party had no intention of changing it. Later, Romania exploited the architecture as a propaganda tool to associate itself with other communist nations, such as China and North Korea. The communist legacy in Romania is unlikely to be included in the list of Unesco World Heritage Sites, and as visitors to the Bucharest walking tour will discover, the contrast is striking. 

Bucharest's architecture began to shift after Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena travelled to China and North Korea in the early 1970s, particularly during the years of his rule. The dictator destroyed the capital city as he was an amateur architect with a strong enthusiasm for building. Large ancient buildings the size of Venice (Italy) were lost in Bucharest in order to construct the Palace of the Parliament. 

The Palace of the Parliament

The second-largest and heaviest administrative building in the world, the Palace of the Parliament, is the focus of the tour's next stop. Initially known as the House of the Republic, this is Ceausescu's most impressive undertaking. At just 28 years old, the palace's architect is said to have won the competition mostly because of the grandest design she came up with.

However, the dictator was never allowed to see the palace completed or to speak from its balcony; the only famous person to ever appear there was Michael Jackson when he visited Romania in 1996.

The Revolution Square

Following the grandeur of the Palace, we head to Revolution Square, the very spot where the communist regime and Ceausescu's dictatorship crumbled. Ironically, the communist party gathered factory workers here for a rally, unaware that this event would ignite the flames of the anti-communist revolution. 

The Spring Palace 

The Spring Palace (Primaverii Palace), Ceausescu's residential palace, is the concluding stop on your trip. In 1965, when he was appointed First Secretary of the party, this opulent house was completed. The Spring Palace served as a residence for presidents and important delegations during the end of the communist dictatorship before being converted into a museum in 2016.

After this fascinating investigation, your guide will make sure you return to your accommodation safely and comfortably, concluding your immersive Bucharest communist tour experience.

Visit Bucharest: Don't miss out

This Bucharest communist tour provides an intriguing trip through a significant period in Romanian history. Experience a broad exploration of the historical socio-political environment, showcasing the architectural wonders and ideological holdovers from the communist era. Your knowledge of Romania's past and present will be broadened by this journey, which offers insightful perspectives into the country's historical narrative.

Take advantage of this chance to learn more about the complex history of communism in Bucharest. Contact Rolandia to reserve your trip to Bucharest and guarantee your place on this fascinating historical excursion. We're excited to welcome you aboard!