In the bustling heart of Bucharest, amidst historic buildings and bustling streets, lies the Icoana Garden Park, a place that offers residents and visitors a corner of nature and serenity. This park, with its rich history and outstanding landscaping, is a true urban retreat.

Located in sector 2, in the Icoanei district, the park attracts many people every day, eager to escape the hectic pace of the city and enjoy its tranquillity and natural beauty. The park is not only a place for recreation, but also a cultural and social meeting place of significant importance for the local community.

Ioanid Park. History 

Located near the Church of the Icona, the park was inaugurated in 1873 and covers approximately 2.4 hectares. 

Before the Icoana Garden was even a sketch on a sheet of paper, on the "Icoana's sidewalk" was the "Balta Bulindroiului", where the stream of the Bucureștioara, one of the tributaries of the Dâmbovița, flowed.Between 1832 and 1846 work was done to fill in the stream, and in 1870 the pond was also cleaned up. 

In 1872, the City Hall concluded a contract with Anton Westelly for the creation of a garden on the "Maidanul Icoanei", a park inaugurated in 1873. 

In November 2021, the City Hall of the 2nd Sector started the renovation works of the Icoanei Garden Park. The firm in charge of the renovations was awarded a contract worth just over 2.7 million lei.

The Icoanei Garden is inscribed on the list of historical monuments in Sector 2. 

Ioanid Park. Landscape design and features

The entire garden was built according to the plans of the Swiss horticulturist Louis Leyvraz, who was also responsible for the beautification and maintenance of the alleys in the National Theater Square, the garden in front of the University and other green spaces in the capital.

The park is known for its English-influenced landscaping, characterized by winding paths and diverse vegetation. Ancient trees, together with ornamental plants and a variety of flowers, create an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. In the center of the park is a small lake, inhabited by ducks and swans, which adds a picturesque and romantic charm to the place.

Ioanid Park. Monuments and points of interest

In addition to its natural beauty, the park is also home to several monuments of cultural and historical interest. These include the G. C. Cantacuzino, a liberal politician, former minister of finance and director of the newspaper Voința Națională, by the sculptor Ernest Henri Dubois, the statue of Ghica Ionescu, an important 19th century politician, the bust of the poet George Coșbuc and Adrian Păunescu - a poet who lived near the park. These monuments add a cultural dimension to the park, making it a place of reflection and recognition of historical values.

The park is equipped with benches, children's playgrounds and walking paths, providing a perfect space for recreation and relaxation.

Ioanid Park. Activities and events

Over the years, the park has become a favorite place for various cultural and recreational activities. It organizes craft fairs, outdoor music and theatre festivals, and children's events. Every spring, the park is transformed into a colorful spectacle of flowers in bloom, making it an ideal place for picnics and outdoor activities.

Ioanid Park. Ecological and community importance

The Icons Garden Park is not only a place of recreation, but also an important green space that contributes to improving air quality and maintaining the ecological balance in this part of the city. The rich vegetation helps reduce pollution and provides a habitat for various species of birds and small animals.

The park also plays a vital role in the life of the local community. It is a meeting place for families, friends and neighbors, a place where they can relax and socialize in a natural setting. Its importance for the mental and physical health of residents cannot be underestimated.