Iuliu Maniu Boulevard is one of the best-known and busiest thoroughfares in Bucharest, a place crossed daily by thousands of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Stretching 7.3 kilometers, it ranks third among the longest boulevards of the Capital, after Splaiul Unirii (10.8 km) and Timișoara Boulevard (7.5 km). Over time, the boulevard has played an essential role in connecting different neighborhoods and facilitating traffic to the west of the city, becoming a vital artery not only for transport but also for the urban and economic development of Sector 6.

At present, Iuliu Maniu Boulevard is undergoing an urban transformation, with projects aimed at creating green spaces, bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and rest areas, in order to make it more accessible and safer for all categories of citizens. The Bucharest City Hall, in collaboration with #ADPDUSector6, has started cleaning and maintenance works on the central medians, with broader actions for landscaping and pedestrian infrastructure modernization to follow soon.

The history and names of the boulevard

Its current name honors the memory of Iuliu Maniu, former Prime Minister of Romania and a symbol of Romanian democracy. However, throughout history, the boulevard has had several names. In the interwar period, it was known as “King Alexander I Unifier of Yugoslavia Boulevard,” in honor of King Alexander I of Yugoslavia and Queen Marie of Romania.

During the communist regime, the boulevard bore three different names, reflecting the politics of the time: “People’s Army Boulevard” between Piața Leul and Lujerului, “Peace Boulevard” between Lujerului and the Militari Bus Terminal, and “R.S.R. Boulevard” from the Militari Bus Terminal to the exit from Bucharest. This diversity of names reflects both the political and social evolution of Bucharest and the strategic importance of the artery for urban transport.

Modernization and infrastructure projects

Bucharest City Hall intends to completely rethink the appearance of Iuliu Maniu Boulevard, transforming it into a modern space, friendly to pedestrians and cyclists. The main changes include building bike lanes 2.5 meters wide, installing tactile markings for the visually impaired, and constructing wide sidewalks with green spaces and protected trees. The project also plans to preserve traffic lanes for vehicles, reorganize parking spaces, and introduce charging stations for electric cars.

In addition, small relaxation areas and terraces are to be developed, so that the boulevard becomes not only a traffic artery but also a place for socializing and leisure. Green spaces will be harmoniously integrated into the urban environment, preserving existing vegetation and creating a more pleasant setting for the residents of Sector 6.

Who was Iuliu Maniu

Iuliu Maniu (1873–1953) was a prominent Romanian politician, known for his defense of democracy and his active involvement in the achievement of the Great Union of December 1, 1918. Coming from an intellectual family in Șimleu Silvaniei, Maniu studied law and political science in Budapest and Vienna, and from his student years engaged in the struggle for the rights of Romanians in Transylvania.

His political career included important roles, such as president of the Directing Council, head of the Interior Department, president of the National Party of Transylvania, and later, leader of the National Peasants’ Party. Throughout his life, Maniu opposed authoritarian regimes, particularly King Carol II’s dictatorship, and fought against communism. He was arrested by the communists in 1947 and sentenced to life imprisonment, dying in Sighet Prison in 1953. In 1998, he was posthumously rehabilitated, and a monument in his memory was unveiled in Bucharest on December 1, 1998.

Sector 6 and the boulevard’s role

Iuliu Maniu Boulevard crosses Sector 6, an area in continuous development, formerly known for its dormitory neighborhoods. In recent years, the local administration has transformed the sector into a “park city,” converting abandoned or industrial lands into green spaces and recreational areas.

Sector 6 covers 38 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 325,000 inhabitants, making it the second largest and most densely populated in Bucharest. Iuliu Maniu Boulevard links the city to Ilfov County and extends toward the Bucharest–Pitești highway, being essential for mobility and urban development in the west of the Capital. Today, the boulevard remains a symbol of Bucharest’s evolution, blending historical legacy with the challenges of increasingly heavy traffic and the need for modern public spaces.