The Arch of Triumph in Bucharest is not only an imposing architectural monument but also a symbol of national history, sacrifice, and victory. Built to honor the courage and heroism of Romanian soldiers in the First World War and to mark the achievement of the Great Union of 1918, the monument today stands as a landmark of Romanian identity. Over time, the Arch has undergone several transformations, reconstructions, and even moments of censorship, yet it has preserved its role of paying homage to heroes and reminding future generations of the importance of national unity. The inscriptions and sculptures that adorn the monument bear witness to this mission, conveying powerful messages of faith, sacrifice, and the desire for freedom.

The first triumphal arches in Bucharest

The tradition of triumphal arches originates in Ancient Rome, where such constructions marked military victories and glorified the army. In Bucharest, the first arches were erected temporarily to celebrate important historical events.

As early as 1848, then in 1859, 1878, 1906, and 1918, temporary structures were built from easily manageable materials, meant to mark milestones such as the gaining of independence or the 40th jubilee of King Carol I’s reign.

In 1918, an arch was raised to celebrate the royal family on December 1. However, all these monuments were ephemeral and did not withstand the passage of time.

After the Great Union, the idea of a permanent arch, to represent the sacrifice of the heroes and the fulfillment of the centuries-old dream of Romanians, grew stronger.

From a temporary monument to a national symbol

In 1922, during the coronation of King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie at Alba Iulia, the decision was made to build a triumphal arch in Bucharest. Due to lack of funds, the project materialized as a provisional version made of wood and plaster.

This solution sparked harsh criticism. George Enescu, the national composer, addressed the mayor in a letter aptly titled “But the true Arch of Triumph, when?”. Within only a few years, the structure deteriorated and became a ruin in the middle of the capital. Public pressure, as well as calls in the press, such as Mihai Mora’s 1932 article “An Imperative Duty”, convinced the authorities to initiate a definitive project.

Architect Petre Antonescu, who had created the first version, was commissioned to design the new arch, this time using durable materials. Deva granite and Rușchița marble became its monumental base, while sculptures and bas-reliefs were created by renowned artists such as Constantin Baraschi, Ion Jalea, Dimitrie Paciurea, and Costin Petrescu.

The monument was also built with the help of the population: associations of First World War veterans raised approximately 7 million lei. The works lasted a year and a half, and the new Arch of Triumph was inaugurated on December 1, 1936—exactly 18 years after the union of Transylvania with Romania.

Censorship and changes during the communist period

After the communist regime came to power, the Arch of Triumph was “adjusted” to fit the new ideology. Texts recalling King Ferdinand I’s proclamations—including the declaration of war and his coronation—were removed.

The medallion commemorating victory over the Bolshevik regime in Hungary was erased, and the royal effigies were destroyed and replaced with stone flowers. The monument lost part of its authentic historical meaning, subjected instead to political reinterpretation.

Only after the 1989 Revolution was the Arch of Triumph restored to its original significance. Medallions bearing the likenesses of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie were recreated and reinstalled, and the monument was placed on the list of historic heritage sites.

The messages and inscriptions on the Arch of Triumph

One of the most impressive aspects of the Arch is the set of inscriptions, sculptures, and bas-reliefs that transmit powerful messages about Romania’s history and the ideal of national unity.

Northern façade
At the top is the message evoking the coronation at Alba Iulia and the role of King Ferdinand I:

“LIBERATOR OF THE NATION AND UNIFIER OF BORDERS THROUGH THE VIRTUE OF HIS SOLDIERS, WORTHY HEIRS OF THE HEROES OF CHRISTENDOM, FERDINAND I, LORD AND KING OF THE ROMANIANS, MADE HIS ENTRY ON 16 OCTOBER 1922 INTO HIS SEAT OF POWER, THE CITADEL OF BUCHAREST, AFTER THE CORONATION AT ALBA-IULIA.”

Also here are the medallions “Bravery” (Ion Jalea) and “Faith” (Constantin Baraschi). The first depicts a warrior with a sword, the second a young man holding a cross.

Southern façade
Initially, this side featured the medallions with portraits of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie. Destroyed during the communist period, they were remade after 1989 and today recall the fundamental role of the two sovereigns in achieving the Great Union.

Interior of the vault
Inside the arch are engraved the names of twelve battlefields where the Romanian army distinguished itself: Cerna, Jiu-Olt, Dragoslavele, Neajlov, Oituz, Mărăști, Mărășești, Răzoare, Vrancea, Muncelu, Coșna, and Budapest.

Western side
Here stands an homage to the men of culture and politicians who prepared the Union. The text, signed by King Ferdinand, is a solemn declaration about the unity of Romanians and the desire to preserve this historical achievement.

Eastern side
This side bears another message: “GLORY TO THOSE WHO, THROUGH THEIR COURAGE AND THEIR SACRIFICE OF BLOOD, ACHIEVED NATIONAL UNITY.”
Beneath it is a fragment from King Ferdinand’s speech at Romania’s entry into the war, speaking of the mission to fulfill the ideal of uniting all Romanians.

The Arch of Triumph after 1989 and its role today

Restored after the 1989 Revolution, the monument regained its identity. The royal medallions returned to their place, while inscriptions and messages were highlighted once more. The Arch was officially included on the list of historic monuments and today stands as an undeniable symbol of Romanian unity.

Currently, it is one of the most visited landmarks in Bucharest. On national holidays, it is open to the public, and visitors can climb to the upper terrace to admire the city panorama. Military ceremonies, the December 1 parades, and commemorative events strengthen the link between the monument and national identity.

The Arch of Triumph in Bucharest is far more than a granite construction. It represents the resilience of a people, the memory of sacrifice, and the triumph of the ideal of unity. The engraved inscriptions, the royal portraits, the heroic symbols, and the fragments of royal speeches together form a true lesson in history.

Built with great effort, subjected to destruction and censorship, but later restored and rehabilitated, the monument remains today both a witness to the past and a symbol of the future. Every word carved in stone and every medallion is a testament to the struggle and the centuries-old dream of Romanians: a Greater Romania, free and united.