Bucharest, a city that has undergone countless transformations and modernizations, still preserves places that blend the charm of the past with the attractions of the present. A remarkable example is the Stairs of Happiness in Cotroceni, an urban space that has become one of the most photographed and beloved corners of the city today.

A hidden corner of history and beauty

Located in the Cotroceni neighborhood, a place rich in stories and symbols, the stairs are more than just a pathway connecting streets. They are a living testament to the changes Bucharest has gone through, reflecting not only the taste for interwar architecture but also more recent attempts to adapt the past to the present. Cotroceni, known for its elegant houses, hidden gardens, and bohemian atmosphere, provides the perfect setting for these steps with a unique destiny.

The exact location of the Stairs of Happiness was not chosen by chance. They connect the southern part of the neighborhood to Dr. Romniceanu and Dr. Lister streets, built on the Dâmbovița riverbank. This positioning highlights the neighborhood’s connection to the river flowing through the capital and illustrates how the city expanded, adapting to its natural terrain.

Construction of the stairs during Cotroceni’s golden era

Built in the 1920s, the stairs reflected the spirit of the era: a period when Bucharest, nicknamed “Little Paris,” was experiencing rapid development. Cotroceni, once a more rural area, gradually transformed into an aristocratic neighborhood, where imposing villas and cobblestone alleys set the tone for a refined urban lifestyle.

The architects of the time were inspired by European aesthetics and sought to create spaces that combined functionality with elegance. The Stairs of Happiness were designed with exceptional attention to detail: stone steps reinforced with metal elements, surrounded by a wrought-iron railing decorated with motifs reminiscent of the grandeur of Parisian architecture.

It was not just a utilitarian passage but a true urban masterpiece. Residents found not only a shorter route here but also a pleasant space where the elegant atmosphere of the past century blended with the quiet charm of Cotroceni.

Decline and neglect

Like many other urban monuments in Bucharest, the Stairs of Happiness did not escape the trials of time. The decades that followed brought natural wear as well as periods of neglect. After 1990, when many historical areas of the city were left abandoned, the stairs began to visibly deteriorate.

The iron railings rusted and broke, safety elements disappeared, and the stone steps were gradually replaced with low-quality cement. Instead of being preserved in their original spirit, the interventions carried out by authorities were often superficial and incoherent, altering their initial appearance.

For local residents, the stairs remained functional but increasingly less attractive. Once a symbol of interwar refinement, they became perceived as a degraded space, almost forgotten by time.

The 2020 restoration and the explosion of popularity

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sector 5 City Hall decided to intervene to give the stairs new life. The works, carried out under the leadership of then-mayor Daniel Florea, were not without controversy.

On one hand, authorities tried to repair the steps and make the place safer for pedestrians. On the other hand, the execution fell short of quality standards or the original design. Cement was poured unevenly, creating new hazards for pedestrians. The historic railing was removed and replaced with a modern, simpler, and colder model, radically changing the area’s aesthetics.

The most surprising decision was painting the steps in rainbow colors. This intervention, although criticized for its lack of coherence with the neighborhood’s architecture, instantly turned the Stairs of Happiness into an attraction. In a short time, images of the colorful steps flooded social media, and the stairs were quickly dubbed “the most Instagrammable spot in the capital.”

Influencers, tourists, and young photography enthusiasts began coming here to capture spectacular shots. In a city where few urban places are so “photogenic,” the Stairs of Happiness became a hot spot for the visual culture of the new generations.

Controversies over the rainbow-painted steps

Social media success was accompanied by criticism from locals and heritage specialists. Many felt that painting the steps did not respect the history of the place or the aesthetics of Cotroceni, a neighborhood known for its sobriety and elegance.

Some interpreted the choice of rainbow colors as a symbolic gesture supporting the LGBTQ+ community, provoking mixed reactions. Others saw it merely as a superficial attempt to gain popularity through an “Instagrammable” design, without considering the architectural context.

Faced with these controversies, authorities revised the project. The steps were partially clad with marble and granite to give them a more solid and elegant appearance. However, this solution created a new issue: the glossy surface became slippery when it rained or froze.

As a compromise, the rainbow was preserved on the unclad portion, maintaining the visual appeal but creating a challenging mix of styles.

The present: between past and modernity

Today, the Stairs of Happiness remain one of the most visited spots in Cotroceni. They are living proof of how history and modernity can coexist, even if not always harmoniously.

For some, they exemplify how heritage can be adapted to contemporary times, becoming an urban attraction. For others, they demonstrate the difficulty of truly preserving the beauty of the past. One thing is certain: no one can pass by them indifferently.

The stairs continue to draw photographers, young people seeking spectacular Instagram shots, and curious tourists eager to discover Bucharest’s “hidden gems.” At the same time, for Cotroceni residents, the stairs remain part of everyday life, a familiar route linking the neighborhood streets to the Dâmbovița plain.

The stairs as an urban symbol

Beyond their photogenic beauty, the Stairs of Happiness are also a symbol of contemporary Bucharest: a city caught between the desire for rapid modernization and the need to preserve its identity. Their story reflects social and cultural changes over recent decades, from neglect and decay to revival through social media.

They show that urban spaces are not mere backdrops but places imbued with memory and meaning. Successive restorations, even if imperfect, have brought the stairs back to public attention and created a new form of interaction between the city and its residents.

Ultimately, the Stairs of Happiness demonstrate that the beauty of Bucharest is not found only in its grand boulevards or imposing buildings, but also in seemingly modest corners where past and present meet in sometimes unexpected ways.

From utility to urban legend

From their elegant construction in the 1920s to their surge in popularity in the digital era, the Stairs of Happiness have traveled a remarkable path. They have witnessed the transformation of Cotroceni, experienced periods of glory and decline, and today have reinvented themselves as an urban and cultural landmark.

Regardless of the opinions they provoke, one thing is certain: these stairs have become a symbol of Bucharest and a must-visit spot for anyone wanting to discover the hidden beauty of the capital. Combining the nostalgia of the past with the energy of the present, the Stairs of Happiness demonstrate that the city continues to surprise and inspire, even in its most unexpected corners.