Victory Avenue, Bucharest's historic and cultural artery, is one of the oldest and most prestigious streets in Bucharest. As you walk along it, you will feel the atmosphere of old balls and coquettish evenings and you will better understand the opulence of Bucharest's bygone days.

A symbol of the city's history, culture and elegance, this iconic artery stretches some 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) long, connecting Victory Square to United Nations Square and running through the heart of the capital.

Victory Avenue - History and evolution

Originally, Victory Avenue was known as Ulița Mare, and after it was paved with wooden blocks in 1692, it was called Mogoșoaiei Bridge, as it connected the city center with Mogoșoaia Palace. As was to be expected, the area quickly became the most popular and fashionable, so that by 1775 numerous manor houses had already been built along the road, and in 1814 it became the first street in Bucharest to be lit by candle lanterns.

In 1878, after Romania's independence following the War of Independence, the street was named Victory Avenue to commemorate the national victory. In the inter-war period, Victory Avenuewas the center of the fashionable world, as its sumptuous buildings hosted the most glamorous parties. It was a fabulous time for Bucharest, which was nicknamed Little Paris.

Victory Avenue - Daily life and culture

Unfortunately, Calea Victoriei has lost some of its former charm. However, it's still more than just a boulevard; it's a cultural and social artery. The street is lined with theaters, art galleries, upscale shops, cafes and restaurants that attract locals and tourists alike. Every year, as part of the "Open Streets" event, Calea Victoriei becomes pedestrianized for a few days, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy cultural and recreational activities.

Victory Avenue - Architecture and Monuments

Over time, Victory Avenue has become a veritable open-air museum, home to some of Bucharest's most beautiful buildings and monuments, including:

1. Cantacuzino Palace - A splendid example of Art Nouveau architecture, which houses the "George Enescu" National Museum. The palace was built between 1901-1903 by Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, former prime minister and mayor of Bucharest, also known as Nababul, due to his immense wealth. After his death in 1913 the palace was left to his son Mihail Cantacuzino and his wife Maria. In 1937, after her husband's premature death, Maria remarried George Enescu.

2. The Romanian Athenaeum - Just next to the Athénée Palace, just past a small square (on the site of several buildings, which were completely destroyed after the bombings of World War II), we find the Romanian Athenaeum, a splendid building from 1888, built to be a palace of arts and sciences. A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, this building is a cultural symbol of Romania, known for its exceptional acoustics and for hosting prestigious musical events.

3. National Military Circle Palace: The Military Circle building is located opposite the Grand Hôtel du Boulevard. It was built in 1912 in the French neoclassical style according to the plans of the architects Dimitrie Maimarolu, Victor Ștefănescu and Ernest Doneaud.

4. The Telephone Palace: It was built in 1933 to plans by American architects Louis Weeks and Walter Froy. It was at that time the tallest building in Bucharest (53 m), and is currently the headquarters of Orange Romania Communications.

5. Athénée Palace Hilton Hotel - A landmark of luxury and elegance, this hotel has witnessed many historical and social events over the past century. Between 1912-1914, the Athénée Palace Hotel was built in Art Nouveau style on the site of the former Han Gherasi, the first large reinforced concrete structure in the capital.The building suffered from American bombing in 1944 but was later renovated. It withstood the 1977 earthquake, but was damaged again during the revolution, finding itself in the middle of the main conflicts. The façade had visible bullet marks all over, and was renovated in 1993. In 1996, the hotel was taken over by the Hilton chain and remains one of Bucharest's elegant hotels.

6. The Royal Palace, now the National Art Museum of Romania, houses impressive collections of Romanian and European art. We arrive in Revolution Square and discover the Royal Palace, today the National Art Museum of Romania. The old Golescu House on the Mogoșoaiei Bridge was transformed into a royal palace in the early 19th century, and served as the residence of Alexandru Ioan Cuza until 1866. With the arrival of King Carol I, the palace was enlarged, and by 1906 it was laid out in a U-shape similar to today's. In the 30s, however, King Carol II massively remodeled the building, which later suffered serious damage during the revolution and was only restored in the late 90s. Since 2000, the art galleries have been reopened one by one. Now, on the third weekend of every month, the palace's historic spaces - the Royal Dining Room, the Staircase of the Voivodes and the Throne Room - are open for guided tours. You can also visit them individually every Tuesday.

7. Revolution Square - Right in front of the Royal Palace is  the Revolution Square, named after the 1989 revolution, as before it was called Palace Square. This is where the first sparks were lit in Bucharest, during Ceaușescu's speech from the palace balcony. Revolution Square is also home to the Renaissance Memorial, erected in memory of the victims of the revolution.

8. Along Victory Avenue are numerous churches, some of which were built four centuries ago: Zlătari Church - 1637 on the site of an old wooden church, Doamnei Church -1683, Crețulescu Church - 1722, St. Nicholas Tabacu Church, at the end of the 17th century.

9. Theater lovers will find on Victory Avenue both the Odeon Theater and the Constantin Tanase Theater, stages on which some of the most famous plays are performed. 

10. CEC Palace - Built in 1900, CEC Palace is one of Bucharest’s most iconic buildings, reflecting the city’s Belle Époque charm. Designed by French architect Paul Gottereau, it blends eclectic and neoclassical styles, featuring a stunning glass and metal dome. Originally the headquarters of Romania’s oldest savings bank, it remains a symbol of stability and economic history. Today, it stands as a beloved landmark of Bucharest, admired for its elegance and historical significance.

Victory Avenue remains one of Bucharest's most important and charming streets, reflecting its rich history and contemporary dynamism. Whether it is its impressive architecture, cultural events or vibrant atmosphere, Victory Avenuei continues to be a landmark and a symbol of Romania's capital.