Cișmigiu Park is today one of the most beloved leisure areas in Bucharest, as well as a tourist landmark of great value. Located in the very heart of the city, the park has a history spanning almost two centuries. Its transformation from a simple lake into a modern public garden happened gradually, through sustained efforts and major interventions.

How Cișmigiu Park was created and where its name comes from

The first initiatives to establish a public garden in Bucharest date back to the period of the Organic Regulations, at the beginning of the 19th century. On March 17, 1830, a commission was set up for the embellishment of the city, and Russian General Pavel Kiseleff, then head of the local administration, issued the order to arrange what would become Cișmigiu.

The area had been known since the 17th century as “the lake of Dura the merchant.” The current name comes from Turkish, referring to the cișmegiu – the person responsible for maintaining public fountains, who lived nearby. In fact, as early as the end of the 18th century, there was a fountain in the northern part of the future park, built by order of Prince Alexandru Ipsilanti.

The role of Viennese landscape architect Carl Wilhelm Meyer

Actual work began in 1837, and in 1842 engineer K. Râmniceanu drafted the first sketch of the park. Five years later, the land was transferred to the City Council, allowing development to begin. For the project, Viennese landscape architect Carl Wilhelm Meyer was brought in. He designed a modern plan, with central and side alleys, lush green areas, and a lake intended for boating.

Between 1851 and 1852, extensive works were carried out: trees were planted, brought from Gorj, Dâmbovița, Brașov, and even from Vienna; the alleys were reinforced with materials taken from the ruins of Curtea Arsă; and bridges were built to cross the lake. Unfortunately, Meyer died of typhoid fever in 1852, but the park was already shaped as a true public garden, with over 30,000 trees and shrubs, including exotic species such as magnolia, Japanese cherry trees, and Paulownia.

Cișmigiu, a place for promenade and entertainment

As early as 1851, the first refreshment kiosk opened in the park, offering sweets and pastries. In the mid-19th century, the lake was also used for fishing, and in 1860 a fountain powered by a steam engine was inaugurated — a technological novelty at the time. By the end of the century, Cișmigiu was lit with 60 lanterns, and in 1882 an ice rink was set up, becoming very popular among Bucharesters.

Iconic areas of Cișmigiu Park

Over time, Cișmigiu Park became not only a place for strolling but also a cultural and memorial space, where locals and tourists alike can discover unique historical and artistic landmarks. Among the most famous attractions are the Writers’ Rotunda, the Sissi Stefanidi Spring, the Monument of French Soldiers, and the “La Cetate” area, where centuries-old ruins can still be seen.

The Writers’ Rotunda: a cultural landmark in the garden

Created in 1943, the Writers’ Rotunda is one of the central attractions of Cișmigiu. The circular space features the busts of great Romanian literary and cultural figures, including Mihai Eminescu, Ion Creangă, Ion Luca Caragiale, George Coșbuc, Nicolae Bălcescu, and Vasile Alecsandri. Visitors can stroll among the symmetrically arranged statues and reflect on the contributions of these authors to national heritage. The Rotunda is both a tribute to these figures and a place of reflection and cultural education for younger generations.

The Sissi Stefanidi Spring: grief transformed into art

Another emotionally charged landmark is the Sissi Stefanidi Spring. Conceived as a funerary artwork, the monument depicts a grieving mother pouring water from a jug, symbolizing a life cut short. Dedicated to young Sissi Stefanidi, who died at only 21, the spring was donated by her family to the city of Bucharest. The sculpture is admired both for its artistic value and for its emotional resonance, making it a frequent stopping point for visitors.

The Monument of French Soldiers: tribute to World War I heroes

In 1920, sculptor Ion Jalea created one of the park’s most impressive monuments: the Monument of French Soldiers. The work honors French troops who fell in battles on Romanian soil during World War I (1916–1919). It portrays a fallen young soldier held in the arms of a female allegorical figure, kissing his forehead — a symbol of respect and ultimate sacrifice. The monument remains a place of remembrance and a testament to the historic friendship between Romania and France.

The “La Cetate” area: a connection to a distant past

Near the Măgureanu Hermitage lies “La Cetate,” a lesser-known but historically valuable area. Here stand the ruins of a monastery built in 1756 by the logothete Văcărescu. The site is shrouded in mystery and legend, with stories of a secret tunnel said to have linked the Crețulescu Palace to the Dâmbovița River. Today, the ruins give visitors the chance to glimpse an older layer of Bucharest’s past, complementing the park’s romantic and historical atmosphere.