The Real tour of Communism
Overview
The Communism era was marked by the dictator Nicolae Ceausescu who ruled Romania for most of this period (1965-1989).
We will discover the landmarks of the Communist era to understand how the city's architecture was influenced and changed for ever. But also the former locations of the Secret Police where Romanians were interrogated and tortured too.
The tour ends in the Revolution Square where Nicolae Ceausescu had his last speech on Dec 21st 1989 few days before he was executed together with his wife.
Inclusions
- 3 hour walking tour
- Snacks - A snack that survived to present days since the Communism times.
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Catedrala Patriarhala, Str Dealul Mitropoliei Piata Unirii, Bucharest 040163 Romania
The Patriarchal Palace used to be the former headquarters of The Great National Assembly during the Communism period.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Palace of Parliament, Strada Izvor 2-4, Bucharest 050711 Romania
Find out the story of the second largest building in the world.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Mihai Voda Monastery, Strada Sapientei 4, Bucharest 050133 Romania
Find out how some churches from 16th and 17th were lucky to be literally moved/translated (and not demolished).
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Old Town, Bucharest Romania
In the Old Town of Bucharest there were the favorite restaurants of the Communists leadership. We will discover the story behind them.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Piaka Revolukiei, Calea Victoriei Boulevard, Bucharest Romania
The revolution against the Romanian communist party was the only bloody one in the former Iron Curtain. You'll discover the last days of Nicolae Ceausescu in power and the first days of freedom after 40+ years of communism.
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress accordingly
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
Can't recommend it enough. Elena is so informative and open to any questions. She's incredibly knowledgeable and gives a really balanced account of Romania's past. For sure one of the top things we've done on our hoilday.
Can't recommend it enough. Elena is so informative and open to any questions. She's incredibly knowledgeable and gives a really balanced account of Romania's past. For sure one of the top things we've done on our hoilday.Elene did a fantastic job. One of the best guided walking tours I have ever taken. She was very knowledgeable on the subject and articulate. Elene answered everyones' questions in a detailed, kind, and patient manner. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.
Elene did a fantastic job. One of the best guided walking tours I have ever taken. She was very knowledgeable on the subject and articulate. Elene answered everyones' questions in a detailed, kind, and patient manner. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone.Elene was an excellent and entertaining guide her knowledge was detailed and very understandable. A very enjoyable walking tour.
Elene was an excellent and entertaining guide her knowledge was detailed and very understandable. A very enjoyable walking tour.Eye opening tour! Was great to really understand what happened when communism was active in Romania. Very much a good prospective and makes you think of how fortunate you are what can be learnt from the uprising on Revolution Square. Andreea was a great host and provided excellent insights while ...
Eye opening tour! Was great to really understand what happened when communism was active in Romania. Very much a good prospective and makes you think of how fortunate you are what can be learnt from the uprising on Revolution Square. Andreea was a great host and provided excellent insights while remaining respectful and balanced in what she had experienced first hand! Very good value for money additionally!Starting at “Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral” - (which looks like a very ornate cross between the Parthenon and Dr. Who’s Tardis) we learned from Mihai, how very careless the state had been with hundreds of tonnes of Gold in the 1st World War - and of the strange synergy that emerged between the O...
Starting at “Romanian Patriarchal Cathedral” - (which looks like a very ornate cross between the Parthenon and Dr. Who’s Tardis) we learned from Mihai, how very careless the state had been with hundreds of tonnes of Gold in the 1st World War - and of the strange synergy that emerged between the Orthodox church and the communists who took over in 1948. Moving on through streets where some buildings were fabulously well kept and historical, whereas others were practically falling down, we learned how this had been caused by the weird contradictions of communist decrees. After this we saw an Orthodox Church that had "migrated" 250m south at massive expense to make way for buildings around the (1980's) president's ruinous vanity project, the enormous - and still mostly empty - "Palace". During a brief coffee stop, we got to know the three ladies also on our tour - who we loved to bits, and will keep in touch with. After this, we pressed on past the old Secret Police HQ, where our guide's adulterous relative had (in the 1970's) realised how very ill advised, that poorly kept secret affair with a total idiot, had been! Going further north we walked past locations where bullet holes could still be seen, it was most humbling to stand in Revolution square next to the monument where Romania's freedom from communist rule, was hard won by the extraordinary courage of ordinary people. I think it is important, to remember these things, and to learn these lessons from such brave folk - so that we don't have to repeat them.Excellent insights as implied by the tour's description. Must do visit, especially during short stays in Bucharest!!
Excellent insights as implied by the tour's description. Must do visit, especially during short stays in Bucharest!!