Herastrau Park

Anyone who still thinks that Bucharest is a city of concrete and cement has clearly never been to the city’s lung, the incomparable Herastrau Park. Quite simply, this glorious park, spread over 187 hectares around Herastrau lake is one of the jewels in Bucharest’s crown, which might explain why half of the city chooses to spend its summer Sunday afternoons here. Fear not though, for so big is Herastrau that it never gives the impression of being crowded, and even on the busiest of days you will always be able to find a quiet, shady corner somewhere. If you look hard enough.

Herastrau was laid out from 1930-36 on what had until then been mainly marshland around the (natural) lake. The Village Museum - which occupies a large part of Herastrau and which is one of its most popular attractions was created at the same time. As early as the late 19th century, however, parts of the lakeshore served as a promenade for Bucharest’s wealthy, and the area surrounding the lake had long since become the most fashionable in the city. Indeed, the residence of Romania’s royal family, the Elisabeta Palace, is found inside Herastrau (although it is closed to the public).

When first opened the park carried the name of its patron, King Carol II. For a short time in the aftermath of the second world war and the declaration of the People’s republic of Romania in 1948 it was unfortunate to have the name Parcul I.V. Stalin. The name Herastrau has been in general use since the early 1960s. Herastrau was long neglected in the wake of the Romanian revolution of 1989, as the priorities of a country in transition lie elsewhere. In recent times, however, the park has enjoyed much investment and has for a couple of years now once again been able to claim the title of the city’s best.

There is a ton to do in Herastrau, far more than most people - including locals - realize. The park has two main entrances, although by far the most elegant is that which borders Piata Charles de Gaulle. It is also conveniently located close to Aviatorilor metro station. The other entrance, at the far end of Soseaua Kisellef, opposite Casa Scanteii, is better for those coming by car as there is some (but not a lot) of parking available.

The first thing you will see when entering the park from Piata Charles de Gaulle is a tall, bronze, rather bizarre statue of de Gaulle himself. Unveiled in 2006 the statue is the work of local artist Mircea Corneliu Spataru, and was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture to commemorate Bucharest’s hosting that year of the Francophonie conference. A Romanian newspaper, Adevarul, named it the third ugliest statue in the city in 2010. Still, it could be worse: between 1952 and 1961 a statue of Stalin stood on the same spot.

https://www.inyourpocket.com/bucharest/king-mihai-i-park_14790v

Photo: Crislia