Arch of Triumph
About Arch of Triumph
The Arch of Triumph stands in the middle of a roundabout at the end of Șoseaua Kiseleff, in the north of Bucharest, and commemorates Romania's part in the First World War and the Great Union of 1918. The capital had had triumphal arches before, but only ephemeral ones of wood and cloth, put up for a particular celebration. In 1922, for the coronation of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, the architect Petre Antonescu built one in reinforced concrete, but with plaster bas-reliefs, which rain and frost spoiled within a few years.
Today's form dates from 1935–1936. Antonescu kept the concrete frame and clad it in Deva granite and Rușchița marble, in a more sober manner than the first version, with sculpture signed by Ion Jalea, Constantin Baraschi, Cornel Medrea, Alexandru Călinescu and others. The monument was inaugurated on 1 December 1936. It is 27 m high and 26 m wide, with a 16 m arch, and every 1 December the National Day military parades pass beneath it.
What you can see
From below you can see the inscriptions on all four faces, the allegorical medallions "Bărbăția" (Manliness) and "Credința" (Faith) on the north façade, the names of battles on the soffit of the arch (Mărăști, Mărășești, Oituz) and, on the side piers, the texts of King Ferdinand's proclamations, restored after the 2014–2016 works. The bronze medallions with the faces of Ferdinand and Marie on the south façade were put up after 1989, replacing the effigies destroyed under communism.
Inside, a staircase of 146 steps climbs in each leg of the arch, 292 in all, up to the terrace. Inside there are small exhibitions with photographs and models about the monument's history and the Great War. From the terrace you look down on Șoseaua Kiseleff, Regele Mihai I Park (Herăstrău) to the north and the Casa Presei Libere to the south.
Good to know
The monument is visited with a ticket, from Tuesday to Sunday; the staircase is narrow and has no lift, so the climb is not possible for visitors with reduced mobility. The monument stands in a very busy junction, so take care when crossing.
Information verified on 9 October 2026.
- The view from the terrace over Șoseaua Kiseleff, Herăstrău Park and the Casa Presei Libere.
- The 292 steps inside the legs of the arch, with small exhibitions inside.
- The medallions "Bărbăția" by Ion Jalea and "Credința" by Constantin Baraschi on the north façade.
- The names of First World War battles (Mărăști, Mărășești, Oituz) carved on the soffit of the arch.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the monument is in the north of Bucharest, at the end of Șoseaua Kiseleff, ~5 km from Piața Victoriei, ~7 km from Piața Unirii and ~16 km from Henri Coandă Airport. From the centre you reach it along Calea Victoriei and then Șoseaua Kiseleff, which leads straight to the arch. The roundabout around it is a busy junction, and you enter the monument on foot, from the edge of the roundabout.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Aviatorilor (M2), ~2 km from the monument, which makes for a pleasant walk along Kiseleff. Closer in, STB buses stop at the stops on the boulevard named "Arcul de Triumf". The monument is also on the route of the Bucharest City Tour, the city's open-top tourist bus.
- Where to park
There is no official information about parking near the monument. The roundabout is a busy junction, so do not count on a space right at the entrance; the simplest option is to come by metro or bus, or to leave the car elsewhere in the area and walk.
- Fees & discounts
Adult ticket: 15 lei; reduced (pupils, students, pensioners): 8 lei; free for pre-schoolers and people with disabilities. Guided tour in Romanian: 10 lei per person, in English: 15 lei per person. Professional photography or filming costs 500 lei per hour. Tickets can be reserved online on the operator's website or bought at the entrance; prices may change.
- Rules
The staircase is narrow and has 292 steps and no lift; wear comfortable shoes and take it slowly, especially on the way down. Photographing with a phone for personal use is fine, while professional photography is charged. Do not climb on the monument or drop litter. Entry is only possible within opening hours.
- Facilities
Small exhibitions inside · no café or shop at the monument, but cafés and restaurants on Kiseleff and in Herăstrău Park, a few minutes away · phone for bookings: +40 725 912 672
Frequently asked questions about Arch of Triumph
How much is a ticket to Arch of Triumph?
A ticket to Arch of Triumph costs 15 lei (reduced 8 lei; pre-schoolers free). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Arch of Triumph?
Opening hours at Arch of Triumph: Monday closed, Tuesday–Friday 10:00 – 18:00, Saturday–Sunday 11:00 – 19:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Arch of Triumph take?
A visit to Arch of Triumph takes about 45 min (with the climb and terrace).
Can you visit Arch of Triumph with kids?
Yes, Arch of Triumph is suitable for children (292 steps, narrow staircase).
How do I get to Arch of Triumph?
Arch of Triumph is located at Piața Arcul de Triumf, Șos. Kiseleff, Sector 1, București. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Arch of Triumph?
The best season for Arch of Triumph: All year round (come on a clear day).
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