Avram Iancu Square in Arad
About Avram Iancu Square in Arad
Avram Iancu Square is one of the central squares of Arad: a wide space with a park in the middle, behind the Ioan Slavici Classical Theatre. The area began to develop in 1740, when Arad received the status of a privileged chamber town. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was called Strada Primăriei ("Town Hall Street"), after the town hall that stood here, then Piața Libertății ("Liberty Square", Szabadság tér for Hungarians), and today it bears the name of Avram Iancu, the leader of the Romanian revolutionaries of 1848.
Along the sides of the square run buildings of one or two storeys, in Baroque, Secession and Neoclassical styles, gathered over several centuries. In the middle is a park with crossing paths and a soldier's monument from 1960.
What you can see
In the south-east corner stands the Iacob Hirschl House, in provincial Baroque, from the second half of the 18th century and altered in 1817. On the west side, towards Mețianu Street, rises the Nádasdy Palace, built in 1904 to plans by Reisinger, in the Arad Secession style, with a tower visible from all over the park. Towards Nicolae Bălcescu Street is the Rozsnyai Pharmacists' Palace, from the middle of the 19th century, whose present façade was designed in 1902 by Iosif Steiner. From the Bulevardul Revoluției side, the square leans against the Ioan Slavici Classical Theatre, a Neoclassical building raised in 1872–1874; the theatre is a building in its own right, with its own programme.
The best spot for photographs is from the middle of the park, from where the pastel façades and the tower of the Nádasdy Palace can be seen together.
Christmas market
In winter the square is part of Arad's festive route. The Christmas market is organised by the City Hall and the Municipal Culture Centre and usually runs from mid or late November until mid-January. Its location has changed from year to year: in 2023 it was right in Avram Iancu Square, with a stage, stalls and a Ferris wheel behind the theatre; in 2024 it moved to Piața Catedralei and the Parcul Reconcilierii; in 2025 the City Hall set up four locations (Piața Catedralei, the Parcul Reconcilierii, Avram Iancu Square and the plateau in front of the Administrative Palace), with the main stalls in Piața Catedralei. The stalls sell mulled wine, prepared food, sweets, gifts, toys and handicrafts, and on weekend evenings there are carol concerts.
Good to know
The square is open at any time, and access is free. The Ioan Slavici Classical Theatre has its own programme, with performances announced on the theatre's page.
- The park in the middle of the square, with its paths and the soldier's monument from 1960.
- The Nádasdy Palace, from 1904, in Secession style, with its round tower.
- The Baroque, Neoclassical and Secession houses on the sides of the square, among them the Iacob Hirschl House.
- The Ioan Slavici Classical Theatre, Neoclassical, from 1872–1874, at the boulevard end.
- In winter, the festive atmosphere, when the square is part of the Christmas market route.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the square is in the centre of Arad, behind the theatre, near Bulevardul Revoluției; from Arad airport it is ~4 km (~7 minutes) and from the railway station ~3 km (~5 minutes). From Timișoara it is ~53 km (~45 minutes), and from Oradea ~116 km (~2 hours). The square is in the central zone, with heavy traffic; the easiest way is to leave the car nearby and continue on foot.
Public transport: trams and buses of the Public Transport Company run in Arad, with stops on Bulevardul Revoluției and around the centre; current routes are on the company's website. From the railway station you can also walk, in about 35 minutes (~2.5 km); from the Administrative Palace it is ~1 km, about 12 minutes.
- Where to park
Parking is on the street, in the central zone, and is paid. Spaces fill up quickly during the day and at events, so it is worth looking on the surrounding streets too.
- Fees & discounts
The square is a public space with free access, and there is no charge.
- Rules
The square is a public space: photography is free. The park and the monument are to be kept clean and intact, without climbing on the plinth. On event days, areas occupied by a stage or stalls may be fenced off.
- Facilities
Park with paths and benches · cafés and shops on the ground floors of the surrounding buildings · theatre next to the square
Frequently asked questions about Avram Iancu Square in Arad
How much is a ticket to Avram Iancu Square in Arad?
Admission to Avram Iancu Square in Arad is free (public square, free access). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Avram Iancu Square in Arad?
Opening hours at Avram Iancu Square in Arad: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Avram Iancu Square in Arad take?
A visit to Avram Iancu Square in Arad takes about 30 min (a stroll around the square).
Can you visit Avram Iancu Square in Arad with kids?
Yes, Avram Iancu Square in Arad is suitable for children (park with paths in the middle).
Where can I park at Avram Iancu Square in Arad?
There is paid parking at Avram Iancu Square in Arad (on the street, around the square). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Avram Iancu Square in Arad?
Avram Iancu Square in Arad is located at Piața Avram Iancu, Arad, Arad County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Avram Iancu Square in Arad?
The best season for Avram Iancu Square in Arad: All year round (Christmas market in winter).
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