Grădina Icoanei
About Grădina Icoanei
Grădina Icoanei is a 2.4-hectare park in central Bucharest, between Pictor Arthur Verona, D. A. Xenopol and Dr. Dimitrie Gerota streets, next to Gheorghe Cantacuzino Square. The name comes from an icon of the Virgin Mary from 1682, kept today in the nearby Icoanei Church. The site was once a pond, "Balta de la Icoana", from which the Bucureștioara brook sprang; the pond was drained in the 19th century, and the garden was laid out in 1870–1873 to plans by the architect Karl Kuchnovsky, with plantings by the horticulturist Louis Leyvraz. The park was inaugurated in 1873 and is a listed historic monument (LMI code B-II-a-B-18301).
What you can see
The main paths, covered in crushed limestone and gravel, wind among plane trees and other old trees, between lawns and benches. A small artificial stream runs through the middle of the park, crossed in places by wooden footbridges, recalling the Bucureștioara of old; at its ends are two artesian fountains. At the entrance from Cantacuzino Square stands the monument to the Liberal politician George Cantacuzino, made by the French sculptor Ernest Henri Dubois and inaugurated in 1904, and at the southern edge is the bust of the poet Adrian Păunescu, from 2012. The children's play areas and a dog area are set apart from the main paths.
Good to know
The park was redesigned between 2021 and 2022: the paths, the street furniture and the plantings were redone, and the two fountains were replaced. The Bulandra Theatre and Icoanei Church are nearby.
Information verified on 26 October 2026.
- The artificial stream that runs through the park, with wooden footbridges, an allusion to the old Bucureștioara.
- The crushed-limestone paths, shaded by plane trees and old trees.
- The monument to George Cantacuzino at the entrance from Cantacuzino Square, made by Ernest Henri Dubois in 1904.
- The two artesian fountains, at the ends of the stream.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the park is in Sector 2, ~600 m from Piața Romană; from Gara de Nord it is ~3.5 km, about 6–10 minutes in normal traffic. The area is busy, so the simplest way is to arrive on foot or by public transport.
Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Romană (M2), ~600 m away on foot, or 8–10 minutes.
- Where to park
The park has no car park of its own. Spaces on the surrounding streets are paid and fill up quickly, especially in the evening and at weekends.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the park is free.
- Rules
Follow the signs in the park: dogs are walked on a lead and may not run loose outside the dedicated area. Do not pick the flowers or walk on the beds.
- Facilities
paths of compacted crushed stone · benches · playgrounds · dog area · metro 8–10 minutes away
Frequently asked questions about Grădina Icoanei
- How much is a ticket to Grădina Icoanei?
- Admission to Grădina Icoanei is free (public park, no ticket). Entry to the park is free.
- How long does a visit to Grădina Icoanei take?
- A visit to Grădina Icoanei takes about 45 min (a stroll with stops).
- Can you visit Grădina Icoanei with kids?
- Yes, Grădina Icoanei is suitable for children (playgrounds and a stream).
- Where can I park at Grădina Icoanei?
- There is paid parking at Grădina Icoanei (on the surrounding streets). The park has no car park of its own. Spaces on the surrounding streets are paid and fill up quickly, especially in the evening and at weekends.
- How do I get to Grădina Icoanei?
- Grădina Icoanei is located at Cantacuzino Square, between Pictor Arthur Verona, D. A. Xenopol and Dr. Dimitrie Gerota streets, București. By car: the park is in Sector 2, ~600 m from Piața Romană; from Gara de Nord it is ~3.5 km, about 6–10 minutes in normal traffic. The area is busy, so the simplest way is to arrive on foot or by public transport. Public transport: the nearest metro station is Piața Romană (M2), ~600 m away on foot, or 8–10 minutes.
- When is the best time to visit Grădina Icoanei?
- The best season for Grădina Icoanei: April – October (shade in summer, leaves in autumn).
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