Piața Unirii (Union Square)
About Piața Unirii (Union Square)
Piața Unirii, Union Square, is the heart of Oradea: a wide, paved, pedestrianised square surrounded by some of the best-known buildings in the city. Its Baroque shape began to emerge after 1692, when Oradea left Ottoman rule, and around 1900 the one-storey houses were replaced by Secession and eclectic palaces. The present name, "Unirii" (Union), is the Romanian one used since 1918; Hungarians call it Szent László tér, "Saint Ladislaus Square", after the king who founded the town.
In the middle stands the equestrian statue of King Ferdinand I, the work of the sculptor Florin Codre, unveiled in 2019 on the spot where the statue of Michael the Brave had stood since 1994. The square was redesigned with European funds, with wide pedestrian areas, green spaces and fountains, and the tram runs through it.
What you can see
From the Crișul Repede side rises the Town Hall Palace, from 1902–1903, with its clock tower. On the opposite side is the Black Eagle Palace, from 1907–1908, with its covered arcade and eagle stained-glass window. The square also holds the Moon Church, with the clock that shows the phases of the moon, the Roman Catholic St Ladislaus Church, built in the 18th century, and the Greek Catholic Episcopal Palace from 1903–1905. In the evening, the lit façades make the square one of the most photogenic places in the city.
The Christmas market
Every winter, from the end of November until 26 December, the square is the centre of the Oradea Christmas Market, organised by Visit Oradea together with the City Hall. In recent editions, Piața Unirii has held the Christmas tree, lit on opening day, the 30-metre Ferris wheel and part of the wooden stalls with crafts, decorations, toys and seasonal food; the market continues in Piața Ferdinand, across the Crișul Repede, where the ice rink is. Entry is free, and the programme includes carols, concerts and shows for children. Car traffic in the square is restricted for the duration of the market.
- The equestrian statue of King Ferdinand I, in the middle of the square.
- The façades of the Town Hall Palace and the Black Eagle Palace, from around 1900.
- The clock of the Moon Church, which shows the phases of the moon.
- The Christmas market, with its lit tree and Ferris wheel, from the end of November.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the square is in the centre of Oradea; from Oradea International Airport it is ~7 km (~11 minutes) and from the railway station ~3 km (~5 minutes). The central part of the square is pedestrianised and cars cannot enter: the easiest way is to leave the car in a nearby car park and continue on foot.
Public transport: the tram runs through the square, and there are bus and tram stops around it; current lines and timetables are on the OTL Oradea website.
- Where to park
The central part of the square is pedestrianised. In the centre you park on the street, paid by zone, or in nearby public car parks; spaces fill up quickly at weekends and during the Christmas market.
- Fees & discounts
The square is a public space with free access, and there is no charge. Entry to the Christmas market is free; paid attractions, such as the Ferris wheel and the ice rink, have their own tickets.
- Rules
The square is a public space: photography is free. The statue and the monuments must not be climbed. On event days and during the market, some areas may be fenced off or occupied by stages and stalls.
- Facilities
Cafés, restaurants and terraces around the square · benches · pedestrianised square · fountains · during the Christmas market: stalls, stage, Ferris wheel
Frequently asked questions about Piața Unirii (Union Square)
How much is a ticket to Piața Unirii (Union Square)?
Admission to Piața Unirii (Union Square) is free (public square, free entry). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Piața Unirii (Union Square)?
Opening hours at Piața Unirii (Union Square): daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Piața Unirii (Union Square) take?
A visit to Piața Unirii (Union Square) takes about 45 min (without visiting the buildings).
Can you visit Piața Unirii (Union Square) with kids?
Yes, Piața Unirii (Union Square) is suitable for children (pedestrian, winter ice rink).
Where can I park at Piața Unirii (Union Square)?
There is paid parking at Piața Unirii (Union Square) (on the street, in the centre). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Piața Unirii (Union Square)?
Piața Unirii (Union Square) is located at Piața Unirii, Oradea, Bihor County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Piața Unirii (Union Square)?
The best season for Piața Unirii (Union Square): All year round (Christmas market in winter).
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