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Free booking and cancellationFree payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
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Accepts electronic paymentThis tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card
Behind the scenes: a power trip
If you like to Walk and Talk, come with us and discover the rich history of Bucharest. Our local guides will show you great places, tell you the most relevant historical information and answer all your curiosities along the way. We want to provide our walkers with the best experience, and we do that by encouraging a relaxed and friendly vibe in our free tours. We are very passionate about what we do and we believe that a great tour gives not only information but also an opportunity to make new friends and exchange ideas.
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Tour description
If you've been in Bucharest at least a couple of hours, you must have noticed all the churches! Small, big, impressive, modest, beautiful, or grand, they sure are everywhere :D
Book this tour if you want to find out more about the seesaw of power between State and Church throughout the ages. You will also see a few out-of-sight gems as well as the most in-your-face building that put Bucharest on international maps - the Palace of Parliament.
We start at the back of Manuc Inn, with an overview of the historical tandem of power between rulers and organized orthodoxy and a look at the court palace of Vlad Țepeș.
Next, we take a leisurely hike up one of the few hills in the city - Metropolitan Hill, which hosts the spectacular Patriarchate Palace and the former Senate of Romania (app. 1650 - 1996). Orthodox religion has been a crucial part of the national discourse which led to the formation of Romania in the late 19th century, and we will look at a few of those moments.
Our next stop is Antim Monastery, magically hidden at the back of a wall of blocks, one of which also hosts the Romanian Intelligence Service. This funny coincidence serves as an excellent pretext to discuss more the way the Orthodox Church was affected during communism.
The tour ends on one corner of the Palace of Parliament, which also affords a good view of the yet-unfinished Cathedral for the People's Salvation.
Come and discover less touristy spots in the center of Bucharest, a quieter, more understated kind of grandeur, paired with interesting perspectives on the role of orthodoxy in Romania.
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Highlights
What will we visit on this tour?
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View on mapMeeting point:Strada Halelor 9, București, RomaniaStrada Halelor 9, București, Romania
We meet on the benches at the back of Manuc's Inn, in Piata Sf. Anton. You will recognize me by my purple and blue hair :)
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1Outside visitPiața Sfântul Anton
At the back of Manuc's Inn, under the shade of a large tree, I will give you a summary of Romanian nation-forming.
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2Outside visitAlexandru Ioan Cuza Statuie
Nestled between the 500 years of Ottoman influence and the 80 years of Monarchy, Alexandru Ioan Cuza's 7 year rule over the first version of Romania was visionary and hectic, with major impact on the Church's standing in Romania.
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3Outside visitPalatul Patriarhiei
The walk up to Patriarchate Hill is one of the most beautiful and unexpected ones in Bucharest city centre. But even more amazing is the view and the history at the top!
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4Outside visitAntim Manastırı
A bucolic monastery, tucked right behind Ceausescu's megalomaniac construction complex, facilitates an interesting discussion about the collaboration between Church officials and the communist regime.
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5Outside visitPiaţa Francofoniei
Our tour ends at an excellent vantage point over both the so-called People's House and the yet-unfinished People's Salvation Cathedral. Find out facts and opinions about these (in)famous landmarks of Bucharest.
How much does this tour cost?
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).
Tour opinions
Dragos
01 Jun 2023
I learned a lot of new stuff about the old churches and buildings near the center of Bucharest. Monica was very energetic and friendly :)
Moose
01 Jun 2023
This tour was a perfect mix of history, fascinating stories, and beautiful architecture. One of the coolest walking tours I've been on!
Nicole
31 May 2023
Monica is a very friendly and knowledgeable host. She loves Bucharest and Romania and has a great depth of knowledge of the history and culture she loves. The tours she gives are thought provoking and entertaining and a great way to see the sites around Bucharest and to gain a better understanding and respect for Romanian culture.
Alexandra
21 May 2023
Monica's tour was amazing. On top of the interesting information about the role of the church in Bucharest, the tour took us in a very beautiful area of Bucharest, close to the center, but very quiet and peaceful. Awesome sights that I bet most tourists don't get to see. It was a perfect balance between information and a nice stroll in the afternoon. Totally recommend!
Fiona
20 May 2023
Monica was a great tour guide, with interesting commentary, and was able to answer our many questions with informed answers. She was good fun, and very helpful. I'd definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to know more about the history of Bucharest.
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Who is this tour for?
Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.
What should you know?
Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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