Schitu Măgureanu
Schitu Măgureanu is a significant public park located in the heart of Bucharest, Romania. Established in 1847, it is the city's oldest and largest central park, built on the site of a former lake. The park is renowned for its historical importance, beautiful landscapes, and as a cultural hub, featuring numerous statues and memorials to prominent Romanian writers and foreign soldiers, and has been a recurring setting in Romanian literature.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1847, making it Bucharest's oldest central park.
- ›Covers an area of 14.6 hectares (36 acres).
- ›Features the "Romanian Round" with busts of twelve significant Romanian writers.
- ›Includes memorials to French and American soldiers who fought in World War I and II respectively.
- ›The name "CIșmigiu" originates from the Turkish word for a public fountain, referencing the administrator of fountains who lived on the grounds.
- ›Was designed with Romantic landscape elements, including rocks leading down to the lake.
Artificial Lake, Rondul RomâN With Busts of Writers, Monumentul Eroilor Francezi, Monumentul Eroilor Americani, Izvorul Sissi Stefanidi Sculptural Work, Statue of George Panu, Statue of Maica Smara
GrăDinile CișMigiu, Parcul CișMigiu
Gheorghe Bibescu, Pavel Kiselyov, Wilhelm Friedrich Carl Meyer, Franz HöRer, Ferdinand Lassalle, Friedrich Rebhuhn, Elder Russell M. Nelson
- Decision To Replace the Lake Taken In 1846.
- Area Passed Into Public Ownership Through A Princely Decree On February 27, 1845.
- Gardens Inaugurated On September 23, 1847.
- Academiei Boulevard Extended To Its Western Side In 1871.
- Elisabeta Boulevard Created On Its Southern Side In 1890.
- Electrical Lighting Installed In 1882.
- Gheorghe LazăR High School Built On Its Southwestern Corner In 1889.
- Elder Russell M. Nelson Pronounced A Dedicatory Blessing Over Romania In 1990.
About Schitu Măgureanu
Schitu Măgureanu, more commonly known as Cișmigiu Gardens or Cișmigiu Park, is a significant public green space situated in the central district of Bucharest, Romania. Inaugurated on September 23, 1847, it holds the distinction of being the city's oldest and largest park in its central area, covering 14.6 hectares (36 acres). The park's creation was a pivotal moment in Bucharest's urban development, transforming a former lake known as "Dura the merchant's Lake" into a meticulously designed landscape.
History and Development
The site of the present-day park was historically a lake that had been a popular fishing spot since the 17th century. The initiative to convert it into a public garden gained momentum in the mid-19th century, particularly under Prince Gheorghe Bibescu. German horticulturists Wilhelm Friedrich Carl Meyer and his assistant Franz Hörer were instrumental in its design, introducing Romantic landscape elements, new floral species, and a central lake connected to the Dâmbovița River. The name "Cișmigiu" itself is derived from the Turkish word for public fountain, reflecting the historical presence of a fountain administrator on the grounds. The park continued to evolve, with further developments including an artesian aquifer, an orchestra kiosk, and the introduction of diverse tree species.
Landmarks and Cultural Significance
Cișmigiu Gardens is a repository of cultural and historical monuments. The "Romanian Round" (Rondul Român) or "Writers' Rotunda" features stone busts of twelve celebrated Romanian literary figures, including Mihai Eminescu and Ion Luca Caragiale. The park also hosts memorials dedicated to foreign soldiers, such as the "Monument of French Heroes" from World War I and the "Monument of American Heroes" from World War II. Sculptural works like "Izvorul Sissi Stefanidi" add to the park's artistic richness. Its importance extends to literature, where it has been a backdrop and subject in various Romanian literary works, notably by Ion Luca Caragiale and Grigore Băjenaru, solidifying its place as a cherished cultural landmark.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Schitu Măgureanu park established?
Schitu Măgureanu park was established in 1847. This marked a significant moment in the history of Bucharest, as it became the city's oldest and largest central park.
What is the origin of the name "Cișmigiu"?
The name 'Cișmigiu' is derived from the Turkish word 'Ceșme,' meaning a public fountain. The term 'cișmigiu' historically referred to the person responsible for building and maintaining public fountains. The name was adopted for the park because the administrator of Bucharest's fountains resided on the park grounds.
What notable landmarks are located within Schitu Măgureanu?
Schitu Măgureanu features several notable landmarks, including the "Romanian Round" or "Writers' Rotunda" with busts of twelve prominent Romanian writers. It also houses the "Monument of French Heroes" commemorating soldiers from WWI and the "Monument of American Heroes" honoring US soldiers from WWII.
Has Schitu Măgureanu been featured in literature?
Yes, Schitu Măgureanu has been a recurring setting and inspiration in Romanian literature. It is notably referenced in sketch stories by Ion Luca Caragiale and in Grigore Băjenaru's novel 'Cișmigiu et comp.,' as well as in Olivia Manning's novel 'The Great Fortune.'
What was the site of Schitu Măgureanu before it became a park?
Before its transformation into a park, the site was known as Lacul lui Dura neguțătorul, meaning "the Lake of Dura the merchant," or simply Dura. This body of water was a popular fishing spot from the 17th century and was inhabited by mallard colonies.
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