Interactive Bucharest Masterplan

Leaflet Map of Bucharest with Voronoi Polygons

preserved places of identity from 1927 Bucharest and their areas of influence/neighborhoods

partially preserved places of identity from 1927 Bucharest and their areas of influence/neighborhoods

lost places of identity from 1927 Bucharest and their former areas of influence/neighborhoods

new places of identity which appeared after 1927

Overview

The Bucharest masterplan illustrates the historical and contemporary identity of the city through its key urban hotspots, areas of influence/neighborhoods, and emerging centers of relevance. The map is designed to reveal the historical identity of each neighborhood, tracing its roots to the urban hotspots that once defined it — even if these places of identity are no longer present.

Each Voronoi polygon represents a neighborhood around a historical hotspot, marking the extent of its influence. The goal of this map is to understand how these areas have evolved from their historical origins and what direction they are heading in today. Overlayed on the map are blue markers, which indicate places of new identity. These areas may not be connected to Bucharest’s historical 1927 identity but hold significance in the city’s contemporary urban fabric.


Bucharest's Places of Identity

1. Piața Sf. Anton (Saint Anton Square)

  • Identity: Historically, Piața Sf. Anton was a bustling commercial center located near the Old Princely Court (Curtea Veche). In 1927, it was known for its flower market and commercial activity, particularly along Bazaca Street, which connected it to the Halelor (halls) neighborhood.
  • Neighborhood: Sf. Anton
  • Current Status: Today, the square has largely lost its original function as a marketplace, but a portion of it remains, preserving its historical significance despite post-war developments.

Piața Sf. Anton / today - Studiourile Buftea
Pânzari Street / today - Bucureștii Vechi Și Noi

2. Piațeta Pânzari (fabric merchant Square)

  • Identity: This small urban square was a key connector between Bărăția and Sf. Anton's commercial areas. It brought together multiple streets — Șepcari (hat makers), Gabroveni (merchants from Gabrovo, Bulgaria), and Pânzari (fabric merchants) — creating a lively marketplace. Today, while the square remains partially preserved, Pânzari Street itself and most of the surrounding buildings have been lost.
  • Neighborhood: Pânzari
  • Current Status: Though the urban square remains, its context has significantly changed, as much of the physical infrastructure around it has been lost

3. Curtea Bărăția (Bărăția Courtyard)

  • Identity: This Catholic courtyard was once a significant religious and commercial landmark in central Bucharest, with its tower acting as a visible reference point from nearby areas like Piața Sf. Anton. The church was a hub of Catholic life in Bucharest.
  • Neighborhood: Bărăției
  • Current Status: Though the courtyard and church are partially preserved, the tower has lost its prominence, overshadowed by newer, taller buildings
Bărăția Church / today - Caleidoscop
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4. Curtea Sf. Gheorghe Vechi (Old St. George Courtyard)

  • Identity: This religious hotspot is home to a historically important church in Bucharest's spiritual and social life. It once played a significant role being situated along the Calea Moșilor axis, a key commercial and transportation route in the city.
    Neighborhood: Sf. Gheorghe Vechi
    Current Status: While the church is preserved, its tower has been demolished, and the relevance of Calea Moșilor has diminished. Parts of the neighborhood and its connection to Sf. Anton Square have also been lost, reducing the area's relevance.

5. Piațeta Sf. Ioan Nou (New St. John Square)

  • Identity: This urban square, situated at the intersection of George Coșbuc Boulevard and Strada Carol, served as a connecting point between several important neighborhoods — Sf. Anton, Halelor, Sf. Vineri, and the Jewish neighborhood.
  • Neighborhood: Sf. Ioan Nou
  • Current Status: Though the area has changed dramatically, the square still holds a similar relevance in Bucharest’s urban fabric.
Piațeta Sf. Ioan Nou / today - Studiourile Buftea
Halelor Neighborhood / today - Studiourile Buftea

6. Piața Ghica (Ghica Square)

  • Identity: Once part of a sprawling network of market halls and open-air markets, Piața Ghica was the commercial hub of the city. Though the markets no longer exist, the area preserves a central role in the city.
  • Neighborhood: Halelor
  • Current Status: The only remaining structure from this vibrant marketplace is the front of Hanul lui Manuc (formerly Hotel Dacia). The market's identity has largely disappeared, but traces of its commercial history linger.

7. Podul Calicilor (Bridge of the Poor)

  • identity: Podul Calicilor was a bridge over the Dâmbovița River, known for its association with the poor (calici) who lived in areas south of it. It was also referred to as Podul Caliței (after a wealthy benefactor), Podul Justiției (due to its proximity to the Palace of Justice), and Podul de Piatră (The Stone Bridge), as it was the first stone bridge in Bucharest. Its relevance is enhanced by the commercial Inns Hanul Verde and Hanul Roșu (Green and Red Inn).
    Neighborhood: Calicilor
    Current Status: While the bridge itself no longer exists, parts of the surrounding neighborhoods remain, particularly on the Lipscani side, serving as a reminder of the bridge's historical role as starting point of the Calea Rahovei axis and a vital link between different parts of Bucharest​.
Podul Calicilor / today - Studiourile Buftea