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preserved places of identity from 1927 Bucharest and their areas of influence/neighborhoods
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partially preserved places of identity from 1927 Bucharest and their areas of influence/neighborhoods
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lost places of identity from 1927 Bucharest and their former areas of influence/neighborhoods
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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) - Bazaca
- 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: Partially preserved - 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.
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 the surrounding buildings have been mostly replaced with newer structures.
3. Bărăția - Sf. Gheorghe
- Identity: Located at the intersection of Bărăției Street, Calea Moșilor and Calea Văcărești, the area between Bărăția Church and the Old St. George Church (Biserica Sf. Gheorghe Vechi) was historically significant as a bustling commercial hub in central Bucharest. It was known for its active marketplace, lined by various shops and businesses, such as "La Vulturul de Mare cu Peștele în Ghiare" ("To The Sea Eagle With Fish In Its Claws").
- Neighborhood: Bărăției - Sf. Gheorghe
- Current Status: The neighborhood has seen a decline in its commercial and cultural relevance, with parts of the historic area demolished over time. Additionally, the creation of the North-South Axis Boulevard has severed the connection between this area and Piața Sf. Anton or Piața Romei, isolating it from the broader commercial center.
4. Piața Decebal (Decebal 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.
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.
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.
