Cismigiu Gardens -- Bucharest's Oldest Park

History

Built in 1847 on a site formerly known as “Lacul lui Dura Negrutatorul” (Lake of Dura the Merchant), the park replaced a fishing pool inhabited by mallard colonies since the 17th century. German horticulturist Wilhelm Friedrich Carl Meyer and his assistant Franz Horer redesigned the area as a Romantic landscape with pathways winding down to the central lake.

The name “Cismigiu” comes from Turkish: a cesme is a public fountain, and a cismigiu was the person responsible for building and maintaining public fountains. The gardens were inaugurated on September 23, 1847, making them the oldest public park in Bucharest.

What to See

The Lake — row boats in summer (available for rent), ice skating in winter when it freezes
Roman Garden — laid out in ancient Roman style, with busts of Romania’s most famous writers lining the paths
French Memorial — Ion Jalea’s Carrara marble monument commemorating French troops killed in WWI on Romanian territory
Children’s playgrounds — several, well-maintained
Seasonal cafes and kiosks — terraces appear in summer months
Musical performances and flower exhibitions during warmer months

“Cismigiu is where Bucharest pauses. In a city that moves fast, this park has moved slowly since 1847.”

Tips for Visiting

Weekends: Approximately 5,000 visitors come each weekend. Mornings are quieter.

Boat rental: Available in summer months on the lake. A relaxing way to spend half an hour.

The Roman Garden: The most photogenic corner of the park, particularly in autumn when the leaves turn.

Refreshments: Several cafes and kiosks within the park for drinks and snacks.

Location: Cismigiu sits perfectly between the Old Town and Calea Victoriei. It is an ideal midday break during a walking tour of central Bucharest.

Birdwatching: Surprisingly rewarding — the park hosts a variety of species. Bring binoculars.

Getting there: The park is in the heart of the city. Walk from Universitate metro (M2) in about 12 minutes, or from Izvor metro (M1, M3) in 10 minutes.

Is It Worth It?

As a standalone destination, Cismigiu is a peaceful 1-2 hour visit. As a strategic rest stop during a day of sightseeing, it is essential. The park is free, beautiful, and perfectly positioned. Do not skip it.