Slavery in Romania Myths and Truths About Gypsies

Explore Bucharest’s Roma culture on a 3-hour walking tour. Discover historical sites, cultural landmarks, and the resilience of Roma heritage.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Romanian Athenaeum - Romania’s House of Art, where every story has an artistic side, making it the perfect place to explore. It hosts the National Romanian Philharmonic and stands as one of the city’s key attractions.
  • Iuliu Maniu Statue - Discover Iuliu Maniu within the context of our tour. Maniu was a significant historical figure in Romanian politics, influential in both the story of Roma and the development of modern Romania.
  • Palatul Stirbei - Take a brief journey into the 19th century. This was the residence of Barbu Stirbey, a ruler of Wallachia and a pivotal character in our narrative.
  • Cismigiu Park - Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the largest and most beautiful garden in the city, intricately linked to our story. We’ll make several stops, including a renowned high school, the ruins of an old monastery, a fantastic viewpoint over the park, and other surprises along the way.
  • Gheorghe Lazăr National College - Education: the key to everything. This is a fitting spot to remember this. Lazar is the highest-rated high school in the city, located right at the entrance of Cismigiu Park.
  • Holocaust Memorial - Learn about the harrowing story of Roma during WWII and what is known as “The Forgotten Holocaust.” This is the most impressive monument dedicated to the memory of Holocaust victims in Romania.
  • Piața Mihail Kogălniceanu - Encounter Kogălniceanu within the context of our tour. He is one of the most renowned politicians and writers in Romanian history, and the first to write about Romanian Gypsies.
  • Mesteshukar ButiQ [MBQ] - In this charming little shop featuring authentic pieces handcrafted by Roma artisans, you will experience the reality of their culture and traditions. It is a wonderful showcase of the talent of Roma craftsmen.
What's Included
  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Snacks
What's Not Included
  • Tea and coffee
Additional Information

Embark on an enriching journey through Bucharest’s Roma culture on our 3-hour walking tour, starting at Romana Square. Our first stop takes us to the site of an old slave market, a haunting reminder of Romania’s complex history with the Roma community. Continuing our exploration, we’ll pass by the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, a symbol of national pride and cultural heritage. Next, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Cismigiu Park, the oldest and largest garden in Bucharest. Our tour takes a somber turn as we visit an important landmark commemorating the Holocaust in Romania. We’ll also encounter traces of Romania’s communist past. You’ll be entertained with interesting information and stories, showcasing the resilience that has long characterized Roma culture. Join us on this unforgettable odyssey through the heart and soul of Bucharest’s Roma heritage. At the end of the tour, you will have the chance to witness the enduring legacy of Roma craftsmanship firsthand.

  • The remaining time of the tour is used for walking between the stops
Location
McDonald's Romana
Bulevardul General Gheorghe Magheru
At the exit from Piata Romana metro station
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
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(4 Ratings)
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Fernandomh7750rg
May 20, 2024
Highly educational. Amazing experience. - It was a very insightful and true experience learning while standing on the grounds where things happened. Our tour guide Mihai is very knowledgeable and versed in history and modern facts. I learned a lot in this tour, I doubt I could have learned so much on my own. We had time to exchange our perception of how we saw Roma people and culture from our own experiences before and after the tour. If you are interested in knowing more about Romania, then you should not miss this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reasonablet2023
May 9, 2024
Eye opening, intriguing, well worth it. - Took this tour with my son who is adopted from Romania- and he is also of gypsy descent. We were really surprised by what we learned on the tour, which is very well done by a real expert, Mihail. There is much to know about the history of the Roma, and there is no match for learning it while visiting the physical spots where it happened— like the slave market. yes, the Roma were slaves and there is an “N word” often used to refer to them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D3208fbdanielh
May 9, 2024
Great experience! - It was an amazing experience and a rollercoaster of emotions! Even though the distance was quite long, i enjoyed every sight and every location. Nothing was rushed and i was able to ask a lot of questions, especially during the break that we had! All of the information was very interesting and well provided and the whole tour left me deep in thought regarding the history of slavery in Romania. There were happy moments aswell, lots of great things being highlighted along the sad ones! If you are interested in the history of Romania and don’t mind getting a bit teary eyed during the tour, i truly recommend it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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