Macca-Villacrosse Passage, Bucharest
Nestled in the heart of historic Lipscani district, the Macca鈥慥illacrosse Passage is a captivating 19th鈥慶entury gem offering a unique blend of elegance, architectural innovation, and bohemian flair. Constructed in 1891 by architect Felix Xenopol, this graceful arcade spans between Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei) and Lipscani Street. What sets it apart is its distinctive fork鈥憇haped design, created after a hotel in the center resisted acquisition, resulting in two glass鈥慶overed wings that elegantly arch around the building.
Originally a luxurious shopping arcade and Bucharest鈥檚 first Stock Exchange, the Passage hosted the city's primary financial hub before it relocated, earning it the unofficial title of the first 鈥渓uxury mall鈥� in Bucharest. During the Communist era (1950鈥�1990), it was renamed the 鈥淛ewelry Passage鈥� (Pasajul Bijuteria), and though that title fell out of favour, traces of its glittering past still linger in the ornate fa莽ades and boutique atmosphere.
Today, Macca鈥慥illacrosse has been revitalized as a lively cultural and social hub. Sheltered under a luminous yellow glass canopy, the arcade is lined with convivial caf茅s, cozy bistros, stylish wine bars, and themed spots like 鈥淭he Valley of the Kings,鈥� an Arabic鈥慐gyptian bar highlighting the city鈥檚 modern-day cosmopolitan tastes. Wander through daylight or evening ambiance, and you can still sense the passage鈥檚 storied elegance mingled with current urban energy.
For tourists seeking a memorable stop between sightseeing in the Old Town and along Calea Victoriei, the Passage offers a perfect blend of historical character and contemporary charm. Whether savouring a coffee, admiring intricate architecture, or strolling through shaded arcade corridors, you鈥檒l be stepping into a living time capsule that captures Bucharest鈥檚 eclectic spirit.
Originally a luxurious shopping arcade and Bucharest鈥檚 first Stock Exchange, the Passage hosted the city's primary financial hub before it relocated, earning it the unofficial title of the first 鈥渓uxury mall鈥� in Bucharest. During the Communist era (1950鈥�1990), it was renamed the 鈥淛ewelry Passage鈥� (Pasajul Bijuteria), and though that title fell out of favour, traces of its glittering past still linger in the ornate fa莽ades and boutique atmosphere.
Today, Macca鈥慥illacrosse has been revitalized as a lively cultural and social hub. Sheltered under a luminous yellow glass canopy, the arcade is lined with convivial caf茅s, cozy bistros, stylish wine bars, and themed spots like 鈥淭he Valley of the Kings,鈥� an Arabic鈥慐gyptian bar highlighting the city鈥檚 modern-day cosmopolitan tastes. Wander through daylight or evening ambiance, and you can still sense the passage鈥檚 storied elegance mingled with current urban energy.
For tourists seeking a memorable stop between sightseeing in the Old Town and along Calea Victoriei, the Passage offers a perfect blend of historical character and contemporary charm. Whether savouring a coffee, admiring intricate architecture, or strolling through shaded arcade corridors, you鈥檒l be stepping into a living time capsule that captures Bucharest鈥檚 eclectic spirit.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bucharest. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Macca-Villacrosse Passage on Map
Sight Name: Macca-Villacrosse Passage
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bucharest, Romania (See walking tours in Bucharest)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bucharest, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Bucharest
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bucharest is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Town Walking Tour
The Historical Center of Bucharest, or the Old Town, as the locals habitually refer to it, is one of the most beloved and attractive areas in the Romanian capital. The neighborhood is really beautiful a place to visit, and you can walk into it pretty much from anywhere in central Bucharest. Ion Constantin Br膬tianu Boulevard crosses the historic heart of the city from Piata Universitate... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Bucharest Introduction Walking Tour
Bucharest, the capital and cultural center of Romania, is one of the largest cities in Southeastern Europe.
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The name Bucure葯ti has an unverified origin. Tradition links it to the guy named Bucur, who (according to various legends) was either a prince, outlaw, fisherman, shepherd or a hunter. The Romanian word 鈥渂ucurie鈥� means joy (happiness), which in turn explains one of Bucharest's... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Romanian Things To Buy in Bucharest
Nicknamed "Little Paris", today's Bucharest is the capital of a vibrant European nation, known as Romania, with lots of history and great cultural heritage - spanning from centuries-old rural traditions to New Wave cinema. Keen on rustic stuff, Romanians carefully preserve their...