Piata Victoriei (Victory Square), Timisoara (must see)
Victory Square (Piata Victoriei) stands as the symbolic heart of Timisoara, carrying both architectural grandeur and deep historical meaning. Originally developed at the beginning of the 20th century after the demolition of the city’s old fortress walls, it was envisioned as a wide boulevard by architect Ludwig von Ybl in 1892. Over the years, the space gradually took on the form of a square, with construction beginning in earnest in 1910 with the Lloyd Palace. The southern end was eventually sealed by the monumental Metropolitan Cathedral, transforming the area into a striking urban ensemble.
The square is perhaps best remembered for the events of December 1989, when Timisoara became the first city in Romania to free itself from communist rule. On December 20, the square filled with crowds proclaiming their demand for liberty, and it has been associated with that spirit of courage and renewal ever since. Until then, the site bore various names: King Ferdinand Boulevard before World War II, 30 December Boulevard under the communist regime, and Opera Square until its renaming in 1990 as Victory Square.
Cultural life thrives here, framed by two defining landmarks-the National Opera House on the north and the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral on the south. Between them runs a pedestrian promenade divided into the elegant Corso on the right and the lively Surogat on the left. Along the way, visitors encounter architectural ensembles, cafés, galleries, and historic cinemas, which together create an atmosphere that bridges past and present.
Today, Victory Square is more than a historic landmark-it is Timisoara’s central gathering place. It hosts a wide array of cultural events such as the JazzTM festival, Timfloralis flower fair, and seasonal celebrations like Easter and Christmas markets. With its blend of history, architecture, and daily life, the square embodies both the legacy and the living pulse of Timisoara.
The square is perhaps best remembered for the events of December 1989, when Timisoara became the first city in Romania to free itself from communist rule. On December 20, the square filled with crowds proclaiming their demand for liberty, and it has been associated with that spirit of courage and renewal ever since. Until then, the site bore various names: King Ferdinand Boulevard before World War II, 30 December Boulevard under the communist regime, and Opera Square until its renaming in 1990 as Victory Square.
Cultural life thrives here, framed by two defining landmarks-the National Opera House on the north and the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral on the south. Between them runs a pedestrian promenade divided into the elegant Corso on the right and the lively Surogat on the left. Along the way, visitors encounter architectural ensembles, cafés, galleries, and historic cinemas, which together create an atmosphere that bridges past and present.
Today, Victory Square is more than a historic landmark-it is Timisoara’s central gathering place. It hosts a wide array of cultural events such as the JazzTM festival, Timfloralis flower fair, and seasonal celebrations like Easter and Christmas markets. With its blend of history, architecture, and daily life, the square embodies both the legacy and the living pulse of Timisoara.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Timisoara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911: 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.
Piata Victoriei (Victory Square) on Map
Sight Name: Piata Victoriei (Victory Square)
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Timisoara, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Timisoara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Timisoara 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.
Palaces and Castles Walking Tour
The “Little Vienna” has amazed thousands of curious eyes for many years. This is thanks to the stunning palaces built in various styles, meant to lure visitors from all over the world. Take this tour to appreciate the most important historical buildings in Timisoara.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Timisoara Introduction Walking Tour
One of the largest cities in Romania, Timisoara holds an honorary spot on one's travel map. One will be thrilled with the city’s harmoniously grouped landmarks and of course, it is incredible that the city houses quite a number of squares with historical value. Are you curious to visit Timisoara? Check out the city’s prominent landmarks.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles


