You will discover the story of the rise to power of the Romanian communist party and the unparalleled cult of personality of dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, standing in front of his iconic balcony. You will learn how Ceausescu’s craving for applause led to his overturn in the most violent anti-communist revolution of 1989. On a tour full of contrasts you will learn about day-to-day life during communism, the economy, the propaganda, the relationship with religion, the fear of the secret police. You will go off the beaten path and take advantage of Bucharest's great public transportation to get to the Memorial Cemetery of the Heroes of 1989 and a unique Monument for the leaders of the communist party. You will also explore the Civic Center and the exterior of the Palace of Parliament and learn about the achievements of architects, but also the sacrifices for the local community, demolitions and saving of churches during the 1980s. You will finish the walk near Parliament and the old town.
You will stand in the place where Nicolae Ceausescu held his last speech in 1989 and hear the story of the rise and fall of the communist dictatorship.
You will stand at KM0 of Romanian freedom of speech, where the first heroes died for liberty in Bucharest on the 21st of December 1989, and unpack the current political climate in Romania.
You will travel off the beaten by public transportation to explore a typical working-class neighbourhood and see how the 1970s grey communist blocks are getting reinvented thanks to colorful street art.
You will make your own way to the meeting points