Description
Parcul Herăstrău, now known as King Michael I Park, is a vast public park located in the northern part of Bucharest, Romania. Spanning approximately 187 hectares, the park is centred around Lake Herăstrău, which is part of the Colentina River's artificial lake chain. Before 1930, the area was a swampy region that underwent drainage between 1930 and 1935. The park was officially opened in 1936, with designs by architects Ernest Pinard and Rebhun, and later expanded and renovated in 1951. In 2017, the park was renamed to honour King Michael I of Romania.
Visitors to King Michael I Park can enjoy a variety of attractions. The park is divided into two main areas: a tranquil zone dedicated to relaxation and culture, featuring two theatres (one for adults and one for children), exhibition pavilions, libraries, reading arbors, chess tables, and docks; and an active recreation zone with sports fields and restaurants. Notable features include Expo Flora, the Island of the Roses, the Island of the Poplars, and the Japanese Garden, established in 1998 with support from the Embassy of Japan in Romania. The park also houses monuments and statues dedicated to figures such as Fryderyk Chopin, I.L. Caragiale, Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac, and the "Founders of the European Union" circle, which features bronze sculptures of the EU's founding fathers.
King Michael I Park is open year-round and is free to enter. It is easily accessible via public transportation, with several metro and bus lines serving the area. The park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a peaceful retreat in the city's centre. Whether you're looking to relax by the lake, enjoy a boat ride, or explore the park's rich history and natural beauty, King Michael I Park is a must-visit destination in Bucharest.
Location
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Bucharest, Romania