Communist residential neighbourhoods

You most probably wouldn’t have to go anywhere specific to visit a communist residential neighbourhood in Bucharest; in fact, they are everywhere! You might not believe it, but even in the very centre of the city, you'll be able to see many of those 8-10 stories tall, high-density grey blocks that invade Romanian cities and are so difficult to appreciate. So why to visit? Of course, not for their aesthetic, but for their sociological and historical aspects. While it might look an unusual tourist attraction, there are also paid guided tours focusing on communist architecture. After all, travelling is also about understanding the place, not only seeing beautiful things.

During the communist regime in Romania, 'urban systematisation' was done, which actually meant the mass demolition of low rise and historical constructions to make space for communist representative buildings and residential blocks. Many villages were totally demolished, which forced people to move to cities. In the centre of Bucharest alone 40,000 people were relocated to the blocks after the demolition work was carried out to build the actual Palace of the Parliament. Also, this structure of the city was a tool to reach the alienation and homogenisation of the people, wished for by the regime. These buildings don't have any architectural features, have aesthetics of the Beton brut, and are mostly based on prefabricated technology. Contrary to the exterior look, you would be surprised to enter into an apartment and see that most of them have been renovated to suit modern standards of living. Despite the unappealing architecture, some of the communist districts do showcase some urban planning, notably Drumul Taberei, Titan and Giurgiului.