Magheru Boulevard is the busiest avenue in Bucharest, and it was unique in Europe during the inter-war period, because of its’ modernity. The boulevard was built at the beginning of the 20th century, and it was given the name of General Gheorghe Magheru. The boulevard links University Square with the Roman Square and it is considered to be the “twin” of boulevard Nicolae Bălcescu.
The best period of the avenue was the one between the two World Wars, when the structures built here revolutionized the Romanian architecture, being considered “shocking” by a big part of the citizens of that time. This type of buildings was named blockhaus, it had multiple stories where it housed living quarters, institutions, hotels and even museums.
The Aro building was built here, following the plans of Horia Creangă, at the crossroads between Pictor Arthur Verona Street and Magheru Boulevard. It was the first avant-gardist building of the capital. At the ground floor, you can still find Patria cinema.
The 1930s were marked by the construction of 2 hotels on Magheru Boulevard: Ambassador Hotel and Lido Hotel, known previously as Angelescu Hotel. Lido had a pool with artificial waves, very well-known at that time.
