Bucharest, Romania
The Memorial of Rebirth, a monument commissioned by the Bucharest City Hall in 2004, is commonly known as the “Potato on a Stick” or “Potato on a Skewer” monument by locals. Others have likened its shape to an olive or a brain. This unique structure is part of a larger monument that pays tribute to the victims of the Romanian Revolution of 1989, which marked the end of communism in the country. It was inaugurated on August 1, 2005.
The monument is divided into four sections in Revolution Square. Visitors can mourn and reflect in a modest, paved space. There’s also the Wall of Remembrance, which has a brass plate with the names of all the victims of the December 1989 violent events that resulted in the arrest and execution of communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife. The Path to Triumph, an alleyway leading to the main pyramid, is paved with oak trunk slices to represent strength and durability.
The main focus of the monument is the white marble obelisk at its centre, which has three sides. Surrounding it are statues depicting the shadows of individuals who fought for freedom and democracy. The pyramid-shaped skewers on the rounded structure represent the sacrifices of the martyrs.
In 2012, someone threw some red paint at the “potato.” The damage left a red stain dripping down the facade, completing the monument’s symbolism. The authorities never deleted it.
The monument was criticised for combining incompatible artistic elements and being overly tacky. It also cost close to $2 million.
The Revolution Square memorial is accessible around the clock, making it convenient to pay your respects anytime. It is advisable to visit during the daytime and behave respectfully, remembering that it is a place of remembrance. The Universitate metro station is an eight-minute walk away, while the Nicolae Bălcescu Blvd. bus station, serving bus routes 126, 168, 226, 300, and 368, is only a three-minute walk away.
