Romanian Capital Unveils Costly, Controversial Fountains

The emblematic marble fountains in Bucharest's central Unirii Square have undergone a 7-million-euros facelift and reopened on Thursday night with a multimedia show and a concert of the Bucharest Symphony Orchestra.

The fountains facing the Palace of Parliament were closed at the end of May for refurbishment by ApaNova, the company that handles Bucharest's water and sewage system.

The Bucharest City Hall said on Thursday that the fountains, probably the biggest ensemble in southeastern Europe, will put on a multimedia show every weekend starting September 28 for as long as the weather allows it.

The new ensemble, which includes 44 fountains located on a 1.4 kilometer distance and controlled by a digital system, has four water screens facing north, south, east and west where the City hall will screen videos and laser projections.

The project was strongly criticized by opponents of the Social Democrat mayor Gabriela Firea, who claimed the city needed more hospitals and schools and the fountains were not a priority.

A handful of activists also protested at the launch on Thursday night. "Yes, we have fountains, but you promised a new hospital," banners read.

Photo: Octav Ganea/Inquam Photos

Photo: Octav Ganea/ Inquam Photos Photo: Octav Ganea/ Inquam Photos Photo: Octav Ganea/Inquam Photos

Read more:

Romanians Pour Cold Water on Capital's Fountain Plan