Beneath this unassuming green space rests a tale of love dedication and tragic fate at the Mormântul dr. Carol Davila și al Anei Davila. This is the final resting place of Dr. Carol Davila a prominent figure in Romanian medicine and his beloved wife Ana Davila. Their story is etched in the very stones of this monument.
Let’s step back in time to understand their remarkable lives. Carol Davila an Italian-born doctor arrived in Bucharest in 1853. He was invited by Barbu Știrbei to reform the sanitation service. He revolutionized medical education and public health in Romania. He founded the Romanian ambulance service and served as a professor at the University of Bucharest.
In 1861 Carol Davila married Ana Racoviță a woman of noble lineage. She was the niece of Dinicu Golescu. Ana was a remarkable woman in her own right. Following the death of Carol’s first wife Maria Marsille, Ana became his second wife. She dedicated herself to social work and the education of young girls. She directed the “Elena Doamna” Asylum for orphaned girls which was supported by Elena Cuza.
Tragedy struck in January 1874. Ana Davila died at only 40 years old. During a conference, she suffered a fever attack. A pharmacist mistakenly gave her strychnine instead of quinine. This mistake proved fatal. Ana Davila was initially buried in the courtyard of the “Elena Doamna” Asylum.
Ten years later in 1884 Carol Davila passed away. He was buried with military honors next to his wife. This site was in the courtyard of the “Elena Doamna” Asylum. The asylum was his cherished project.
The monument we see today wasn’t erected until 1903. It was adorned with a rectangular plaque featuring Davila’s bust. The bust was crafted by artists Mayer and Wilhelm Stuttgart. Sadly the plaque is now missing. Also, a small marble sculpture has been decapitated.
The Mormântul dr. Carol Davila și al Anei Davila stands as a testament to their enduring love and commitment to Romanian society. Ana Davila’s contributions were so significant that a statue was erected in her honor. It was unveiled in 1890. It was the first monument dedicated to a woman in Bucharest’s history.
Ana Davila was a promoter of traditional Romanian values. Queen Elisabeta introduced the wearing of folk costumes to charity balls because of her. Their legacy lives on in the streets named after them near the former asylum. The streets are Ana Davila, Felicia Racoviță and Carol Davila.
As you stand here remember the lives of Carol and Ana Davila. Think about their dedication and the impact they had on Bucharest. This monument isn’t just a tomb. It’s a symbol of love service and a lasting legacy etched in stone.