Across the bustling Bulevardul Iuliu Maniu stands the Monumentul Trupelor de Geniu. This monument, often called “The Lion,” honors the Romanian military engineers who fought bravely in World War I. The Monumentul Trupelor de Geniu was unveiled in June 1929. It was completely funded by donations from veteran engineer officers. The monument’s design and execution were the work of Spiridon Georgescu. He chose the intersection of Bulevardul Geniului and Bulevardul Iuliu Maniu, opposite Cotroceni Palace, as its location.
The Monumentul Trupelor de Geniu is more than just a statue. It is a poignant tribute to nearly a thousand engineers who died and many more who were wounded. The pyramidal base features bronze reliefs depicting engineers in action. Four life-sized bronze statues stand guard. They represent a sapper, a pontoon bridge builder, a Signal Corps engineer, and a Cǎile Ferate Române (Romanian Railways) soldier. These figures embody the diverse roles these engineers played during the war.
Dominating the Monumentul Trupelor de Geniu is a powerful bronze lion. It stands atop the pedestal, its front paws trampling a cannon barrel and a German Pickelhaube helmet. A Romanian flag flows down from the lion, symbolizing victory and remembrance. The lion itself embodies the resilience, courage, and bravery of Romanian troops during the difficult battles of 1916-1918. The battles of Mărăști, Oituz, and Mărășești in the summer of 1917 are especially commemorated. These battles were crucial moments in the Romanian campaign.
A poignant inscription is carved into the pedestal of the Monumentul Trupelor de Geniu. It reads, “Tell succeeding generations that we made the supreme sacrifice on the fields of battle for the union of the people.” This inscription reflects the monument’s dedication to the unification of Romania. Interestingly, during the communist era, the final words, “for the union of the people,” were removed. This was due to political sensitivities surrounding the territories involved in the union, some of which were ceded to the Soviet Union. Thanks to a campaign led by the magazine Flacăra, the inscription was later restored to its original form. A medallion at the base further dedicates the monument: “To the heroes of the Engineer Arm 1916–1919.” The Monumentul Trupelor de Geniu serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and the importance of remembering those who served.