A laurel wreath rests atop a worker’s head. This is the Monumentul Eroilor CFR a powerful symbol in Bucharest. It stands proudly in the Piața Gării de Nord. This magnificent monument honors the Romanian railway workers and soldiers who perished during World War I.
Created by the talented sculptors Cornel Medrea and Ion Jalea it was unveiled in 1923. The bronze statues were cast at the V V Rășcanu Factory. The central group depicts a woman symbolizing the Motherland. She crowns a railway worker. To her right a soldier bids farewell to his family. On the left are two railway workers.
Ion Jalea one of Romania’s most renowned sculptors lost his left hand during World War I. He then sculpted with his right hand for the rest of his life. His impressive body of work includes portraits and statues inspired by folk legends. His works can also be seen on the Arch of Triumph and in Cișmigiu Park. He died in Bucharest in 1983 at the age of 96.
Cornel Medrea a Transylvanian by birth studied in Hungary and Germany. He later settled in Bucharest. He traveled extensively throughout Italy France and Yugoslavia. He was a professor at the Bucharest Academy of Fine Arts and a corresponding member of the Romanian Academy. Medrea also collaborated with Jalea on the Mausoleum at Mărășești. He also created other notable Bucharest works including busts of prominent figures.
The main facade bears the inscription EROILOR CFR 1916-1918. The monument’s imposing granite-clad base is a testament to its enduring presence in Bucharest. The three statue groups are a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during World War I. In the past the monument enjoyed much more open space. Old photographs show this.
The Monumentul Eroilor CFR remains a powerful and moving tribute. It stands as a symbol of national pride and remembrance. It is a must-see for anyone exploring Bucharest’s rich history.