We report the laser spectroscopic characterization of bulk monoclinic Eu3+:Y2O3, which was prepared by a high-temperature, high-pressure synthesis method. The bulk monoclinic phase has sharp spectral lines without the line broadening and "secondary phase" of Eu2+:Y2O3 nanocrystals. The unusual optical properties of site A in this material have been determined to be intrinsic to the monoclinic phase and are not a result of surface effects in the nanocrystals. The D-5(0) fluorescence life-times are longer in the nanocrystals than in the bulk material, indicating that there is no lifetime shortening in the nanocrystals due to quenching by the proximity of surface defects.