This Romanian city's Union Square is surrounded by grand buildings. Visitors can explore the National History Museum and taste local dishes like mamaliga and mici.
Craiova, the largest city in southwestern Romania, has much to offer visitors. You can walk through the 250-acre Nicolae Romanescu Park, see works by Constantin Brâncuși at the Art Museum housed in the Jean Mihail Palace, or attend the Puppets Occupy Street festival in late August. The city's 19th-century buildings, like the Prefecture Palace and the Glogoveanu House, add character to the streets, while the recently modernized airport and extensive railway connections make Craiova easily accessible.
Nicolae Romanescu Park
Nicolae Romanescu Park, covering 250 acres, is the third-largest park in Europe. French architect Édouard Redont designed this park, which won a gold medal at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition. You can walk along its 22 miles of alleys and paths, visit the botanical garden and zoo, or see Romania's largest racetrack. The park is suitable for nature observation, sports activities, or relaxation.
Art and History Museums
The Craiova Art Museum, located in the Jean Mihail Palace, houses Romanian and international art. Here, you can see works by renowned sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, who studied at Craiova's Art School. For regional history, visit the Museum of Oltenia. Founded in 1915, this institution has three sections: ethnography, history, and natural science. The museum's collection includes a 30,000-year-old human skull, providing insights into the area's ancient past.
Transportation in Craiova
You can reach Craiova by air through its recently modernized airport, which offers domestic and international flights. If you prefer ground transportation, trains connect Craiova to all major Romanian cities. Daily trains run to Bucharest (a 3-hour journey), Brașov, Cluj-Napoca, and Sibiu. Within the city, you can use 3 tram lines and 17 bus lines to travel between attractions.
Local Cuisine
Craiova's food reflects the traditions of the Oltenia region. You can try roasted dock rolls with fried polenta, spicy dried red peppers, and various leek dishes. Meat options include stuffed crayfish or meat rolled in cabbage leaves. Local wine or traditional plum brandy are common drink pairings.
Cultural Events
From August 25th to September 1st, Craiova hosts the Puppets Occupy Street festival. This annual event, the second-largest children's festival in Europe, fills the city with large puppets and allegorical floats. For football fans, the Ion Oblemenco Football Stadium, with over 30,000 seats, hosts regular matches throughout the year.
