Arad is the municipality of the county with the same name and is a city whose main particularity is the culture. Also known as the ‘city of palaces’, this place brings together some of the most beautiful buildings built in the architectural styles of the XVIII, XIX and XX centuries. Arad also charms with its historical buildings, its theatres, monuments, art galleries and its places of worship.
The first mention of the city dates from 1156 and where it is referred to as ‘Urod’. The settlement was a target of Mongol-Tatar attacks and of Ottoman occupation. Later on, the city came under Habsburg occupation. It is here that the first Romanian government of Transylvania was established. Arad played a special role in the realisation of the Great Union in 1918. During the interwar period, the city saw economic, social and cultural ascension. Along with WWII, the city underwent an economic regression. After the revolution in 1989, the development of Arad resumed, transforming the city into an important cultural, university and economic centre.
Arad is positioned in the West of Romania, in the Western Plains, along the Mureș river. It sits at an altitude of 107 m and it represents one of the most important traffic nodes in Romania. The municipality is neighbouring Bihor in the North, Alba in the East, Timiș in the South and Hungary in the West.
The historical centre – It is an architectural and cultural treasure, where diverse historical influences intertwine. The cobbled streets and elegant buildings reflect the richness of this city’s history, highlighting architectural influences from different periods, such as Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Nouveau. It is enlivened by colorful buildings erected in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Along the streets, visitors can discover remarkable attractions, historic buildings such as the Old Theater and the Hirschi House, and nearby stands the Bohus Palace, a representative monument of the Wiener Seccession style.
The Arad Fortress – It is the heart of the city, a vibrant blend of history, architecture, and modern life. Its lively and cobblestone streets are adorned with elegant buildings, charming squares, and welcoming terraces. Here, visitors can discover a variety of attractions, from historic monuments to traditional shops and restaurants.
During the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this was one of the largest military prisons.
Today, Arad’s city center is the ideal place for a leisurely stroll or to explore the cultural and architectural richness of the city.
The Palace of Culture – It is an emblem of the city, an imposing building that hosts various cultural events on a large scale. Dating back to 1913, it is a blend of various architectural styles: classical, French Gothic, Baroque, and Italian Renaissance.
With grand architecture and elegant details, the palace is a vital center of cultural and artistic life in the region. Here, visitors can attend concerts, exhibitions, theater performances, and other cultural events, contributing to the vibrant cultural life of the city of Arad.
Arad does have an airport but, at this time, it doesn’t have regular flights, only seasonal charter flights.
If you want to travel by train, that option is available to you. The train station of Arad is one of the busiest stations in the West of Romania and it has regular connections to most places in the country.
If you would like a quicker alternative, you can opt to travel by bus or minibus. Here you can find all the necessary information: the bus stations and the stops, the arrivals and departures and the destinations.
If you’d rather travel by car, from Bucharest to Arad for example, the recommended route is: (A3) Ploiești – Brașov – Sibiu – Deva – Arad.
If you like music festivals, in Arad you will find one to your taste, regardless of the style of music you prefer. Here you have a list with some of them, but you should know that every weekend there are events for all tastes.
Arad Open Air Festival – a music festival that brings together different musical genres such as electronic, rock and hip hop. The participants can enjoy live music, DJ sets, solo acts as well as ateliers and workshops. The festival usually takes place between the 26th and 29th of July.
What are you waiting for?
Come and have a good time, enjoy music, nice people and magical places.