The city of Bistrita carries a medieval air, one of its most precious riches being its history. Today, some of its buildings and alleys are reminiscent of bygone times bearing mysteries akin to the ones found in fairytales. In addition to the defining tourist attractions of the medieval town, Bistrița has many natural treasures represented by parks, green spaces and ideal places for relaxation.
The first official mention of the city was documented in 1246. The Saxons were the ones who, in the 13th century, guarded the borders of Transylvania. They thus received land in Bistrița and contributed to the rise of this settlement. Between 1241 and 1242, the Tartars devastated the town.
In 1465 Bistrița reinforced its fortress, having 18 towers and bastions. Thus, the locality became one of the most important Transylvanian centres. Many buildings or fragments of constructions made in those times still exist today, among which: the Gothic Church, the ‘Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple Church’ Orthodox Church, the Silversmith’s House.
Bistrița is the municipality of the Bistrița-Năsăud County and is located in the northern part of Romania. More precisely, Bistrița is located in the northeast of the Transylvanian Plateau, in the Bistrița Depression, at the foot of the Bârgău mountains. Bistrita is surrounded by hills covered with orchards. Its neighbours are: in the north – Maramureș, in the east – Suceava, in the west – Cluj and Sălaj, in the south – Mureș.
The Silversmith’s House – The construction was erected between 1560 – 1563 in the Renaissance architectural style. The monument is located in the old town, at 5 Dornei Street, and represents a museum section of the Bistrița-Năsăud Museum Complex. The beautiful name comes from the fact that two chalices are sculpted in the window arch on the ground floor.
Visiting hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00
Ticket prices:
8 lei – adults
4 lei – students, military personnel, pensioners
2 lei – children
Sugălete Ensemble – It is an impressive architectural complex, consisting of 13 houses dating back to the 14th-15th centuries, which illustrate the richness and diversity of architectural styles from different eras. These are the first multi-story houses in Bistrița. The architectural styles in which they were designed represent a mix of Gothic and Renaissance influences. The ensemble is located in the historic center of the city, on Dornei Street 13-24 (across from the Evangelical Church, in the center). Visiting the Sugălete Ensemble offers a captivating insight into the history and architecture of the city, being a place of exceptional cultural and touristic interest.
Dogarilor Tower– It is the only one that has survived from the old fortified citadel. The tower stands at 25 meters in height and over time has served various purposes, including as a prison and observation point. Today, it houses a gallery of dolls and masks, as well as an art gallery. The tower impresses with its imposing structure and the medieval atmosphere it exudes.
The Palace of Culture – This is the epicenter of cultural life in Bistrița and is located in Central Park. Built-in neoclassical style in 1896, the palace impresses with its elegance and grandeur. It hosts various cultural and artistic institutions, such as theaters, concert halls, libraries, and exhibitions, being an important cultural and social center for the local community. Numerous events are organized here, such as theater performances, concerts, and book presentations.
With its imposing architecture and the diverse cultural events organized here, the Palace of Culture is a meeting place and source of inspiration for the residents and visitors of Bistrița.
The Evangelical Church – It is an architectural gem that dominates the cityscape. The monument-building stands 75 meters tall and is the architectural emblem of Bistrița. The place of worship was built by the Saxon community at the end of the 13th century. The tall tower and imposing facade attract the attention of visitors, while its interior rich in details and medieval frescoes offers a unique spiritual and cultural experience.
The Evangelical Church represents an important historical monument and a place of gathering and prayer for the evangelical community of Bistrița. The church is located in the Central Square of Bistrița.
The closest airports to Bistrița are Târgu Mureș (100 km away) and Cluj-Napoca (120 km).
The trains departing from Bistrița station have as main destinations the following cities: Cluj-Napoca, Dej, Deda, Vatra Dornei, Bucharest and Sărăţel.
If you prefer a faster option, you can choose to travel by bus or minibus. Here you will find all the necessary information to plan your trip: bus stations and bus stops, departure and arrival times, destinations.
If you want to go from Bucharest to Bistrita by car, you will have to travel 482 km. The route to follow is (DN13 / E60): Bucharest – Brașov – Sighișoara – Târgu Mureș – Reghin – Bistrița.