Craiova has an impressive number of historical buildings and museums, which speak to its cultural and historical richness. In addition, the city is home to parks and nature reserves, as well as several unique fountains. The established tourist attractions are in harmony with the new buildings, specific to the contemporary period.
On the place where Craiova is found today there was, during 400 BC, a Roman settlement called Pelendava. The name we know today was first used at the end of the 15th century. Craiova was an important national factor in the context of anti-Ottoman battles. The 16th century brought the transition of the locality to the title of city. The following two centuries were challenging from an economic and demographic point of view. The end of the 19th century saw the capitalist development of the city.
Craiova is located in the Dolj County and is located in the center of Oltenia, in the southern part of Romania. The municipality is located in the Oltenia Plain – an integral part of the Wallachian Plain. The area borders the following counties: Hunedoara – to the north, Argeș – to the east, Timiș – to the west, and to the south it borders Bulgaria.
The largest park in Eastern Europe and one of the most beautiful in the world, inaugurated in 1903.
It is also known for its historical and natural landmarks, including the suspension bridge and the Enchanted Castle. The park offers a variety of facilities and attractions, such as lakes, a hippodrome, a zoo, and an amphitheater for outdoor performances. It is a popular destination for recreation and leisure, visited by both locals and tourists.
It is located in the Constantin Mihail Palace, a jewel with neobaroque influences, built between 1900 and 1907 by architect Paul Gottereau. It hosts a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings from various artistic schools, sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, and collections of Romanian icons and graphics.
The building also has historical significance, as it was the site of important events such as hosting King Carol I and his family in 1913 and the signing of the Treaty of Craiova in 1940.
It is located in Mihai Viteazul Square and is an artesian fountain with musical accompaniment and unique lighting.
The water play and effects system includes various assemblies and nozzles, such as peacock tails, foaming nozzles, multi-jet nozzles, and rotating nozzles. These are placed in the fountain basin and are controlled to create spectacular water and light effects, synchronized with the rhythm of the music. From nozzles that create a water screen for projections to nozzles that throw water into the air in various shapes and heights, the system offers a variety of visual and auditory experiences for spectators.
The oldest civil building in Craiova and a national architectural monument of interest that brings together numerous collections of traditional art.
Rebuilt in 1699 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, the house is located in the central area of the city, near the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Dumitru and the Buzești Brothers Monument. Initially, the “bănie” houses would have been the foundation of the great ban Barbu Craiovescu, son of Neagoe from Craiova, and served as the residence of the bans and as a meeting place for the Craiova Divan. Constantin Brâncoveanu rebuilt Băniei House in a popular style, with columns, similar to that of other historical buildings in Wallachia, such as the princely palaces of Potlogi and Mogoșoaia or Horezu Monastery.
If you want to fly to Craiova you can do so by using “Craiova International Airport” which is located 7 km from the city centre. The airlines operating at this airport are Atlas Global, Blue Air, WizzAir. The latter company has flights to several European cities, including Barcelona and Madrid.
To travel to other cities in the country, you can choose to go by train. From CFR station there are direct daily trips to: Bucharest, Arad, Timișoara, Brașov (with RegioTrans), Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Constanța, as well as other cities and towns in the country.
If you prefer a faster option, you can choose to travel by bus / minibus. Here you will find all the necessary information for this: bus stations and stops, departure and arrival times, destinations.
If you want to go from Bucharest to Craiova by car, the route you will have to take is Bucharest – Pitești – Slatina – Balș – Craiova (243 km – about 4 and a half hours).
