Oradea is one of the cities in Romania that is characterised by simplicity, tranquility and architectural beauty. There are many impressive buildings here, which is why it is the only town in the country that is part of the European Network of Art Nouveau cities. At the same time, the city houses ecclesiastical and secular architectural monuments, historical monuments, museums and art galleries.
Oradea was documented for the first time in 1113. The 15th century saw the cultural flourishing of the city, when an imposing library was established, as well as an astronomical observatory. Later, Oradea became the quintessence of Transylvania from a military point of view. In the 17th century, the fortress was besieged by the Ottomans and its transformation into an evalet took place.
Later, in 1700, Oradea developed, and it was the period during which many baroque buildings were built. In 1910, it became an aviation centre and an important cultural city.
Oradea is the city of residence of the Bihor County and is located in northwestern Romania. The city is situated on the river Crisul Repede, in the Crisuri plain, at the western foot of the Apuseni Mountains. Thus, the locality is in the transition zone from the hilly relief to the plain relief. Its neighbours are: to the north – Satu Mare, to the east – Cluj, to the south – Banat and Hunedoara, and to the west – Hungary.
Union square – is the historic centre of the city where you can enjoy a rich display of buildings in various architectural styles: City Hall (neo-renaissance style), Palace of the Greek Catholic Episcopate made in the same way, Kovacs House (neoclassical style), Black Eagle Palace (secession style), to give just a few examples.
The Moskovits Palace – On a European scale, this is the third largest synagogue in size. The building was erected between 1877 and 1878, following the Neo-Moorish style, by the Reform Jewish community, after separating from the Orthodox Jewish community. The most impressive feature of the synagogue is its dome, painted in a brilliant blue. During the renovation process, a copper cylinder containing a document dated September 24, 1878, was discovered in the synagogue’s floor. Through this document, Emperor Ferencs Iozsef granted approval for the Jewish community to build the synagogue.
Oradea Fortress – it is the emblem of the city and is the place where the city’s history is most keenly felt and seen. It comprises 12 bodies and 5 bastions, with an extremely vast past spanning almost 1000 years. Within the citadel, you will find museums, artisan workshops, and medieval demonstrations that transport you to times long gone. Here, however, you can also enjoy movie nights on the grass in the citadel’s park, which is why we believe that the Oradea Citadel is today the focal point of cultural events in Oradea.
The Baroque Complex – it is the most important complex of its kind in the country and includes three elements: the Baroque Palace, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Canons’ Row. Among these, the Canons’ Row is particularly unique, consisting of ten buildings attached to each other, forming a complete row. Recently restored, the Baroque ensemble is both a pilgrimage site and a must-visit tourist destination in Oradea.
Neolog Synagogue Sion – on a European scale, this is the third largest synagogue in size. The building was erected between 1877 and 1878, following the Neo-Moorish style, by the Reform Jewish community, after separating from the Orthodox Jewish community. The most impressive feature of the synagogue is its dome, painted in a brilliant blue. During the renovation process, a copper cylinder containing a document dated September 24, 1878, was discovered in the synagogue’s floor. Through this document, Emperor Ferencs Iozsef granted approval for the Jewish community to build the synagogue.
Even though Oradea has an airport, “Oradea International Airport”, it does not currently have regular flights, only seasonal charter flights. Instead, the national company Tarom has daily flights to Bucharest. If you want to go from the capital (Bucharest) to Oradea, this would be the fastest ways to get there.
If you want to opt for the train option, there is also this possibility. Trains departing from Oradea Station have departures to most cities and towns in the country. You can find more info here.
If you prefer a faster option, you can choose to travel by bus/minibus. Here you will find all the necessary information: bus stations and stops, departure and arrival times, destinations, etc.
If you choose to travel by car, for example from Bucharest to Oradea, the recommended route is: Bucharest – Ploiești – Brașov – Târgu Mureș – Cluj-Napoca – Oradea.
If you like music festivals, in Oradea you will find one to your taste, regardless of the style of music you prefer. Here you have a list with some of them:
What are you waiting for? Come and have a good time, enjoy music, nice people and magical places.
