Pitești

The city with a little of everything - history, modernity, relaxation, innovation

The city of Pitesti has monuments of impressive religious architecture due to their proportions and longevity, as well as contemporary attractions, museums. At the same time, if your favourite activities include spending time in nature, here you will find beautifully arranged parks and green spaces. Pitesti has a little of everything – history, contemporaneity, relaxation, innovation. Come see it for yourself.

History &

Geography

Pitești was first documented in 1388. Initially, the town had the status of a fair which later became a commercial, craft, and, finally, agricultural centre.

The title of city was acquired in the fourteenth century. In the 16th century, the voivode Neagoe Basarab built a voivodship court in Pitești. In 1872, the town became a railway node so that by the end of the 19th century the population of the locality had grown considerably.

During the two world wars, the locals were actively involved in the battle. The Pitesti prison had a significant role during the communist period, but with a bad reputation, being the place where young people fighting against the regime were tortured.

 

Pitești, the municipality of Argeș County, is located in the central-southern part of the country, in the Getic Plateau. The city is located between the Southern Carpathians and the Danube, at the intersection of the Argeș River with the Doamnei River. Its neighbours are: to the north – Brașov, to the east – Prahova, to the west – Vâlcea, to the south – Olt and Teleorman.

Did you know...?

  • The first exhibition, both at national level and in Europe, dedicated to ecology through a system of dioramas and naturalized pieces was held in the Argeș County Museum in Pitești?

 

  • The population of Pitești increased more than 10 times in the last 130 years?

 

  • There a copy of the Cheops pyramid in Pitești?

 

  • Pitești has a system of catacombs? One of the entrances is located below the Prefecture (Vasile Milea Square) and leads to a platform in the South Station.
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Tourist attractions in PITEȘTI

The Art Museum

Built in 1886 according to the plans of architect Ion Socolescu, it was initially the headquarters of the Pitești City Hall. Currently, it houses the “Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpăna” Art Gallery, established in 1968. It exhibits significant works by artists such as Nicolae Grigorescu, Theodor Pallady, Rudolf Schweitzer-Cumpăna, Nicolae Tonitza, Camil Ressu, Ștefan Luchian, and others. The building is a historical monument and shelters a heritage of over 1,000 artworks.

Currently, it is closed for rehabilitation.

Pitesti_Muzeul de Artă

The Princely Church of St. George

It represents an important historical monument located in the heart of the city of Pitești. Erected in 1656 by the ruler Constantin Șerban of Wallachia, this church is one of the oldest and most significant religious constructions in the region.

Its impressive architecture and rich history attract numerous visitors and faithful from across the country. The church preserves remarkable architectural elements, reflecting the style and influences of the time in which it was built. Throughout the centuries, it has served as a place of worship and spirituality for the local community, witnessing many important historical and religious events.

Over time, the church has been restored and maintained, preserving its beauty and cultural and spiritual significance. Today, it is a place of prayer and reflection, as well as a special tourist and cultural attraction for those visiting Pitești and wishing to discover its historical and religious heritage.

Pitesti_Biserica Domnească Sf. Gheorghe

Ștrand Park

Built in 1934 at the initiative of General Ion Antonescu, it was an important achievement for the city. Located on the banks of the Argeș River, this park offers an oasis of relaxation and entertainment for visitors. Among the facilities offered are boat rides, go-kart races, football, tennis, basketball, and handball courts, as well as an artificial ice rink. Children can enjoy attractions such as the train and performances on the park’s outdoor stage. The natural scenery is complemented by swans, seagulls, and wild ducks. Additionally, there is an outdoor theater within the park.

In the past, after 1945, the park was renamed “Vasile Roaită Park,” according to communist ideology. In 1953, it was redesigned for the first time, with new paths and ornamental plants added. In the 1960s, the park had several wooden bridges over navigable canals and even included a “Chinese corner” on one of its islands.

Pitesti_Parcul Ștrand

The Zoo

It was founded in 1950 in the Strand area, on the banks of the Argeș River, as a zoological corner with improvised cages for bears, foxes, and wolves. Following the floods in 1970, the animals were relocated to the Zoo in Trivale Park. Today, the zoo is managed by the Municipality of Pitești and covers an area of 12 hectares, housing over 60 species and 1778 animals, including birds, reptiles, and exotic fish from various parts of the world. The special atmosphere in the garden and the sensitive connection between visitors and animals encourage children to develop empathy and learn to love these living beings with life and feelings.

The entrance fee for adults is 8 lei, while for children over 3 years old, pensioners, pupils, and students, the price is 4 lei.

Pitesti_Grădina Zoologică
Internal and external links

Transport to/from Pitesti

The nearest airport to Pitești is Craiova (98 km away), followed by Bucharest (Otopeni and Baneasa, respectively).

 

Trains leave Pitești station every day for most localities and cities 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 on this plan: bus stations and stops, departure and arrival times, destinations.

 

If you want to get from Bucharest to Pitești by car, the shortest route is on DN2 (E85).

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Festivals and other attractions in Pitești

If you like music festivals, in Constanta 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.

  • Tulip Symphony – is an event which started back in 1978. This is the second tulip exhibition in Europe, after the one organised in a Dutch city. Because of this the city of Pitesti is also known as “The City of Tulips”.

 

What are you waiting for? Come and have a good time, enjoy music, nice people and magical places.

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