Craiova, Romania
Region: Dolj
Geographic Coordinates: 44.333300, 23.816700
Temperature Range: -10.0°C to 35.0°C (14°F to 95°F)
Population: 269506
Language: Romanian
Craiova is a city located in southwestern Romania, With a population of approximately 300, 000 inhabitants. It is the capital of Dolj County and one of the largest cities in the historical region of Oltenia. The city has a rich cultural heritage and offers visitors a unique blend of history, Architecture, And modernity. One of Craiova’s most notable landmarks is its historic center. Here you will find beautiful buildings from various architectural styles such as Baroque, Neo-Renaissance, And Art Nouveau.
The main square – Piata Mihai Viteazu – is surrounded by impressive buildings such as the Oltenia Museum (which hosts an impressive collection of art), The Town Hall (built in 1898), And St. Dumitru Church (an Orthodox church dating back to 1653). Another must-see attraction in Craiova is Nicolae Romanescu Park – an oasis of greenery that covers over 90 hectares. The park features several lakes, Walking paths, Playgrounds for children, And numerous benches where visitors can relax while enjoying nature’s beauty.
For those interested in history or architecture enthusiasts alike should visit Craiova’s Old Fortress – one of Romania’s most important medieval fortifications built-in XIV century by Mircea cel Batran – Prince Of Wallachia at that time . This fortress played an important role throughout history due to its strategic location on the banks on Jiu River. Craiova also boasts several museums worth visiting: The Art Museum displays works by famous Romanian artists such as Corneliu Baba or Ion Irimescu; The History Museum showcases exhibits related to local traditions; while Casa Baniei museum displays traditional costumes from Oltenia region.
yet importantly , Food lovers will appreciate Craiova’s culinary scene which includes both traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) or mici (grilled minced meat) and international cuisine. The city is also known for its local wines, Particularly the red wines from the nearby vineyards of Segarcea. Craiova is a city that offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, And modernity. Its rich heritage can be seen in its impressive architecture while its green spaces provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
With numerous museums to visit, Delicious food to try, And beautiful landmarks to explore – Craiova is definitely worth a visit!
- Nicolae Romanescu Park: a large park that boasts beautiful lakes, gardens, and walking paths.
- Craiova Art Museum: an art museum that features Romanian and European art.
- Madona Dudu Church: a historic Orthodox church with unique architecture.
- Oltenia Museum: a museum that showcases the history and culture of the region.
- Craiova Botanical Garden: home to over 10,000 plant species.
- Ion Oblemenco Stadium: a modern football stadium.
- The Craiova Musical Fountain: an impressive water show set to music.
- The Old City Center: featuring historic buildings and traditional Romanian architecture.
- Craiova Theatre- hosting performances of drama, opera, and ballet.
- The Băniei House- an old house that has been transformed into a museum showcasing life in Oltenia during the 19th century.
- Automotive industry: The city is home to the largest manufacturing plant of Ford Motor Company in Europe, which employs over 6,000 people.
- Aerospace industry: Craiova has a growing aerospace sector with companies such as Aerostar SA and Romaero SA.
- IT and software development: Several IT companies have set up their offices in Craiova, including IBM, Endava, Ness Technologies and Wipro.
- Textile industry: The city has several textile factories that produce clothing and other textiles.
- Agriculture: The surrounding region of Oltenia is known for its fertile soil and agricultural production of crops such as wheat, corn, sunflowers and grapes.
- Construction materials manufacturing: There are several factories producing construction materials such as cement products, bricks and tiles.
- Healthcare services: Craiova has a number of hospitals providing medical care to the local population as well as patients from neighboring regions.
- Education sector: The city has several universities offering courses in engineering, medicine, economics and law among others.
- City of Craiova – the capital city of Dolj County in Romania.
- University of Craiova – a public university offering a wide range of academic programs.
- Nicolae Romanescu Park – a large park in the city center with lakes, gardens, and walking paths.
- Craiova Art Museum – a museum showcasing Romanian art and culture.
- Craiova Botanical Garden – a botanical garden with a diverse collection of plants and flowers.
- Craiova Musical Fountain – a popular attraction featuring a water and light show set to music.
- Craiova Philharmonic Orchestra – a renowned orchestra performing classical and contemporary music.
- Craiova National Theater – a theater showcasing plays, operas, and ballets.
- Craiova FC – a professional football club representing the city in the Romanian Liga I.
- The Craiova International Airport – a modern airport serving the city and surrounding region with flights to destinations across Europe.
- Art Museum of Craiova showcases Romanian and European art from the 15th century to present day.
- Nicolae Romanescu Park is a beautiful park with lakes, gardens, and a zoo.
- The Oltenia Museum features exhibits on local history, culture, and traditions.
- The Craiova Philharmonic Orchestra offers classical music concerts throughout the year.
- Bania House Memorial Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Romanian poet Anton Pann.
- Saint Demetrius Church is an impressive Orthodox church with stunning frescoes and icons.
- The National Theatre Marin Sorescu hosts plays, operas, ballets, and other cultural events.
- Madona Dudu Church is a unique church featuring intricate wood carvings and paintings.
- The Botanical Garden of Craiova is home to over 10 thousand species of plants.
- The Constantin Mihail Palace is an elegant palace built in the early 20th century which now houses the University of Craiova’s Faculty of Law.
- Universitatea Craiova Football Club was founded in 1948 and is one of the most successful football clubs in Romania. They have won four Romanian league titles and two Romanian Cups.
- SCM Craiova Handball Club, established in 1950, is a professional handball club that competes in the Liga Națională, the top-tier handball league in Romania. They have won six Romanian league titles and four Romanian Cups.
- CSU Asesoft Ploiești Basketball Club (formerly known as BCM U Pitești) was founded by businessman Flavius Stoican from Craiova, although not based there. The team has won ten Romanian league titles and eight Romanian Cups.
- CSU Atlassib Sibiu Volleyball Club (formerly known as CSU Remat Zalău) is not based in Craiova but has ties to the city through its former president, Dragoș Bîrlădeanu who is also a businessman from the area. The team has won three Romanian league titles and two Romanian Cups.
- CSM Focșani Rugby Club may not be as popular as football or handball in Romania but they have been competing at national level since 1969 and have achieved some success over the years including winning several regional championships.
- Craiova International Film Festival and Screenwriting Workshop
- Oltenia Wine Fair
- National Theater Festival Marin Sorescu
- Craiova Jazz Festival
- Romanian Folk Art and Craft Fair
- Medieval Days in Craiova
- The International Book Fair
- The International Poetry Festival Nichita Stanescu
- Spring Music Days in Craiova
- The Night of the Museums and Galleries
- Sarmale – a traditional Romanian dish made with minced meat and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves.
- Mici – a type of grilled minced meat sausage.
- Ciorba de burta – a sour soup made with beef tripe.
- Casa Veche Restaurant – known for its traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale, mici, and ciorba de burta.
- La Scara Restaurant – offers a mix of Romanian and international cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.
- Restaurant Bujorul de Aur – specializes in grilled meats and traditional Romanian dishes such as ciorba de burta and sarmale.
- Trattoria Da Toni – serves Italian cuisine with homemade pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes.
- Nicolae Romanescu Park is a large park that boasts lakes, walking trails, playgrounds and picnic areas.
- The Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden that displays various plant species and features a greenhouse.
- Craiova Zoo is a small zoo that houses various animals including lions, tigers, bears and monkeys.
- Ion Oblemenco Stadium is a sports stadium where football matches are held regularly.
- Tineretului Park offers multiple sports fields for basketball, volleyball and football enthusiasts to enjoy.
- Alexandru Ioan Cuza Park is another park located in the city center which provides walking paths and benches for relaxation purposes.
- Aqua Parc Craiova is an outdoor water park which offers slides and pools suitable for all ages to enjoy during the summer months.
Furthermore, there are other recreational activities available such as hiking in nearby mountains like Retezat Mountains or visiting cultural landmarks such as Oltenia Museum or Craiova Art Museum.
