In the south of Romania, right on the left bank of the Jiu river, Craiova is a city with a rich and very interesting history.
Let us not forget that it has been considered the “capital of the Oltenia region” since the earliest times, a cultural, historic and economic centre of great importance nationally.
If you are planning a stay in Craiova, you should also put the tourist attractions below on your list.
The Bania House (Casa Baniei)
This is the oldest secular building in the whole city, built in 1699.
Today it is considered one of the main tourist attractions in Craiova. It was rebuilt on the orders of Constantin Brâncoveanu, because it was where the divan of Craiova met. It rises on two levels, with brick-vaulted rooms on the ground floor and rooms and verandas on the upper floor.
Nicolae Romanescu Park
This is the largest natural park in the eastern part of Europe. In practice, Nicolae Romanescu Park is considered one of the landscape art monuments of our country.
It was inaugurated by King Carol I himself, in 1903. It covers 90 ha, and the wooded areas, alleys and green spaces give it the status of the largest urban green area in the country.
Here we find over 27 kilometres of alleys, as well as numerous monuments, including the Bibescu House, the Suspension Bridge, the Hippodrome, the Great Lake, the Medieval Castle and the Velodrome.
In practice, it is a setting that favours relaxation, because we can spend time outdoors, away from the daily bustle.
The Art Museum
For culture lovers, the Art Museum is the ideal place. The building that houses the museum was built in 1896, according to the ideas of the French-born architect Paul Gottereau.
Let us not forget that some of the works of the great sculptor Constantin Brâncuși are also on display here.
The Botanical Garden in Craiova
It was created out of the wish of the botanist Alexandru Buia, to be used as a study base by students of the horticulture and agronomy faculties.
Today the garden is considered a leisure area, covering more than 17 ha and divided into different sectors: ornamental, economic, world flora and systematic.
The Botanical Garden is much appreciated both by people who live in Craiova and by tourists who appreciate the beauties of nature.
Very near Craiova, 59 km away, is the Wild Peony Reserve at Plenița, in a plain area.
The reserve covers 50 ha and is considered unique in the whole of Romania. When the wild peony is in bloom, the scenery is like something from a fairy tale.
So Craiova is among the most beautiful cities nationally, thanks to its numerous sights appreciated by tourists from all over the world.
