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Craiova Sights and Landmarks Guide, Romania

Being considered the capital of Oltenia region, Craiova sights are interesting and captivating even for those who have already visited it. You can easily reach the city from Bucharest or Satu Mare.

Craiova Sights- Churches

The oldest building located in the area is Cosuna Monastery, but only its church has been preserved until today. Documents state that the monastery was built in 1483. The church is an architectural masterpiece characterized by a combination of two styles Byzantine and local.

Other churches worth visiting are the church of Jitianu monastery built around 1654, The Church of All Saints (1700), St Dumitru Church (built in 1652 and renovated in 1889) and St Nicolas Church (1794).

Craiova Sights- Historic Buildings

Casa Baniei is the oldest building to be found in the city, dating 1699. It is a two storey building former residence of the rulers of that time. The building had many other different purposes. It hosted the first school in Craiova, the court or Olteniei Museum.

Jean Mihail Palace hosts the present Museum Of Art and it was built in 1907 by French architect Paul Gottereau. Vorvorenilor House is a palace presenting later influences of French Renaissance characterized by rich ornaments and richly decorated interiors. A different building from the architectural point of view is The University, the former Palace of Justice. It was designed by architect Ion Socolescu in Neoclassical style. Another wonderful building is The Town Hall finished in 1916. Its interior impresses with its Venetian mosaics and iron works. The building that hosts the National Theatre is also not to be missed, even if it is more recently built in 1973.

Craiova Sights- Green Spaces

After visiting all the magnificent buildings, it is time for a bit of relaxation and the best place to do just that is in Nicolae Romanescu Park, unique in Romania and one of the most interesting parks in Europe. The projects of this park won the gold medal at the International Exhibition in Paris in 1900. The park stretches on an area of 96 hectares with different types of trees, 4 hectares of waterways, 20 hectares of racetracks and 35 km of pathways. Children, and not only, can also visit a zoo where they can see mostly indigenous animals.

Another green area where tourists can have a relaxing walk and see different plants is the Botanical Garden, especially designed for the students studying horticulture and agronomy, but also as a recreational area.

Craiova Sights- Museums

The Museum of Art hosts collections of both Romanian and foreign paintings, sculptures and icons. Those interested in medicine should visit the Museum of History of Medicine and Pharmacology. The museum contains documents related to the local doctor Victor Gomoiu’s activity and also documents and personal belongings of some great scientists.

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