Craiova

🌍 Nicolae Romanescu Park (Parcul Romanescu), Nicolae Romanescu. 24hrs. A special sight in Craiova is represented by "Nicolae Romanescu" Park, with its picturesque character. Unique in Romania, this valuable architectural monument is also one of the most interesting accomplishments of its kind in Europe. Displayed at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, in 1900, the park's plans received the Golden Medal. The works began in 1901, under the supervision of the project's author, assisted by artists Jules Redont (his brother) and Emil Pinard. For two years, 50,000 seedlings of ornamental trees and shrubs, from among which many species difficult to adapt to our climate were planted. Thus, the park began to take shape: the lake and the two islands, the river, bridges, small waterfalls, alleys, "The Suspended Bridge", with its two gorgeous porticos, "The Enchanted Castle", "The Circular Hall", the deers' pen and the bears' cave, the pier and the restaurant on the bank of the lake, pavilions, greenhouses, imitations of rocks and tree trunks made of armoured-concrete. The park's inauguration took place in May 1903, and the celebrations caused by the event lasted for two weeks. Conceived and created like a romantic park with a surface of 90 ha, plus the lakes (4 ha) and the racecourse (20 ha), the park is unique in Romania, in its own way. Moreover, this is the second largest park of its kind in Europe, and the racecourse is the biggest in the Balkan area. In 1956, it was enclosed with a fence, the monumental portal at the main entrance being built at the same time. free. 

🌍 Craiova Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta), str. Unirii, nr.15 (Close to Prefecturii Square.), ☏ +40 251 412342. 10-17. The Art Museum of Craiova is located in the sumptuous palace of the former magnate Jean Mihail. Built between 1899-1907, according to the plans of the French arhitect Paul Gottereau, the palace represents, stylistically, a rather free interpretation of the late baroque. The wealth of the patrimony, the quite elegant backgrround, with Venetian mirrors, candelabrums of Murano crystal, Carrara marble staircases, walls with tapestry of Lyon silk, but specially the particular way the objects are displayed, have brought it to the attention of the visitors. At the origin of the museum is the "Alexandru and Aristia Aman" pinacotec, founded in 1905 and sheltered in the house of the Lăceanu family (Aristia's parents). Along the years, acquisitions by the City Hall or donations have been added: Cornetti, Glogoveanu, N.Romanescu, Jean Mihail. Taken over by the Museum of Oltenia in 1950, this rich fund was removed, in 1954, to the present center turned into the Art Museum. The Museum is organized in three sections: (1) The European art Gallery (the Dutch, Flemish, French and Italian schools), located in five rooms on the ground floor of the palace; (2) The Romanian Art Gallery (from feudal to contemporary art), on the first floor; and (3) The Brancusi room with masterpieces from the youth of the great sculptor: Vitellius, Vainglory, Head, Fragment of Torso, The Kiss and Melle Pogany. 

Craiova National Theater Marin Sorescu (Teatrul National Marin Sorescu), str. Alexandru Ioan Cuza, nr. 11. The Craiova National Theater "Marin Sorescu" is an internationally renowned institution. Every two years theater troupes and theater lovers from all around the world come to participate in the International Shakespeare Festival. 

🌍 The Museum of Oltenia (Muzeul Olteniei), Str. Popa Şapcă nr.8. It is located in three different buildings that host three different exhibitions. The building from str. Popa Şapcă nr.8 is where the Nature Science Museum and a traditional pottery shop are located. In the building from str. Madona Dudu nr. 14 the history and archaeology exhibition is located, with a new build wing. The building from str. Matei Basarab nr.16 is one of the oldest in the city, built in the 15th century. Here the ethnography exhibition is located 

🌍 Mihai Viteazu Square. An entire ensemble of artesian wells, vases with verdure, and decorative plants greet you in this central plaza wherein also lie the statue of Mihai Viteazu and a musical fountain and a formal English garden to the east. The musical fountain in Craiova is unique in the country as design. 

🌍 Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Demetrius, Strada Matei Basarab. Nice pinstriped church, Romanian Orthodox, though constructed in 1933, inhabits a former site of a church from 1651. (updated Jan 2021)

🌍 Alexandru Buia Botanical Garden, Str. Constantin Lecca nr. 26 (Second tram station from University, when going to West.). 06:00-23:00. Nice park with many interesting plants representative of flora from across Romania. 

Visit Art Palace. Visit Nicolae Romanescu Park.

Art Museum is interesting and well worth the walk there.

• 🌍 Electroputere Shopping Mall, Calea București 80, ☏ +40 251 435 556, fax: +40 251 435 557, contact@electroputeremall.ro. Stores: daily 10:00-22:00, Auchan: daily 8:00 - 22:00. (updated Apr 2023)
• 🌍 Mercur Center Mall, Calea Unirii 14. 9:00-21:00. (updated Apr 2023)

The city has many restaurantes with decent prices and a lot of fast foods.

Craiova is plagued by corrupt officials and police, and overrun by lawless gangs. However, this is more related to organized crime and should not concern regular citizens. Day trips are more than OK, but it may be unsafe at night even in downtown.

In Craiova one may occasionally encounter stray dogs. Be careful, in case they are aggressive.

Craiova and its approach roads have 4G from all Romanian carriers. As of Aug 2022, there is 5G in city centre from Orange.

A day in a nearby village could be an option. Preajba de Padure is a small beautiful village 45 km away, near the border with Olt county. You can take the bus (seven daily, less in weekends) from the bus station (near the railway station) for 9 lei one way or 15 lei return. The bus has another stop on Decebal Street (exact location: 44 18' 58.30" N, 23 50' 02" E).