What Makes Craiova, Romania a Fantastic Holiday Destination

If you are thinking of taking a European vacation this Holiday season, Craiova, Romania is the place to do it. 

Craiova is the 6th largest city in Romania. It is the capital of Dolj county. It is a political center characterized by lovely historic buildings and green areas. 

The city is terrific to visit any time of year, but it really lights up during the holiday season. Here are some things you can enjoy when you’re in town. 

Craiova Christmas Market

The Craiova Christmas Market has been rated among the best in Europe and it is part of what puts the city on the map as a must-visit holiday destination. 

The market kicks off in late November marked by over a million lights being illuminated in the central area including Mihai Viteazul Square, Old Center, William Shakespeare Square, on Calea Bucuresti and in Nicolae Romanescu Park. 

The market features a variety of activities including performances that take place every weekend evening at Fratii Buzesti Square. Most entertainers represent cultural institutions but there are a few surprise guests thrown in. The program includes opera, ballet, interactive shows and more. 

When the market takes place, the entire city is alight with activities. You can ice skate in the rink on Mihai Viteazul Square across from Town Hall, enjoy food from the street food trucks, attend the creative workshops for children and adults, and check out the Santa House.  

The market also features vendors selling authentic food dishes and unique items. Be sure to try the roasted dock rolls with fried polenta, the meat stuffed cabbage, the stuffed crayfish, the leek dishes, and the spicy dried red peppers. Wash it down with mulled wine or plum brandy. 

Visit the Craiova Art Museum

The Art Museum was established in 1954 and it’s listed as a historical site. It was originally the property of one of the wealthiest families in Romania. As such, its architecture is just as lovely as its exhibits. It features a variety of master painters including a section that showcases the works of Constantin Brancusi. 

Check out the Craiova Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden is located in the center of the city and spans a large area. Its purpose is to preserve a variety of plants collected from different parts of the country. The specimens are used for studies conducted at the University of Craiova. The space is also used as a local park. 

Theatre Marin Sorescu

The Theatre Marin Sorescu opened over 165 years ago, and it is considered one of the most important theaters in Romania. It has been the site of several international festivals as well as the Shakespeare Festival. It is currently specializing in contemporary drama. Be sure to check out what’s on the program when you visit for the holiday season. 

Prefecture Square Craiova

Prefecture Square is the city’s center and main meeting point. It is full of shops, venues, and restaurants. It’s a great place to go for holiday shopping and to take in the city’s festive atmosphere. 

The Craiova Musical Fountain

Craiova’s Musical Fountain will fill you with the spirit of the season. It is centrally located in Prefecture Square and it’s a great place to sit and relax. At night, it lights up for a music and dancing water display. 

Casa Bainei 

Casa Bainei is the oldest historical landmark of the city and serves as an Ethnography Museum. Browse its two stories to view the wood carved objects, craft tools, equipment, textiles, and glass work. It also offers a free folk-art workshop for children. 

Epoca State House

If you are looking for a delicious food experience, you must have a meal at Epoca Steak House. Enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxing atmosphere. The menu includes fine steaks and other entrees prepared with the perfect blend of herbs, spices, and sauces. 

Museum of Oltenia

The Museum of Oltenia is a multidisciplinary museum housed in an old girls’ school that dates back to 1905. The museum itself was established in 1928. It has been declared as a historical site. It contains an archaeological section, an ethnography section, a natural history section and more. 

Cathedral of St. Demetrius

If you want to reflect on the more religious side of the holiday season, you can do so at the Cathedral of St. Demetrius. It is a Romanian Orthodox Church located in the historic land of Oltenia. It is built on a site of a church that existed in the 1490’s but was demolished in 1889. The new structure was built in 1933. 

Nicolae Romanescu Park

Nicolae Romanescu Park was formed between 1901 and 1903 by the French architect Edouard Redont. It is considered the third largest park in Europe. It spans 23 acres and includes a 10-acre lake. It contains landmarks like the Charmed Castle, an old suspension bridge that was built with the park, The Glorietta or Belvedere dome, and the Craiova Hippodrome. 

If you are looking to get away for the holiday season, Craiova provides a variety of things to see and do. Its market puts the entire city in a festive mood while its other sights offer points of interest to enjoy. What will you be doing first when you visit? 

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