Craiova – Top 30 Attractions and Tourist Spots to Visit

Craiova is a city that pleasantly surprised me, far exceeding my expectations. It boasts a vibrant history and culture. Whether you are a tourist looking for history, churches, art, nature, or simply exploring the city's beauty, this guide will provide a comprehensive view of the city's tourist attractions.

I have organized the list according to the locations on the map, making it easier for you to find them. So, let’s start a virtual journey through Craiova and explore the most interesting places to visit.

Tourist Attractions in Craiova

1. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden in Craiova is the fourth university botanical garden in the country, following those in Iași, Bucharest, and Cluj. It is very clean and beautifully arranged over approximately 13 hectares, making you almost forget you are in the middle of the city. The institution comprises eight sections with various plants, a herbarium, and a museum.

The garden hosts over 6,000 species of shrubs, flowers, and other plants from around the world. It is a wonderful place full of flowers, greenery, lakes, ducks, swans, turtles, and small rivers. There are numerous benches for resting, a Japanese-style corner, a wooden sculpture exhibition, a specially arranged jogging track, and even an astronomical observatory. You can easily spend a few hours here.

Visiting Hours: Monday – Sunday: 07:00 – 23:00

Entrance Fee: FREE

2. Art Museum

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of the Art Museum in Craiova is how fabulous it is! The building housing the museum is a historical monument, the Constantin Mihail Palace, a gem that will surely impress you. The palace was built between 1898 – 1907, and its execution details stand out as a meticulously crafted jewel.

The museum's collection includes over 8,000 works of European and Romanian art. It features illustrious names of Romanian painting and sculpture, such as Theodor Aman, Nicolae Grigorescu, Nicolae Tonitza, Ștefan Luchian, Gheorghe Petrașcu, Theodor Pallady, Eustațiu Stoenescu, Ion Țuculescu, Gheorge Anghel, and Dimitrie Paciurea. The museum also houses six works by Constantin Brâncuși, a titan of modern art: Vitellius, Head of a Girl, Head of a Child, Fragment of a Torso, Miss Pogany, and The Kiss.

Visiting Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00-17:00. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Entrance Fee: Adults: 15 lei; Children, students, and pensioners: 8 lei.

3. Constantin Brâncuși Center

The "Constantin Brâncuși" Center in Craiova is located in the courtyard of the Art Museum and is designed as an interactive tourist center. It opened just a few months ago, on September 15, 2022.

This museum complex dedicated to sculptor Constantin Brâncuși includes an underground gallery of about 1,200 square meters, with workshops for lectures and creation, performance halls, conference rooms, and exhibition spaces.

You might wonder why this center is in Craiova. Well, Constantin Brâncuși spent part of his life here after fleeing his native village. He attended the School of Arts and Crafts here, obtaining his certificate of studies, making Craiova a significant part of his development.

The center’s main attraction is a glass prism, nicknamed "Brâncuși’s Egg." The prism contains large-scale interpretations of two of Brâncuși's works—*The Ovoid* and The Bird in Space—but they can only be seen from inside the prism, not from outside. To reach the interior of the egg, you must take a lift; the experience is very interesting and worth trying.

Visiting Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00-22:00. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Entrance Fee: FREE

4. Lutheran Evangelical Church

The Lutheran Evangelical Church is right next to the Art Museum, so it’s worth a short walk to admire this building with impressive neo-Renaissance architecture, dating from the 19th century. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter the church or its courtyard.

5. Constantin Vălimărescu House

A few steps further, on the left, you will notice the National Bank of Romania, followed by another impressive historical monument: the Constantin Vălimărescu House, dating from the late 19th century (1892-1893). It currently houses Unicredit Țiriac Bank.

6. All Saints Catholic Church

Returning towards the Art Museum, turn right on Mihai Viteazu Street, and within about 6 minutes, you will reach the intersection where the All Saints Catholic Church and the Carol I National College are located. Known also as St. Anthony Church, it dates back to 1844. We were fortunate to find it open; it offers a lot of peace and is impressive in appearance.

7. Carol I National College

The Carol I High School building in Craiova is a national architectural monument, built at the end of the 19th century. It is currently undergoing consolidation and rehabilitation work, but it will soon be available for admiration again.

BONUS: Smart Cup Coffee Shop

As a coffee lover, I made a short stop at Smart Cup, recommended by former college mates who told me it serves the best coffee in town. The coffee shop is located across from the Carol I National College, and its theme revolves around physics, math, chemistry, Romanian, biology, etc. Although it’s not a place to sit down for a meal, it is so interestingly decorated that it’s worth a visit, and the coffee is indeed very good.

Smart Cup - Coffee Shop

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 18:00

8. Oltenia Museum - Nature Sciences Section

The Oltenia Museum is divided into three sections, each located in different places: Nature Sciences Section, Ethnography Section – Casa Băniei, and History and Archaeology Section. The Nature Sciences Section is just a few steps from Smart Cup and is a very interesting museum to visit.

On the ground floor, there is a temporary exhibition of marine and oceanic fish and the exhibition Oltenia – Terra Fossilis. On the first floor, you will find dioramas with species of reptiles, insects, fish, birds, and mammals. There is also a collection of minerals and rocks and an artificial cave. On the second floor is the exhibition The Universe and the Solar System, showcasing stars, galaxies, constellations, the sun, the moon, planets, and notable figures in the history of astronomy.

Visiting Hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00. Closed on Monday.

Entrance Fee: 6 lei

9. Holy Trinity Church

Craiova is a city full of interesting churches, most of them Eastern Orthodox. The Holy Trinity Church complex is a unique architectural ensemble consisting of the church itself, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and the entrance tower. It is located opposite the Nature Sciences Section of the Oltenia Museum.

10. Prefecture Park

The Prefecture Park is located behind the church and connects to Mihai Viteazu Square. It is a small but very well-maintained park full of flowers and trees.

11. Mihai Viteazu Square

Mihai Viteazu Square became famous worldwide after hosting Craiova's Christmas Market for many years, which has been ranked among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

It is a remarkable place with an opening to the Administrative Palace and the former Palace Hotel, connecting to the Old Town and pedestrian areas. There is also a musical fountain located here.

12. Administrative Palace

The Administrative Palace in Craiova is one of the city's most representative buildings. Built in the early 20th century according to the plans of architect Petre Antonescu, in the neo-Romanian style promoted by Ion Mincu, the building currently houses two of the county’s most important institutions: the Prefecture and the Dolj County Council.

13. Unirii Garden - English Park

English Park is located behind the Administrative Palace and covers an area of 4,670 square meters. It was redesigned at the end of last year, and the new appearance is truly fairy-tale-like. It is a place for relaxation and recreation, where I even found two pillars on a bench, creating a very romantic atmosphere.

14. Marin Sorescu National Theatre

With a history of 173 years, the Marin Sorescu National Theatre in Craiova is recognized among major international theaters and has participated in significant festivals worldwide. You can buy a ticket to see a play here.

From the confectionery, it was just a 3-minute walk to the theatre. I think it’s worth seeing even if you don’t attend a play; around it, there is a park that was beautifully decorated with tulips and magnolias in bloom when I visited.

15. University of Craiova

The University of Craiova is housed in an imposing building, which you will certainly notice as you pass by. Initially housing the Court Palace, it became the fifth university in Romania through a law promulgated by King Mihai I in 1947.

16. Old Town Craiova

The Old Town consists of several pedestrian alleys lined with beautiful historical buildings. Among them are the old City Hall, now

a cafe, and the unique Golia Palace, which currently houses a hotel.

17. Dolj County Museum

The Dolj County Museum is another tourist attraction worth visiting, with exhibitions about Oltenia's history, archaeology, and ethnography.

18. Eliade House

Eliade House, located at 6 Tăbăcarilor Street, is known as the house where writer Mircea Eliade was born. It is currently under renovation.

19. Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The building of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry is another representative historical monument in Craiova, located on Oltețului Street.

20. Craiova Railway Station

The Craiova Railway Station is one of the oldest and most picturesque railway stations in Romania. It’s worth visiting for its historical and architectural value.

21. Craiova University Library

The Craiova University Library is an important institution for academic research and also a significant architectural landmark.

22. Sanctuary of the Holy Cross

The Sanctuary of the Holy Cross is another important religious site in Craiova, with a rich history and beautiful architecture.

23. Craiova City Hall

The Craiova City Hall is a historical building worth admiring for its architectural style and its role in the city's administration.

24. Dunărea Park

Dunărea Park is a large green space near the Danube River, perfect for a relaxing walk or picnic.

25. Central Market

The Central Market is an excellent place to experience local culture, buy fresh produce, and enjoy traditional Romanian food.

26. Piața Traian

Piața Traian is a historic square in Craiova, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical significance.

27. St. Nicholas Church

St. Nicholas Church is a historic Orthodox church with beautiful frescoes and a serene atmosphere.

28. St. George's Church

St. George's Church is another important religious site, known for its beautiful architecture and historical value.

29. Roman Arena

The Roman Arena is a historical site with ruins dating back to Roman times, offering a glimpse into the city's ancient past.

30. Craiova Art Gallery

The Craiova Art Gallery is another cultural institution that houses a diverse collection of artworks from various periods and styles.

Enjoy your visit to Craiova! Each of these attractions offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.