The de facto centre of the mountain-clad historical province, Oltenia, and the capital of Dolj county, Craiova is undeservedly overlooked by visitors to Romania. It’s a city of two tales: Craiova is both the region’s key regional commercial hub and university city, having spawned almost every train locomotive in Romania and the first sculpture of world-renowned visionary Constantin Brancusi. Architecture buffs will stand enthralled before the exquisite examples of the Brâncovenesc-, or Wallachian Renaissance-style buildings, nodding to Byzantine, Ottoman, late Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Find your inner piece on the paths of Nicolae Romanescu Park (Parcul Nicolae Romanescu), one of the largest and most impressive natural parks in eastern Europe, complete with the Charmed Castle, a zoo and a serene lake in the middle. Or explore the insanely rich heritage of the region in the Museum of Oltenia Craiova, starting from prehistoric times.
Understated, undiscovered charm
In recent history, Craiova has risen to fame as the epicentre of the Romanian automobile industry but its story started out over the remains of the ancient Dacian and Roman stronghold of Pelendava. The city saw the rise of the powerful Wallachian boyar dynasty, the Craioveştis, who gave Romania several of its Princes and came close to political autonomy in the 16th century. It was here were the political career of Romanian national hero Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul) sprung off the ground as the ban of Craiova. In 1600, he became Prince of Wallachia, Transylvania and Moldavia, and the symbol of unity for centuries to come, uniting the three principalities for the first time. Since then, Craiova has risen from its ashes more than once: following an earthquake in 1790, a plague five years later and after it was burned down by the rebel pasha Osman Pazvantoğlu. The urban development projects of the last few years have given the city a fresh coat of paint but Craiova’s storied history still shines through everywhere you look. Its fascinating museums, religious buildings and green spaces are full of life, grace and memories, that are well worth discovering for any visitors to Romania.
From Brâncuși to Tattarescu
Appreciators of art should tick off the Craiova Art Museum on their must-see list first. Walk among some 8,000 Romanian and European masterpieces, including works of the biggest names in the Romanian art history, such as Nicolae Tonitza, Gheorghe Petrașcu, Eustațiu Stoenescu, Ion Țuculescu, as well as Craiova-native Theodor Aman and Nicolae Grigorescu. Of course, the real show stealer is the gallery’s famed Constantin Brâncuși section, featuring six of the artist’s epoch-making sculptures. The building that houses this breathtaking collection is a masterpiece itself. Designed by French architect Paul Gottereau, the Constantin Mihail Palace was built in the early 1900s in Neo-Classical style and was once home to the wealthiest dynasties in Romania. Religious buildings abound in Craiova, with many of them having as much artistic as religious importance. The oldest religious site in the area, the Church of Cosuna Monastery was built in the 15th century from the remains of the Roman settlement of Pelendava. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by 365 saints, no less, painted on the walls. The Madona Dudu Church is known for its elaborate murals painted by Gheorghe Tattarescu, a pioneer of Neoclassicism in Romania. Its namesake icon of the Holy Virgin Mary, legend says, holds miraculous powers. Up for a time travel? Visit the Oltenia Museum in the 17th-century Casa Băniei building, and dive into the history and traditions of the Oltenia region, such as bread-making, pottery, tanning, weaving and folk art.
Craiova, Romania’s quintessential gastro destination
If homey comfort dishes are your jam, local cuisine will definitely treat you well. Traditional Oltenian food centres around meat, onions and garlic, a combination that packs a savoury punch. A prime example is the region’s famed sausage which is made from an equal amount of finely chopped beef and pork meat, sprinkled with garlic, pepper and salt, then smoked. Stews and soups are at the heart of regional cooking, which is traditionally done in earthenware, resulting in the most nutritious, tender and delicious meals you’ve ever tasted. Fish courses like mushroom-filled carp and fried Danube mackerel are another staple, along with ciorbă de potroace, a filling soup blending chicken or goose giblets, sauerkraut juice, vegetables and sour cream. Having a special place in Romanians’ heart, mămăligă, or polenta is a frequent companion to these dishes. Set off on your culinary journey in Casa Ghincea on Strada Madona Dudu, stocking all Romanian and local classics on its menu and serving them with live music and cosiness on the side. Perinița on Calea Unirii Very is an open-air affair that offers well-loved Romanian dishes, such as chicken and pork grilled outside over an open fire. Comfort food doesn’t get more comforting than in restaurant-cum-bistro Roata on Alexandru Ioan Cuza, specialising in Eastern European and local fare, and hearty barbecue dishes. Wine-lovers will be delighted by the fact that Craiova is nested in one of the country’s most prominent wine-producing regions, Muntenia-Oltenia. Order a glass of ripe Fetească Neagră, fruity Fetească Regală or aromatic Tămâioasă Românească to complete your Craiovan culinary experience.
Laid-back nights with a side of music
Well-known clothing, accessories and cosmetics labels are housed in Mercur Center, Craiova’s main shopping mall near the Museum of Oltenia on Calea Unirii. If traditional craftware is your sweet spot, hit the shop inside the Natural Science Museum. If you’re up for getting down with the locals, make your way to Temple Bar on Brazda lui Novac Street. This well-loved speakeasy offers a lively Irish pub experience and a perfect setting for winding down with a pint of beer. Fancy something more spirited? Dance the night away at the bite-size Comitet Music Bar on Mihail Kogalniceanu Street.
Running on green power
Don’t be mislead by Craiova’s status as Romania’s premier industry hub. The city has superb green spaces that pull locals and visitors in flocks. Dreamed up by French architect Édouard Redont at the turn of the century, Nicolae Romanescu Park (Parcul Nicolae Romanescu) is the third largest natural park all across Europe and a major source of pride to Craiovans. The 23-acre park features a 10-acre lake, an enchanted castle, a belvedere dome at the entrance and one of the oldest zoos in Romania amidst picture-perfect natural wonders. Nested in the very heart of the city, the Craiova Botanical Garden boasts fauna from every corner of the country, as well as a colourful palette of Mediterranean, Caucasian, Central Asian, South East Asian and North American species.
Craiova weather
Craiova has a warm and temperate continental climate with Mediterranean influences, with temperatures peaking at 30°C in July and sinking just below 0°C in January.
Craiova airport
Craiova International Airport is situated 7 kilometres east of Craiova municipality. Get into the city via bus no. 9 (Metro-Central Market-Craiovița Nouă), operated by RAT Craiova. Buses station in front of the airport and usually run from early morning to late at night.
FAQs for booking flights to Craiova
How to get cheap flights to to Craiova?
Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Craiova flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.
When is the best time to visit Craiova?
The best time to visit Craiova is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 22.9°C to 28.5°C. July and August are the hottest months, and this is the best time to enjoy the bustling ambiance of the Nicolae Romanescu Park, the Historical Old Town, and other places in the city without the heavy rains characterising May and June.
However, if you prefer quieter and less crowded conditions with good weather, the shoulder months of May and September bring that peaceful experience and the opportunity to explore all the beautiful parks and museums in Craiova at a relaxed pace. You will also be able to save on travelling during these months and enjoy the extended daylight hours to explore this city.
How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Craiova flight?
As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Craiova flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.
