A thriving university town near the River Jiu, Craiova boasts ancient Dacian history with medieval structures, masterpiece art collections and folk-art exhibitions. It’s also an excellent place to try authentic Romanian cuisine and enjoy national theatre productions.
Things to do in Craiova
Dating back to the 1400s, the Church of Cosuna Monastery boasts serene surroundings and Byzantine architectural anomalies. At Madona Dudu Church, you can view intricately painted murals by renowned 18th-century Romanian artist Gheorghe Tattarescu.
Art is elevated at venues like the Art Museum inside Dinu Mihail Palace. The structure itself is a neo-classic treasure, but it also holds Romanian masterpieces, such as paintings by Theodor Aman and sculptures from Constantin Brancusi. Visit the Ethnographic Museum to explore folk traditions, including pottery, weaving, wood carving and traditional clothing.
Stroll through the immaculate Nicolae Romanescu Park, designed by the famous French landscape architect Emile Rendont. In the evening, watch a play or musical production at Marin Sorescu National Theatre, which was founded in 1850 and is known for its classic Shakespeare and Moliere dramas.
In the town centre, you’ll find the open-air Perenita restaurant dishing out traditional Romanian fare and mititei meatballs grilled over an open fire. At Sofia Bistro, the chef serves elegant Romanian cuisine in the interior dining room and more casual fare for the lively outdoor terrace crowds. Order the signature chocolate pancakes for dessert.
Getting around Craiova
Craiova Airport lies about eight kilometres east of the city centre, offering rental cars, hotel shuttles and private minibuses. You can use taxis, buses and trams to get around the city and neighbourhoods.