Timişoara is the lively cultural center of the country of Romania. Just recently, it was deemed to be the 2021 European Capital of Culture. A visit to this city promises you amazing discoveries related to Romanian history and the local cuisine. You can browse the restaurants and cafes here and also plan a pleasant nature escape.
In the year 1989, it was the Romanian revolution that led to the extraordinary transformation of the country. From being an oppressive dictatorial regime of Eastern and Central Europe, Romania went to being a flourishing democracy with a thriving economy. If you go for a walk in the Victoriei Square, you will find that you are right in the middle of this popular movement, which was responsible for toppling the regime of Ceaușescu.
Sounds interesting? Well, continue reading to find out all about the things that you can do while in the city.
- Try the Delicious Cuisine of Banat
Timişoara is the capital of the historic area of Banat. It is best known for its delicious cuisine, which is hearty and has a strong focus on flavor. The highlight of the local food of the region is a rare delicacy, named Mâncare de brozbe, which is cooked in rutabaga. Pork dishes, such as Pulpă de porc la tavă and Ciolan cu varză, are also popular in the region. Make sure to sample the delicious cuisine in the restaurants located throughout the old center of the city.
- Take in the Skyline of the City
You can join the locals for some drinks at one of the liveliest rooftops in the entire city. Take a seat and breathe in the views. Watch from up there how the pace of the traffic in Timişoara slows down on the central streets, which are littered with stunning historic buildings. This location is where your mood will relax as the vibe picks up, under the balmy weather of this city.
- Admire the Stunning Architecture of Timişoara
Timişoara has an illustrious historical past when it was a vital cultural and economic center. Therefore, it houses numerous architectural wonders for you to admire and explore. This is the one city in Romania that has the highest number of buildings categorized as historic monuments. The Art Nouveau heritage of Timişoara is extremely impressive and appears as soon as you step foot in the city center.
The Piata Victoriei is surrounded by incredible edifices of Art Nouveau architecture. Out of these, the Opera House has been deemed as the most iconic and is a must-visit for you. On the other hand, Piata Unirii has decorative Baroque buildings, on all four sides, which have colorful facades.
- Discover the Art Museum
The stunning Baroque Palace, located in the city center, houses the Art Museum of Timişoara. There are numerous impressive collections of art on display here. The museum exhibits no less than 1,500 pieces of glassware, ceramics, textiles, furniture, and watches. This was initiated by the founder of the site himself, Ormos Zsigmond.
The section devoted to ceramics is especially remarkable as it consists of Meissen tableware, secession-style cases manufactured at the Zsolnay factory, Sèvres porcelain, as well as maiolica objects produced in Faenza and Urbino. On the other hand, the glassware collection presents the tradition of the locals residing in the area, through pieces that are created and designed in local workshops of Banat and Transylvania. The Art Museum also has temporary exhibitions, which change often but are always original.
- Take a Walk Among Traditional Village Houses
Muzeul Satului Bănăţean is the perfect representation of the architectural styles used to construct traditional houses in Romania. It is also a depiction of the styles adopted by minorities residing in the area, specifically the Hungarian and German minorities. Timişoara offers you the chance to go for a stroll among these houses in the open-air museum. You can explore the different characteristics, as well as the spirit of the people who live in this region of Banat.
The stone, earth, and wooden houses are purely original. In fact, villagers used to live in these, once upon a time. The villagers in Banat sold these, after which the houses were dismantled and then rebuilt by employing all traditional techniques. Most of the structures feature two to three rooms and have a guest room, as well. This is usually the most beautifully decorated room in the house and highlights the value assigned to hospitality in Romanian culture.
- See the Oldest Street Electric Lamps in Europe
The city of Timişoara is believed to have an edge over other cities in Romania, as well as overall the capitals in Europe. In the year 1884, this city became the first to come up with the idea of public electric street lighting in Europe. On the 12th of November in that very year, the streets of Timişoara were lit up by no less than 731 electric lamps. Two of these lamps are still in their original spot, located in the front of the incredible Huniade Castle, which is home to the Museum of Banat.
- Visit the Theatre
If you speak German or Hungarian, then attending a play in the city of Timişoara is a good idea. The German State Theatre, as well as the Csiky Gergely Hungarian State Theatre, put on performances in these two languages, ever since they were first built. The Merlin Puppet Theatre and the Mihai Eminescu National Theatre are two other theaters, all located in Timişoara.
Discussed above are some of the best things for you to do in this lively city. From culture to views, Timişoara has it all for all those who visit it. There are numerous opportunities for you to immerse yourself in nature, as well as be completely caught up in the rich history of this place. So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight at the earliest and fly out to this wonderful city in Romania for gorgeous scenery and a whole lot of learning!
