Timisoara, Romania - "Little Vienna", which was not bitten by vampires. Timisoara

Early in the morning of January 1, we said goodbye to Mikhail and departed in different directions. Mikhail was home in Katowice, and I was in Romania in the direction of the city of Brasov, not far from which was Dracula's castle, where I wanted to visit. The nearest city, which can be reached from Budapest Timisoara, is about 300 km. During this time, you can sleep well after New Year's Eve.

The ticket price is 15 euros. In Hungary, the train consists of trailed cars, each with its own number and end point. The main thing is not to mix it up when boarding, the number of the carriage and the train will be written on the ticket, but I ran a little around the platform to understand the principle. Hungarian cars are pretty decent, but old, each has its own seat number on the ticket. Inspectors sometimes pass through the carriage and check tickets. Not surprisingly, no one else was going to Romania at 7 am, so I sat on a soft seat and fell asleep.

By lunchtime I drove up to the Romanian border. To visit this country, you need a Romanian visa, or transit with Schengen for a period not exceeding 5 days. Customs is simple, employees walk the train, check passports and ask the reason for entry. We talked in English, I replied that "I" m tourist and want to see castle of Drakula in Bran ". First, the customs officer asked me to get off the train and took my passport with him. While I was collecting things, he returned and gave the documents. ...

At the Timisoara train station, I immediately went to the ticket office to get tickets to Brasov. But then I ran into a problem - none of the cashiers even knew English, I generally keep quiet about Russian. On my fingers, I explained to her what I needed in Brasov, and what I needed today, she turned the monitor screen in my direction and showed the available tickets. The nearest train is at 5 pm, the price is 114 Romanian lei, there is no direct one, only with a night change in 20 minutes in the town of Ayud (I was still wondering if we could make it in time ...). By the morning of the next day, I was supposed to be in Brasov. The distance between these cities is only about 400 km, but 12 hours is too much long time for such a trip. Timisoara train station is dirty and homeless people warm up here, so the smell is not the most pleasant. I didn't want to spend time in their company while waiting for the train. There were about 4 hours of free time, so during this time I decided to have a bite to eat, stock up on food for a long journey and see a city that I did not even plan to visit.

The city of Timisoara is called the small Romanian Vienna and is the 3rd largest in Romania. The city in different centuries belonged to Serbia, Turkey, Austria-Hungary, and from the beginning of the 20th century to Romania, therefore, it is a synergy of many cultures and peoples. The Romanian revolution, which overthrew Nicolae Ceausescu, also began from this city in 1989. We will talk more about this event in Bucharest.

I started my acquaintance with the city from the Victory Square Piaţa Victoriei, where the most striking buildings are located. The Column of the Holy Trinity, towering in the center of the square, symbolizes the deliverance of the city from the plague epidemic.

From the square there is a promenade, where on these New Year's days there are shops with various national delicacies.

This photo alone is already appetizing. I only had euros in stock, the exchangers were all closed, and they did not accept cards, so in addition to sightseeing, I also tried to find at least one working exchanger. There was no point in trying to communicate in English either - no one understood him. It seemed to me that in this country, apart from Romanian, they no longer know any language.

Timisoara Cathedral of the Three Lights is the largest Orthodox church in Romania and the main religious landmark of the city. This cathedral is still considered one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world. Its architecture is also extraordinary, mixing Byzantine and Romanian styles.

Almost all the sights of Timisoara are located at a relatively short distance from each other, therefore, when examining them, it is better to walk on foot. This is Unirii (Concord) Square - the central and most old square cities.

The buildings here are made in the Baroque style.

And this quarter reminded me more of Holland.

A new plaque has been attached to the ruins of the building. What for? Big question for me

After several hours of walking and searching for an exchanger, a miracle descended on me. I exchanged money and tasted Romanian cuisine, which is generous in portions and very affordable in terms of prices. For such a huge piece of meat and a roll, which I barely ate, I gave about 600 rubles. Having stocked up food, I returned to the station and drove towards Brasov

In the very west of Romania, there is a large beautiful city Timisoara, bringing together people of many nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Today in Timisoara Romanians, Hungarians, Serbs, Gypsies, Jews, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, Slovaks, etc. coexist peacefully.

Throughout the centuries, the history of the city has largely influenced the history of the entire country. In ancient times, Timisoara was the center historical area Banat, which occupied part of the territories of modern Romania, Serbia and Hungary. At the end of the 19th century, Timisoara was the first city in Europe and the second in the world after New York to use electricity for street lighting. And at the end of the 20th century, it was with the popular unrest in Timisoara that the anti-communist revolution began, during which the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was overthrown.

Today Timisoara is one of the most important tourist centers Romania.

Region	Timish
Population	303.7 thousand people
Population density	2327 people / km²
	Romanian leu, equal to 100 baths
Timezone	UTC + 2, in summer UTC + 3
Postal code
International dialing code

Climate and weather

The climate in Timisoara is moderately continental, with consistently hot summers, rather cold winters and little rainfall inherent in it. May, June and July are considered the rainiest months in Timisoara, but even at this time the amount of precipitation does not exceed 70-80 mm.

The average summer air temperature from year to year is kept at about + 22 ... + 24 ° С... In July, temperatures often rise to + 31 ... + 33 ° С... In winter, the average temperature rarely drops below the mark -5 ° C.

Nature

The streets, squares, parks and courtyards of Timisoara are surrounded by lush greenery most of the year. All this is due to the local relatively mild climate. Timisoara is often called the city of flowers. Among all the variety of magnificent parks, the most beautiful is rightfully considered Rose Park- the symbol of the city. The park found itself a shelter on the right bank of the Bega River. In spring, summer and autumn, it is filled with the aroma and beauty of a million different roses. The most best time to visit the Park of Roses consider the end of May and June.

In the very center of Timisoara, there is a gorgeous Botanical Garden, a walk through which will set you in a romantic mood, give joy from contemplating beautiful plants and bring a long-awaited coolness on a hot Timisoara afternoon.

sights

Timisoara can be confidently called one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. The number of historical monuments here exceeds 14,000 objects. Such intertwined in the city architectural styles like Viennese Baroque, Romanian and eclectic style, Art Nouveau and Secession. The predominance of Viennese Baroque architecture is the reason why Timisoara is sometimes called "Little Vienna".

The most significant historical buildings here are Hunyadi Castle, the finest example of Gothic architecture, which today houses the Banat Museum, Baroque palace, which has hosted the Art Museum, Dikasterial Palace, Lloyd's Palace, Neptune Public Baths etc.

Timisoara's multi-ethnicity is reflected in its architecture. There are many temples of various religious denominations in the city: Cathedral of the Three Saints and Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin(Romanian Orthodox Church), Cathedral of Saint George(catholic church), Cathedral of Saint Nicholas(Serbian Orthodox Church), synagogues in the neighborhoods Factories and Chetate.

Many tourist sites are located in the Place de la Concorde ( Unirii Square), which itself is one of the main attractions of Timisoara. The Column of the Holy Trinity, towering in the center of the square, symbolizes the deliverance of the city from the plague epidemic. Freedom Square is known for the start of the 1989 anti-communist revolution.

Almost all the sights of Timisoara are located at a relatively small distance from each other, therefore, when examining them, it is better to walk on foot.

Nutrition

As you know, Timisoara was the center of the historical region of Banat, therefore, the national dishes that are prepared in restaurants and cafes of Timisoara are more related to Banat cuisine than to the common Romanian.

Italian, Austro-Hungarian and, to a lesser extent, French and Greek cuisines have had a significant influence on Banat cuisine. Pork is the main ingredient in Banat cuisine. Pork is usually fried or stewed with vegetables, sprinkled with flour sauces and seasoned with red and black pepper, savory and caraway seeds. The favorite dish of the locals themselves is goulash, which is often served in every home. Banat cabbage rolls made from meat chopped with a cleaver are very common - that's why they are large and not very refined. All meat dishes are fatty and nutritious, but very tasty.

In soups, or chorbs As they are called here, lemon, tarragon and homemade noodles are often added. By the way, all kinds of snacks and sweet dishes are often prepared from homemade noodles. The most popular homemade noodle dish is “ yofka". The rest of the ingredients "Yofki"Are milk, feta cheese, cabbage, cottage cheese, nuts and poppy seeds.

In the restaurants of Timisoara, you should definitely try the national pudding. Varga Beles", Again made from homemade noodles, raisins and cottage cheese, all this is wrapped in dough and sent to the oven.

Beyond restaurants national cuisine (Nora, Casa Bunicii, Casa cu Flori and others) in Timisoara, Italian cuisine with all kinds of pizzas and pastas ( Da Toni, Pizza La Maria, Filiberto etc.).

Local beer is very popular among drinks in the city. Timisoreana.

Accommodation

Accommodation services in Timisoara are offered by more than 70 hotels of various price categories (from 30 €) and hostels with accommodation costs from 10 to 23 € per person per day.

One of the best and at the same time inexpensive hotels counts NH Timisoara located near the country's largest shopping center Iulius Mall. The hotel is equipped with a gym, sauna, jacuzzi, and provides its clients with free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a restaurant serving Romanian and international cuisine.

In the very center of the city there are such hotels as Hotel Perla, Savoy Hotel, Hotel Central, etc.

Entertainment and recreation

Timisoara has always been famous for its rich cultural life. All year round, it pleases its guests and local residents with numerous musical and theatrical performances, exhibitions in art galleries, and interesting exhibitions in museums.

Under the roof of the opera house there are Romanian Opera, Hungarian Theater, German Theater and National Theater... The Banat Philharmonic also occupies its place of honor in the center of the city's musical life.

There are Banat Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Banat Village Museum and Art Museum.

For the past 7 years, Timisoara has hosted an annual festival "City fun"... It is intended to draw the attention of the authorities to the congestion of city streets with transport and the reduction of space for pedestrians. During the festival, traffic in the city center is closed. Artists and musicians present their best creations to the audience.

One of the most popular nightclubs in Timisoara is Komodo Lounge decorated in Asian style. On hot summer nights, lovers nightlife prefer to dance on the open terrace of the Complexul Studentesc club. Clubs are also very popular Discoland and Park Place, bar Al Cubanito.

Purchases

Souvenirs in Timisoara can be purchased in several places: in a large shopping and entertainment center Iulius Mall, in the central department store, in mall Bega Center and a small souvenir shop at the entrance to the city (lowest prices).

In addition to standard Romanian souvenirs (products related to Count Dracula, woolen and leather products, ceramic dolls in national costumes, painted wooden eggs, etc.), you can buy other equally interesting things in Timisoara. For example, wonderful felt and suede hats. They can be purchased in a shop located just 200 meters from railway station... Wearing a colorful black men's felt hat, an integral attribute of the national Romanian costume, is still accepted by the local population today.

Transport

Timisoara is one of the most important transport centers in Romania.

There is a large railway junction here, connecting the city with other settlements country, as well as with neighboring Serbia.

Timisoara Traian Vuia Airport ranks third in terms of passenger traffic in Romania. From this airport, planes depart for such destinations as German Munich, Dusseldorf, Stuttgart, Ukrainian Lviv, Chernivtsi, Odessa, a number of Italian cities, including Rome, as well as London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Vienna, Athens and, of course, the largest Romanian cities are Bucharest, Iasi, Constanta.

Urban transport in Timisoara is represented by buses, trolleybuses and trams. A ticket for 1 trip costs 2 RON, or 45 euro cents, for 2 trips - 3.5 RON, or 78 euro cents, for the whole day - 10 RON, or 2.24 €. Numerous controllers check the fact that the fare has been paid.

Numerous inexpensive taxis run around the city.

Connection

All 5 operators work in Timisoara mobile communications Romania (Vodafone, Orange Romania, DigiMobil, Cosmote and Zapp). The cost of a minute of conversation, depending on the operator and tariff plan ranges from 8 to 30 euro cents. Ready-made telephone packages can be purchased in many shops in the city, as well as in specialized stores. They also sell cards and 3G modems for wireless Internet access. But in order not to overpay, you can bring the modem with you. It is quite difficult to find Internet cafes in the city, as their popularity in the country is falling due to the availability of wireless Internet and the presence of home networks. Internet access via Wi-Fi is available in all hotels with a class of 3 stars and above, in many parks, cafes, restaurants, as well as on the campus.

Security

Timisoara is quiet by European standards, quiet city... Security on its streets is provided by police patrols, who, by the way, can check documents. Therefore, you should always have a passport or other identity document with you.

The traveler should be attentive and careful on the roads, as some drivers, and especially taxi drivers, like to "reckless".

Business climate

Timisoara and Timis County have a high investment attractiveness, which is explained by the favorable geographical location of the city, a well-developed transport network, a modern banking system and, to some extent, the multinationality of the city.

Timisoara received funding from European funds to promote the Banat Regional Center for Sustainable Development project, i.e. development of economic relations between Romania, Hungary and Serbia.

One of the largest investors in Timisoara's industry is Germany, which is due to the territorial proximity and the presence of the German diaspora in Timisoara, whose representatives have restored relations with partners from Germany.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Timisoara annually organizes numerous conferences, exhibitions, fairs, business meetings, participates in programs for the development of international relations, and is also part of the European network of economic development centers Enterprise Europe Network.

Real estate

The acquisition of real estate in Timisoara today is of the greatest interest among representatives of countries such as Italy, Hungary and Germany. This is primarily due to the development of business relations between Timisoara and these states. In addition, due to the development of industry in the city and, accordingly, the constant creation of new jobs, workers from Turkey and the Arab states are arriving in the city.

The average price of 1 square meter in Timisoara is about 800 €.

Restaurant menus are most often composed only in Romanian, there is an Italian translation, much less often English. Menu text on English language simplified as much as possible compared to the original. Therefore, a tourist needs to either choose an institution whose waiters speak foreign languages, or travel with an interpreter.

It is not possible to pay with a credit card in all restaurants, shops, etc., so you should always have cash with you.

Useful information for tourists about Timisoara in Romania - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

The name of the city of Timisoara is often used with the word "most" and deservedly so. This is the most western city country, the most Big city Banat, Romania's most industrialized region. He is also considered the most landscaped. Although the city is located on the Bega River, it received its name in honor of another river, Timis, which flows 10 kilometers from it. This beautiful baroque city is called "Little Vienna" for the sophistication of the architecture of the Habsburg times, and for the diversity cultural life.

The city is ancient, youthful and industrial at the same time. Students are one of the many groups of the population; they study in agronomic, medical, polytechnic and pedagogical universities. For talented young people there are higher educational institutions of music, painting and choreography. For those wishing to engage in science - a branch of the Romanian Academy of Sciences.

The industry is represented by metallurgy, mechanical engineering, textile and food production, as well as the production of electrical products and radio electronics.

Timisoara Airport is the second largest in Romania. Accepts not only international flights, but also locals - only five airliners leave for the capital every day. There is a well-developed railway and road communication, shipping.

During the Roman Empire, on the site of the city there was a fortress Kastrum Regium Temes, which was destroyed by the Tatars in the 13th century. From the middle of the 16th century, Timisoara was ruled by Turkey. Then, together with the whole of Transylvania, the Banat region fell under the rule of Austria-Hungary for two centuries. Roman, Turkish, then Saxon cultural influences have turned Timisoara into a stylish city beautiful architecture.

In the Middle Ages, the city was known as a major commercial and industrial center. In the 19th century, Timisoara became famous as the first European city, where horse trams (horse-drawn trams) and street lighting with electricity appeared.

In Timisoara, there are many temple buildings belonging to different denominations and very interesting to see. The main Orthodox church of Timisoara is the Cathedral of the Three Saints, located on the central Victory Square. It is considered one of the main attractions due to its unusual architecture for Orthodox churches. And also because of the 80-meter height, thanks to which it is the largest in Romania and one of the tallest Orthodox churches in the world. Also on the central square, you should definitely see the beautiful buildings of the Philharmonic, the City Hall and the Opera House, built by Viennese architects. There are many elegant residential buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries around.

Two more cathedrals of the 18th century that are of interest to tourists are the Roman Catholic and the opposite Orthodox Serbian, which is simply charming in mint green with white stucco decoration. Both of them are located on Union Square in the old part of the city, where there are many beautiful mansions with coffee shops on the ground floors.

The small Freedom Square stands out for its old buildings. The old town hall attracts attention here, in addition to it - the statue of St. Nepomuk.

It is impossible to pass by the castle of the Huniads, built at the behest of the Duke of Anjou in the XIV century. The Habsburgs rebuilt it in their own style in the 18th century. The museum that occupies its premises presents the history and modernity of the Banat province. He is one of the oldest founding times.

Tourists take pictures with pleasure near the Capitoline she-wolf, an exact copy of the Roman and near the house with peacocks. The facade of this house on Plevnei Square is decorated with peacocks, owls, swans and even squirrels.

Parks are a special pride of Timisoara, which is often called the city of parks. Situated on a swampy plain between the Bega and Timis rivers, the city is rich in green spaces, lawns, flower arrangements and parks. For which it is considered the most picturesque city in the country. The best of the parks is the Botanical, there is also the Pink Park, Central, and Children's. The city is so green that tourists prefer to navigate it on foot, despite the well-developed transport infrastructure.

Timisoara is a truly real European town located on the very border of Romania and Hungary. After visiting this city, many tourists celebrate it as "Little Vienna", which is no coincidence.

History and interesting facts

The city was first mentioned in the diploma of the Hungarian king Andrew II back in 1212. The name of the city comes from the name of the river "Timis", although on this moment only one river flows through the city - the Bega. Legends say that once the river "Timis" flowed under the walls of old Timisoara, but for unprecedented reasons changed its course.

An interesting fact is that the Tatars managed to get to this city. After a barbaric raid in the 14th century, Timisoara became the seat of King Karl Robert, and then of other rulers of the Hungarian kingdom.

A century later, the city was captured by the Turks. Timisoara acquired a completely different look: the city was saturated with oriental flavor thanks to the numerous built mosques. The end of Ottoman rule came in 1716, when Eugene of Savoy conquered Timisoara from the Turks, rebuilding the city anew in the Baroque style.

In 1884 Timisoara became the first city to be lit with electricity in Europe.

After the collapse of Austria-Hungary at the beginning of the 20th century, the Serbs tried to annex the city, probably because Timisoara and Belgrade are separated by only 150 kilometers. But in 1919 Timisoara became part of Romania, thus becoming the third largest city and the largest historical center in the Banat region.

Another interesting historical fact it is believed that it was from Timisoara that the revolution began, an anti-communist uprising that led to the overthrow of the government of the President of the Republic of Romania Nicolae Ceausescu. On December 25, 1989, he and his wife Elena Ceausescu were shot.

Timisoara in our time

Today Timisoara is a modern city that has managed to preserve all the heritage of the Austro-Hungarian rule. The architecture itself is genuine and is a synthesis of cultures. In the city you can find a large number of Orthodox cathedrals, which is no coincidence, since Orthodoxy is considered the main religion of Romania. But also on the central streets are the bells of the old Catholic cathedrals in the Baroque style. Timisoara is a fairly clean and green city, within which you can visit picturesque parks. The locals are hospitable and always ready to help.

sights

There are several main squares in Timisoara, where you can find all the main tourist sites.

The central square of Timisoara is Victory Square (Piata Victoriei). There is a large cathedral of the Three Saints (Сathedral Orthodox), the main Orthodox church in the city. Built relatively recently, in the 30s of the last century. It differs slightly from typical Russian churches, both outside and inside, but this does not affect the recognition that the temple is striking in its scale and originality. It was from Victory Square that the revolutionary unrest began, which later caused the overthrow of the communist regime.

Victory Square

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On the square there is a monument to the Capitoline she-wolf, which is considered an exact copy of the Roman one. Romanians, by the way, pride themselves on the similarity of their language to Italian and Latin.

On the other hand you can see Opera theatre 19th century, which still hosts a lot of events.

The next square is Union Square (Piata Unirii), where a Catholic cathedral of the 18th century is built on one side, and a Serbian Orthodox church is opposite it. Also on the square is an old mansion of the 18th century in a classic entourage style. Nowadays it is a museum of fine arts.

Union Square

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The old part of the city is rich in various attractions, but you cannot miss the moment that tourists can relax during excursion breaks in wonderful restaurants and coffee houses.

The prices are affordable, lower than in Moscow. According to my calculations, 65 lei, which is about 1000 rubles in Russian rubles, is enough to eat exclusively in a cafe during the day. For all those who decide to visit this city, it is advisable to try the authentic cuisine and delicious desserts.

city ​​of parks and gardens

5 reasons why you should visit Timisoara:

1. Park of Roses (especially in early summer)
2. Banat Provincial Museum
3. Roman Catholic Cathedral"St. Catherine"
4. Opera Square
5. Castle of the Huniads

The city is famous for its Baroque architecture. Locals also call it “ Little Vienna". The oldest buildings historic center were erected in the 18th century. By the abundance of greenery and the presence of parks, the city can be compared with the capital of Ukraine - picturesque Kiev. Situated on a swampy plain, which was once flooded by two rivers - Timis and Bega, the city eventually turned into one of the most beautiful cities in Romania.

Steps in time

The Transylvanian city of Timisoara was first mentioned in 1212 year, in the diploma of the Hungarian king Andrew II. The name of the city comes from the phrase "Castrul Temesiensis" ( fortress on Timis), an interesting fact, since the city is located on the Bega River. After the devastating raid of the Tatar nomads, at the beginning of the XIV century, the city even became the residence of the Hungarian king Carol Robert d "Anjou.

During the Middle Ages, Timisoara was an important commercial and military center of the Banat province. But the one that contributed most to the prosperity of the city, it was Yancu de Hunedoara, who, by the grace of God and the will of the people, becomes the governor of Transylvania in 1441.

In its violent history, one more important point for the city there was a great peasant uprising led by Gheorghe Doge.

For centuries, the city was stormed many times, but it was captured only twice: by the Turks in 1552 year and the Austrians in 1716 year, the year that marked the beginning of the Austro-Hungarian occupation.

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries. the city is experiencing a strong development in terms of industry, science and culture. It must be emphasized that in 1884, Timisoara became the first electrically lit city in Europe(!).

And also, it is interesting to note that Timisoara was the city from where the chain reaction began in December 1989 year anti-communist revolution.

At the beginning of the third millennium, Timisoara continues to develop rapidly as a modern European city. In 2005, the largest commercial complex in the country was opened in Timisoara.

The hospitality of the locals is universally recognized. They will definitely offer tourists to try the famous traditional sweet wines, or spirits made from plums and apricots.

Sights:

Banata Provincial Museum(1872) - with its wealthy departments of history, natural history, painting and ethnography. It is one of the oldest museums in Romania.

Huniad Castle(XV century) - the former residence of the governor Yancu de Hunedoara towering on a hill

Village Museum- stretches over dozens of hectares of forest and meadows, in the favorite place of Timishorians - Green Forest.

Opera Square- the heart of Timisoara, the “zero kilometer” of the city, is also recognized as the zero kilometer of the 1989 Revolution.

Rose Park- one of the symbols of the city. Located on the banks of the Bega River, the park is one of the most romantic places in Timisoara. In the Park of Roses, from spring to late autumn, numerous types of roses bloom, with different aromas and in different colors.

Old Bastion- the surviving bastion, built in 1773 with massive brick walls.

Orthodox Cathedral- with an original collection of icons and old furniture.

Roman Catholic Cathedral- built between 1737-1773 with an elegant interior decoration in the Baroque style.

National Theater(1872-1875)

House of Prince Eugene of Savoyavsky(1817)

Old Synagogue(XVIII century)

Orthodox Serbian Cathedral

Distances

Timisoara - Bucharest: 562 km
Timisoara - Cluj: 316 km
Timisoara - Iasi: 691 k
Timisoara - Constanta 758 km
Timisoara - Sibiu: 256 km
Timisoara - Brasov: 399 km

To book an excursion around the city of Timisoara, a tour of the cities of Romania, to reserve a Russian-speaking guide-guide and for other questions, write to: [email protected] or call mob. Tel. 0040 721 977 663 - tour guide in Romania Constantin