Timisoara

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Timisoara
"Little Vienna"
Country: Romania

Links:
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Ambassadors:
Razvan

Timisoara is a city in Romania

History, Sights and Infos

The first record of the city of Timisoara, it was built on the site of an ancient Roman fortress called Castrum Regium Themes. Over the years, Timisoara, the largest city in western Romania, has been influenced by many cultures. The Romans used it as an important crossroads fortress until the Tatars destroyed it in the 13th century. Conquered by Turkish armies in 1552, Timisoara remained under their protection until 1718 when the region of Banat came under Austrian rule for two centuries. Timisoara later became a vital medieval commercial and manufacturing town. Turks, Austrians, Germans and Serbs all left their mark and their influence can be seen in neighborhoods throughout the city even today.

The charm of this city, settled on the northern bank of the Bega River, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life. Frequently referred to as “Little Vienna,” Timisoara is home to year-round musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and a buzzing nightlife. A progressive, cosmopolitan place, Timisoara was the first city in Europe and second in the world after New York, to use electricity to illuminate its public streets.

Life is best observed outdoors, in the many public squares and lush green retreats.

Timisoara abounds with churches of several denominations, a Jewish quarter, an elegant baroque square and a pedestrian-only downtown area. Some of the monuments in the heart of the city afford panoramic views, while the many parks in this “city of flowers” provide an idyllic spot to take a break from sightseeing.

Interesting facts:

Timisoara was the first European city to introduce horse-drawn trams (in 1869) and electrical street lighting (in 1889);

Timisoara was built on a swamp; the Metropolitan Cathedral has 5000 oaks supports underneath it;

Johnny Weissmuller, Hollywood’s original Tarzan, was born here.

Usefully Infos

city map:

http://www.romaniatourism.com/maps/timisoara-map.html

http://www.timisoreni.ro/harta/

romaian maps: http://www.romaniatourism.com/maps.html

street index: http://www.infoo.ro/?id=strazi

Emergency numbers (police, hospitals, administration, pharmacies, etc)

http://www.timisoaraazi.ro/index.php?page=UTILE

Events

EUROPEAN FILM FESTIVAL - 12TH EDITION - Between 21 & 23 May

http://www.festivalulfilmuluieuropean.ro/

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL "Timisoara Muzicala" / 25 & 30 May

-> Sunday, 25 mai 2008, ora 19.00 / AMICUL FRITZ de P. Mascagni - opera in concert

-> Friday, 30 mai 2008, ora 19.00 / TURANDOT de G. Puccini

http://www.infoo.ro/?id=LM296136IB

House Parade Festival 2008 / 15 - 17 August 2008

http://www.infoo.ro/?id=ZC304249BQ

other nice events: http://www.infoo.ro/?id=evenimente

Railway Station

Timisoara North - main train station (Gara Timisoara Nord)

Address: Str. Garii 2 (one mile from downtown)

Tel: (+40256) 491.696

There are daily trains from/to Budapest (approximate journey time – 5 hours), and Vienna (approximate journey time – 8 ½ hours).

Trains to other western European cities run via Budapest.

International trains with service to Timisoara:

From / Departure time Train # To / Arrival time

Budapest / 9:35 am IC 47 Timisoara / 3:33 pm

Budapest / 12:10 pm 355 Timisoara / 6:58 pm

Budapest / 3:10 pm IC 49 Timisoara / 9:14 pm

Vienna / 6:10 am EN 269 / IC 47 Timisoara / 3:33 pm

There are daily trains to/from Bucharest, Arad, Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Oradea, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Sighetu Marmatiei, Suceava and several other Romanian cities.

There are daily INTERCITY (Express) trains connecting Timisoara with Bucharest (approximate journey time: 7 ½ hours), Arad (approximate journey time: 45 minutes), Cluj (approximate journey time: 5 hours) and Oradea (approximate journey time: 2 ½ hours).

To check the latest train schedules for domestic routes please visit the website of the Romanian Railways:

www.infofer.ro

The site has complete information about domestic train schedules and fares.

Note: For departures from/to Timisoara please select Timisoara Nord.

For departures from/to Bucharest please select Bucuresti Nord.

SNCFR's advance booking office (Agentia de Voiaj SNCFR Timisoara)

Address: Piata Victoria 2

Tel: (+40256) 491.889

Open: Mon. – Fri. 8:00am – 9:00am; Closed Sat. & Sun.

You can get train schedule information and make reservations up to 24 hours in advance.

Tickets for same-day travel can only be purchased at the station.

Airports

Traian Vuia International Airport (TSR)

Address: Str. Aeroport 2

Tel: (+40256) 493.639

Email: office@aerotim.ro

Web: http://www.aerotim.ro/

The airport is located six miles from the city centre. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals area.

Bus #26 offers service to the city centre, with stops at Piata Badea Cartan and Hotel Continental.

Airlines with service to Timisoara:

Alitalia; AlpiEagles; Austrian Airlines; Carpat Air; Lufthansa; Malev; Tarom

Bus Terminals

Timisoara Bus Station # 1 (Autogara Autotim)

Address: Str. Iuliu Maniu 54

Tel: (+40256) 493.471

Daily domestic bus service from/to:

Arad, Baile Herculane, Brasov, Bucuresti, Deva, Drobeta Turnu Severin, Fagaras, Hunedoara, Orastie, Sebes, Sibiu, Suceva, Targu Jiu

http://www.autogari.ro/

TOURISM INFO CENTER

Timisoara Tourist Information Centre (Centrul de Informare Turistica)

Address: Str. Proclamatia de la Timisoara 5

Tel: (256) 437.973

E-mail: infocentru@ccmtm.ro

Open: Mon. – Sat. 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Sun.

Taxi

City Taxi - 0256949

Dacia Taxi - 0256944

Eco Taxi - 0256120120

Getax (for big stuff like funiture, fridges, etc) - 0256962 or 0256134470

Grup Taxi - 0256946

Radio Taxi - 0256940

Regal Taxi - 0256943

Tudo Taxi - 0256945

Vest Taxi - 0256953

HOSTELS

hostels:

http://www.hostelworld.com/findabed.php/ChosenCity.Timisoara/ChosenCountry.Romania?source=googleadwordsnewdestinations2&gclid=CJfx-oacuJMCFQkPuwodhznJZA

Sights

The charm of this city, settled on the northern bank of the Bega River, lies in its distinct architectural character and vibrant cultural life.

Frequently referred to as “Little Vienna,” Timisoara is home to year-round musical and theatrical performances, art galleries, museums and a buzzing nightlife. A progressive, cosmopolitan place, Timisoara was the first city in Europe and second in the world after New York, to use electricity to illuminate its public streets.

Timisoara is easy to explore on foot. If you get tired, a tram will be along in a moment; the system is fast, frequent and efficient.

Interesting facts:

Timisoara was the first European city to introduce horse-drawn trams (in 1869) and electrical street lighting (in 1889); Timisoara was built on a swamp; the Metropolitan Cathedral has 5000 oaks supports underneath it; Johnny Weissmuller, Hollywood’s original Tarzan, was born here

To visit

Victory Square (Piata Victoriei)

Some of the city’s most interesting sites are its elegant baroque buildings, spread around town and particularly along the main square, Piata Victoriei, which stretches from Opera Square (Piata Operei) to Loga Boulevard.

The focal point is the towering Romanian Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedrala Ortodoxa Mitropolitana) at the south side of the square. Its green and red roof tiles are arranged in a mosaic design.

In front of the Cathedral is a memorial to those who lost their lives during the 1989 Revolution which overthrew Communist rule.

The Memorial Museum of the 1989 Revolution (Muzeul Revolutiei) offers a full insight into the revolution in Timisoara.

Union Square (Piata Unirii)

Imposing sight of the Romano-Catholic and Serbian Orthodox Cathedrals facing each other.

Historic pastel-hued buildings line the square.

In past it was the commercial centre and the venue for numerous military processions and religious ceremonies.

Nicolas Lenau College (Liceul Nicolas Lenau) / earliest theatre in Timisoara.

The baroque Serbian Orthodox Cathedral (Biserica Orthodoxa Sarba) & the Serbian Bishop's Residence (Vicariatul Ortodox Sarb)

- extravagant decorations / the west side of the square.

The Cathedral can be visited daily between 7am and 6pm.

The Roman Catholic Cathedral (Catedrala Episcopala Romano-Catolica)

fine example of Viennese baroque style

Baroque Palace (Palatul Vechii Prefecturi) dominates the square’s south side.

Formerly the governor’s residence, it now houses the Museum of Fine Arts with works by German, Flemish and Italian artists.

Scont Bank (Banca de Scont). This typical Hungarian-style art nouveau structure, features an organic shape comprising curved walls studded with turquoise tiles forming patterns drawn from folklore, and extravagant iron gutters and window grills.

Banat Etnographic Museum

From Piata Unirii, walk east along Str. Palanca to the oldest building in Timisoara.

Freedom Square (Piata Libertatii) to Victory Square (Piata Victoriei)

It offers a great display of Secessionist architecture. The Banat region was under Turkish rule until the Austrian-Habsburg Prince Eugene de Savoy took over Timisoara.

Huniade Castle (Castelui Huniade)

Walking along Str. Lucian Blaga

It was completed by Iancu of Hundeoara and redesigned by the Habsburgs

Fancy / Residential areas

South and east of the Bega Canal are the Josefin, Elisabetin and Fabric residential districts, true gems of Jugendstil, or art nouveau, architecture, built mainly in the late 19th century. The small residential square of Piata Plevnei, south of the Bega Canal, is bordered by excellent examples of the first phase of Secessionist architecture, such as Gemeinhardt's Peacock House (Casa cu Pauni) built in 1905. Facades are covered with an abundance of typical motifs: peacocks, swans, owls and squirrels together with sinuous vines and foliage. The theme continues on the buildings lining Splaiul Tudor Vladimirescu, following the south bank of the Bega, and to a lesser extent, around nearby Piata Maria and Bulevardul 16 Decembrie 1989.

Secessionist, or art nouveau, architecture also can be found in the cities of Arad (especially on Strada Closca and Piata Avram Iancu), Oradea (Vulturul Negru and Astoria hotels), Cluj (Odon Lechner National Theatre), Satu Mare and Targu Mures (Palace of Culture).

Jewish Timisoara

-> The New Synagogue in Fabric (Sinagoga din Fabric)

Address: Str. Splaiul Coloniei 2

The synagogue in the Fabric district was built in a traditional Moorish style.

It is currently closed for structural repairs, but is nice to take a look even if only from outside.

-> Great Synagogue (Sinagoga Cetate)

Address: Str: Resita 55

This Neolog-rite synagogue, built in Oriental style in 1865, resembles the great synagogue in Oran, Algeria. One of the largest synagogues in Europe, it is currently closed for structural repairs.

-> Orthodox Synagogue

Address: Iosefin district

Built between 1906 and 1910, this Orthodox Synagogue is the only one in service at this moment.

Museums

Banat Museum (Muzeul Banatului)

Address: Piata Huniade 1

Tel: (+40256) 491.339

Open: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 4:30pm; Closed Mon.

Admission charge

Occupying a 14th century castle, this museum boasts sizeable historical and natural history sections.

Banat Museum, Ethnographic Section (Muzeul Banatului, Sectia de Etnografie)

Address: Str. Popa Sapca 4

Tel: (+40256) 491.339

Open: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 4:30pm; Closed Mon.

Admission charge

Exhibits of textiles, folk costumes, and glass-painted icons are on display.

Memorial Museum of the 1989 Revolution (Muzeul Revolutiei)

Address: Str. Emanuil Ungureanu 8 (behind Piata Unirii)

Tel: (+40256) 294.936

Email: amrtim@lasting.ro

Open: Mon. – Sun. 9:00am – 5:00pm

Free admission

The Memorial Museum exhibits uniforms of Romanian militia and military, written testimonies of witnesses and participants in the Revolution, official and personal documents, an audio-visual archive, a library and a collection of newspapers. A video charting the rise and fall of Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu may be shown on request.

Timisoara Art Museum (Muzeul de Arta)

Address: Str. Mercy 2

Tel: (+40256) 491.339

www.muzeuldeartatm.ro

Open: Tue. – Sun. 10:00am – 6:00pm; Closed Mon.

Admission charge

The collection includes works of 15th – 17th century Italian masters and prints by important European artists.

Banat Village Museum (Muzeul Satului Banatean)

Address: Aleea CFR 1

Tel: (+40256) 225.588

Email: office@msbtm.ro

www.msbtm.ro

Open: Tue. – Sun. 1:00pm – 8:00pm; Closed Mon.

Admission charge

This open-air museum, located three miles from the city centre, exhibits more than 30 traditional peasant houses dating from the 19th century. Wood, stone and clay homes were taken piece by piece and set up in the beautiful surroundings of Padurea Verde (Green Forest). Craftsmen's fairs and folk shows are held here periodically.

Serbian Bishops’ Collection (Muzeul Diocezei Ortodoxe Sarbesti)

Address: Piata Unirii 4

Tel: (+40256) 430.426

Open: Mon. – Sun. 7:30am – 3:30pm

Admission charge

The collection includes portraits and outstanding 18th century icons.

Nearby Attractions

Recas Vineyards / 12 miles east of Timisoara by car, bus, train

Taste white, red and rosé wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Burgund Mare, Merlot, Cadarca, Feteasca Regala or Creata at Recas Wine Cellars (Cramele Recas).

A visit at the cellars will give you the opportunity to attend a presentation of the wine making process in the Barrique Hall, and the conservation of bottled wines in the Recas vinoteque - featuring stocks of exceptional vintages.

Day Trips

Arad / 30 miles north of Timisoara by car, bus, train

Lugoj – Densus – Colti / 37 – 100 miles east of Timisoara by car

Visit the old town centre in Lugoj with its 18th century Orthodox Church of the Assumption, one of the most representative baroque buildings in Banat.

Next, cross the Carpathians into Transylvania and stop by at Densus, where you can find one of the oldest Romanian churches. The strange looking stone monument was built in the 13th century, and some historians assume it is a re-shaped Roman mausoleum. Build from river rocks, bricks with Roman inscriptions and funerary stones, the Saint Nicholas Church at Densus church makes for an interesting visit.

Couple of miles east, climb up to the ruins of the Colti fortress in Suseni. The Castle was first mentioned in the 14th century as belonging to the Cindea family. From up here enjoy a spectacular view over the rugged peaks and ridges of the nearby Retezat Mountains.

Interesting fact:

Jules Verne was inspired by the Colti fortress when he wrote his famous novel The Carpathian Castle. His other two novels whose actions take place in Romania are The Danube Pilot and The Stuborn Keraban.

Hunedoara / 105 miles east of Timisoara by car, bus, train

Drive over picturesque hills with secluded villages to Hunedoara. During the 14th and 15th centuries, Hunedoara was one of the main iron extraction and processing centres in Transylvania. The swords and spears manufactured here during this period were renowned across Europe. The town is home to the mighty 15th century Corvinesti Castle, one of the most important examples of gothic architecture in Central and Eastern Europe.

The region around Hunedoara was one of the earliest settled parts of Romania. Deep in the mountains above Orastie you will find Neolithic remains and vestiges of the Dacian citadels, including Sarmizegetusa Fortress (UNESCO World Heritage Site), seat of kings Burebista and Decebal. The former Dacian capital was conquered by the Romans in 106 AD. Today you can still admire remnants of the forum and the stone amphitheatre, where gladiator shows were held.

Near Hunedoara, you can take in the scenery of Woodlanders’ Country (Tara Padurenilor), a region where people have maintained their traditional dress and folklore.

Retezat National Park / 130 miles east of Timisoara by car

Set amid one of Romania’s most beautiful mountain ranges, Retezat National Park claims more some of the highest rocky peaks (such as Retezatu and Peleagu, both more than 8,202 ft. in height) reflected in a string of over 80 clear glacial lakes. A hiker’s paradise, Retezat became Romanian’s first national park in 1935 and later, a biosphere reserve.

Herculane Spa / 100 miles southeast of Timisoara by car, bus, train

Visit one of oldest thermal spas in the world. Legend says that Hercules cured the wounds inflicted by the Hydra by bathing in the mineral springs of this area. Take time to relax in the hot spring near the well-preserved 19th century town centre.

www.recaswine.ro/html_files/en/turism.php

Performing Arts

Symphonic Music

Banat Philharmonic (Filarmonica de Stat Banatul)

Address: Blvd. C.D. Loga 2

Tel. (+40256) 495.012

Opera & Ballet

Romanian Opera House (Opera Romana Timisoara)

Address: Str. Marasesti 2

Tel: (+40256) 201.283

The construction of the Romanian Opera House, began in 1871 and ended four years later, in 1875. The design was that of Viennese architects, Helmer and Fellner, the authors of numerous concert halls in Budapest , Vienna and Odessa . The murals in the concert hall are inspired by history and popular Romanian fairytales. Opera in Timisoara was appreciated as far back as the end of the 18th century. Joseph Strauss started out as Musical Director at Timisoara , where he composed and presented the world premiere of Faust's Life and Deeds. Franz Liszt also performed in Timisoara in 1846.