Epic tours of Craiova with the local myths and legends

It is said in Romania (popular joke) that the people of Oltenia (the area around Craiova) are very similar with the Scotsman, thinking to their pride and hot blood (but they are not so tight with the money, even on the contrary. If they adopt you and give their friendship, they will give everything what they possess, starting with the suits).

Thus, we could say that Craiova would be the Romanian Glasgow, forcing the comparison. The fact is, that the city of Craiova has a lot to offer and to say to any traveler, mainly in downtown. I propose you to discover Craiova starting with its churches, there are many, and I've made a selection.

The impressive Curch madona Dudu has an interesting legend

Most of Craiova churches have been build in the Romanian Brancovan style, meaning rich decorations, which are nevertheless not so charged like the rococo. First mention for Church Madona Dudu. According to the legend, the place was chosen after finding an icon of Holly Jesus' Mother (Madona) in a mulberry tree on this place (Dudu=mulberry tree, btw how far are you with the Romanian courses?). This icon had miraculous powers, and the priests used to carry it to the sick people, and if the the icon weighted heavy, there were no chances anymore for the pacient on  this world! On the contrary, if the icon was light, the suffering was supposed to recover! Admire in Madona Dudu Church the quality of the  painting, it is made by a notorious Romanian painter, Gh. Tattarescu. Visit further and compare other interesting churches, The St Ilie Church and and Holly Third Church. Finish your spiritual church tour of Craiova with the St Dumitru church, and its amazing icon of the St. Dumitru, made in Venice mosaic, which is really a masterpiece.

In a plain city, subject to drought periods, a fountain is a very important issue. Here  the Jianu fountain

Another landmark of Craiova, a plain city subject to long periods with no rains, are the fountains (Maybe similar to Bucharest). The fountains here are not so many, or so spectacular, but have a special touch and a big history.
The Jianu fountain was build by the local aristocrat Hagi Stan Jianu. From this fountain used to drink water another Jianu, Iancu Jianu (which was an outlaw and a local legend). 17 years long he has lived as an outlaw, escaped twice from the escort, and succeed to escape a death conviction, because a noble virgin wished to marry him. He was convicted and worked in the salt mines, but died very peacefully in his home from Caracal. He was short, using to carry always gun and knife. Other important fountains: the pig merchant' and the Popova.

The Romanescu park from Craiova  is a must for every visitor!

But after this long walk, you can relax in a wonderful place: Romanescu Park, also named Bibescu park, which is renowned in the all Romania. It was designed by the French architect E.Redont at 1900, which won an important award and recognition for this work. Redont strove himself for the park to seduce through its elaborated wildness, which was so appreciated in those times.. The works lasted 3 years long, and had a serious budget. Walk on the alleys, cross the bridge, look the ruins of the castle, the shelters and kiosks, the swan island. The park 96 hectars of vegetation, a big lake of 4 hectars, and a botanical garden! You need some time to discover this wonderful park!

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The hidden secrets of Craiova history

Visiting the picturesque Craiova you are not aware of the rich long history of the city. It starts with the Dacian fortress of Pelendava, followed by a fort of the winning Romans, used probably as  a base for further attacks.

The origin of the name is subject of disputes: a theory says, it would come from Slavian word cral= king, and another one sustains the name coming from the wealthy powerful family Craiovescu. The name appeared in documents in the XVth century, and a century latter the city experiences its golden age, under the ruler Mihai Viteazu, Romanian hero, who was first governor here in Craiova. Afterwards he was awarded ruller of Wallachia, and managed to unify all the three Romanian states of the time (Wallachia, Transilvania, and Moldavia). But the bigger powers, first Austria, did not agree the idea of such a big and strong Romanian state, and this Union showed to be artificially and did not last. The Oltenia Capital owed its wealth to the fairs, cow trade and crafts.

Towntown Craiova with Piata Unirii is a good place for a walk

The Turks are going to transform Craiova in ruins in 1774. The following plague from 1795, a fire and a earthquake caused a certain decay of Craiova, which started again to prosper in the XIXth century. Craioca took part together with Bucharest, Iasi, Sibiu and Cluj to the many events of the XIXth century leading to the Romanian Independence. In the XIXth century Craiova manages to prosper again, due to the oil reserves from the vicinity, which brought many other industries in the city. This industrialization of Craiova was further promoted by the communist regime, and the well known communists blocks of flats emerged by hundreds in the city (I can reveal you another secret, Ceausescu was born in Oltenia!).

The Art Museum in Craiova is a must see for any tourist, even wine afficionado

Much later, in the 70's appeared an University in Craiova, as the Culture life was not so intense here. Nowadays all the factories experience bad time, and the city is no more so wealthy and prosperous. Nevertheless, you can't miss Craiova, is the crossroads and Capital of the all region. You have many things to do in Craiova, but one day shall be enough, before going further to Bulgaria, Portile de Fier, or Transilvania.

Observe and admire the wise positioning of Craiova, between hills and plains. Go in the downtown, take a walk in the wonderful Romanescu park, very similar to an English park, which is the locals' main option for relaxing. Observe the Architecture styles of the buildings in the center, from Brancovan to neoclassic. Don't miss the spectacular Art Museum, on the main promenade of Piata Unirii. The cute building was erected 1905 for a wealthy local. In 1939 it served as a refuge for the Polish President escaping from the invading  German troops. Nowadays it hosts some interesting collections, making the locals so proud. First of all, prepare to rediscover Brancusi, which started his activity in Craiova. Again, his masterpieces are special totally, going to the quitessence of substance and life. Brancusi simply managed to carve ideas! The next rooms host Romanian classical painters like Amman, Petrascu, Tuculescu, Pallady.

Not far from Craiova you can discover the vineyards from Sadova and Vanju Mare. Thus you will combine mind and spirit, body and soul.

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Must see in Romania: Craiova

The city of Craiova is doubtless a regional Capital of Oltenia, Romanian province. Which is maybe the most Romanian provinces of all, and the Romanians from this province are much more passionate and hot blooded, comparing with other provinces, like Transilvania and Moldavia.

Downtown of Craiova at night, with spectacular fountain and the monumental City Hall. Also spectacular in daylight. and a magnetic target for a long walk, among locals and tourists

The people of Oltenia have something special, you can't get in other parts of the country. They are very proud, they are very patriots and have a special sense of humor, and all these things make them a favorite subject of the popular jokes. They speak quickly and ue a special form of past Tense, making them so easy to recognize. Oltenia and Craiova gave some distinguished personalities to the Romanian and  Universal history. 

Mihai Viteazul (Michael the Brave) was first a ban of Craiova, and after Ruler of all Wallachia. He even succeed unifying for the first time all the Romanian countries (Wallachia, Moldavia and Transilvania)

In Middle Age the province of Oltenia has been ruled by the Craiovescu family, from Craiova of course. They hold the title of bans, and were entitles to make coins with their faces (and today, ban in Romanian means money!).Earlier, in the antic Roman times, on these places has been settled the fortress of Pelendava, due to the excellent regional position, to the middle of the way between mountains and Danube.

St Dumitru Church is a brillant example of Architecture

Today, is really a pleasure living in Craiova, and an event to visit it. The local park is one of the most beautiful Romaniawide, while the Art Museum one of the richest. Besides, you have so many things to do in Craiova: e.g a long walk in the Downtown, admiring the old Architecture (e.g. Madona Dudu church, City Hall, National college, the equestrian statue of Michael the Brave, a Romanian national hero. You can find also a leading Romanian National Theatre, and if you are lucky you can even get a show of Tudor Gheorghe, very well known and beloved Romanian Composer and Singer. Tudor Gheorghe is an amazing one man show, holding a full hall in his hand for hours.

From Craiova you can make shorter or longer trips in the neighborhood. Visit Targu Jiu and trive on Transalpina, offering you a unique panorama of the mountains, and reach Transilvania and Sibiu. A special mention for Ranca, a winter resort, where you can ski. Another possible short trip, also in the mountains, is Petrosani and Valea Jiului. If you are not a mountain freak, bag you pardon: go in the opposite direction, to the Danube, in the port of Calafat. And if you are in the mood to combine the mountain and the water, look for Drobeta Turnu Severin and Portile de Fier (Iron Gates), which offer memorable landscapes. Very near is also the vineyard from Segarcea, where we can organize wine tasting.

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