An old and interesting city in the northwestern part of Romania, it played an important role throughout the country's history, as a major cultural, economical and military location. It is worth a visit because of the large number of historical monuments, museums and other cultural landmarks, as well as for the atmosphere, shops, restaurants and bars. Especially in the past Oradea was a melting-pot for different religions and minorities, which together with the Romanian majority managed to give the city an interesting image. It was also an important center for Greek - Catholic believers, especially after Pope Pius VI founded the Bishopric of Oradea.
Among the objectives you can admire here one of the best known is surely the Fortress of Oradea (Cetatea Oradiei) which was built in the 12th century to protect the city, but later destroyed and rebuilt in the 16th century, this time in an Italian style, which makes it even more interesting. Very well kept for it's age, it is a good starting point for discovering the past of the region. Due to the strong Austrian influence of those times, Oradea rapidly grew and in a rather short amount of time several new churches, cathedrals, museums and impressive buildings appeared, the economical significance of the city grew, as did it's population. There are many palaces and official buildings in Oradea, such as the Town Hall (built in 1902 - 1903 by the architect Rimanoczy Kalman, a strange and asymetrical structure), the Justice Palace, the "Black Eagle" Palace (one of the main landmarks of the city, built at the beginning of the last century, one of the most beautiful architectural projects in the city), the Baroque Palace, the Apollo Palace or Stern Palace. Each of these is special in it's own way and does it's part into creating a special city.
There also some interesting churches, such as the Church with the Moon, the Cathedral (one of the most important and well known buildings in the region), both impressive examples of the Baroque style. You can also find a synagogue, a symbol of the importance that the Jewish community has had over the years in Oradea. The Tarii Crisurilor Museum can also be found in Timisoara, and it is certified for a visit, as it's collections are rich and diverse, focusing on the art, culture, traditions and discoveries from this region, and also presenting in detail the history of the city.
Oradea must be included on the list of "places to see in Romania", as it is a different, beautiful and interesting city, with several architectural projects of importance, some museums, a good theatre and the likes.
2008-04-17
