Craiova step by step —
Squares and Emblematic Buildings

Craiova's calling card — the dominant building of Mihai Viteazul Square. Designed by the renowned architect Petre Antonescu and built between 1912 and 1913, it is a masterpiece of the Neo-Romanian style with Byzantine and Brâncovenesc influences. Damaged in World War I, later restored, preserving the original appearance. Today the headquarters of the Prefecture and Dolj County Council. The fascinating exterior can be admired freely.

One of the oldest and most important theatrical institutions in Romania, founded in 1850. It operates in the current building from 1973, located on Alexandru Ioan Cuza St. In its 175 years of existence, it has hosted world-prestigious performances. Since 1994, it organizes the International Shakespeare Festival — the largest in the world (World Record 2024). Visit it in the evening when the stage lights give it a magnetic aura.

Designed by the French architect Paul Gottereau and built between 1898–1907 for the Nabob Constantin Dinu Mihail. Fascinating interior: Carrara marble, Murano crystal, Venetian mirrors, Lyon silk and gilded stuccos. The plan resembles Cheverny Castle on the Loire Valley. Since 1954, it houses the Art Museum with 8,000 works, including 6 original Brâncuși. National Historical Monument.

Heritage building built in the early 20th century according to the plans of architect Otto Hesselmann. Over time it has hosted the National Tourism Office, CEC and Romanian Commercial Bank. Today it is an administrative pavilion of the Craiova Municipality City Hall. The elegant facade, visible from Mihai Viteazul Square, is one of the defining elements of the central urban landscape.

An architectural gem located on Mihail Kogălniceanu St. no. 1, built in Moorish style (1898–1903) according to the plans of architects Thoma Dobrescu and D. Nedelcu — unique in Craiova. The current confectionery was opened in 2015, remarkable for the exclusive use of 100% natural ingredients. Reference artisan eclairs and cakes for Craiovans. A mandatory stop at the end of any walk on Calea Unirii.

Built in 1920, the Ramuri Palace initially housed the famous "Ramuri" publishing house and bookstore, the most important in interwar southern Romania. Today it hosts the Natural Sciences Section of the Oltenia Museum, with a planetarium and naturalistic collections. The representative facade is seen from Mihai Viteazul Square — one of the essential components of Craiova's central architectural landscape.

The oldest civil building in Craiova — erected in the 15th c. by the Craiovești boyars, the residence of the Great Ban of Oltenia. Renovated by the ruler Constantin Brâncoveanu. It hosted historical personalities, including the ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza in 1859. Today it houses the Ethnography Section of the Oltenia Museum, with collections of folk costume, ceramics and traditional textiles. Category A Historical Monument.

Heritage building located in Piața Veche (Elca Square), built by the merchant Niță D. Puțureanu — a wonderful ensemble with inn architecture specific to the 19th c., the only one of this type remaining in Craiova. Located in proximity to St. Dumitru Cathedral, Oltenia Museum, Madona Dudu Church and Baniei House. Although in the restoration stage, the exterior is worth photographing — a living testimony of Craiova's former commercial life.

The University of Craiova is housed in an imposing building through architecture and dimensions, adjacent to the Marin Sorescu National Theatre — together forming a reference academic and cultural ensemble for the city center. Founded in 1947, today it hosts over 30,000 students and is one of the largest universities in southern Romania. The inner courtyard and festive hall can be visited during open public events.