TIMIȘOARA

Timișoara, the largest city in western Romania, lies along the canalized Bega River. Over the years, Timișoara 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 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. Antigovernment demonstrations that erupted in Timișoara on December 15–17, 1989, sparked the revolution that toppled the Romanian communist leader Nicolae Ceaușescu from power a few days later. Timișoara is a vibrant city, frequently called „Little Vienna”, it has 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. The evening atmosphere of this charming town was the same as in other popular cities, Covid killed it all, streets and restaurants were deserted and very quiet, even the famous D’arc club was empty on weekend (Mojito 25 ROL). The Irish pub had some customers and looked a bit more lively, so we took our beers there (Bucur beer – 0,5 l / 10 ROL, Guinness pint – 18 ROL, Oven baked bacon – 20 ROL).

Parking location – Timișoara: 45.754371N 21.224674E (50 ROL / day)