Timisoara, Romania

Finally

Finally
emerging from the wings to join its Eastern European
counterparts on the world travel stage, increasing numbers of Euro
trippers are realising the little-known depths that Romania reveals
to those who pay her homage. While any exploration has
traditionally been on the dynamism of Bucharest or romanticised
fables of Transylvania, no less deserving of the spotlight is the
spirited city of Timisoara.

When standing in one of Timisoara’s central squares surrounded
by elegant, pastel-coloured architecture, it’s hard not to wonder
why we don’t hear more about the country’s third-largest city. As
cities like Venice
and Barcelona
struggle under the pressures of “overtourism“,
it’s never been a better time to cast your net further afield. With
parks and plazas galore and a solid hotel and restaurant scene to
boot (with prices remaining eye-wateringly low) it won’t be long
before this beauty bags a role as a protagonist for weekend
escapes.

Don’t miss

Glamorous, art-nouveau buildings have earned Timisoara the
nickname of “Little
Vienna“, and there’s nowhere better to experience this
creativity than in Piata Unirii. This broad square in the town
centre is lined on all sides by magnificent buildings, including
several churches and palatial homes. Perhaps the most distinctive
of these is Brück House, a palatial residence and feast for the
eyes thanks to bold colours and decorated windows. Not to be
overlooked either is the Serbian Orthodox Episcopal Palace, where
subtler hues allow the architecture to be appreciated for its own
merits.

One also can’t mention Timisoara without acknowledging the
city’s icon; the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral. While not
particularly historic, its eclectic mix of architectural styles and
tower-like design mean make the cathedral look more like something
plucked out of Disney.

Who to take with you

A friend with an appreciation for architecture and modern
European history who is happy to roam the streets and see where it
leads.

When to go?

Between April
and October.

Essential to bring with you

An empty itinerary.

Most likely to bump into

Inquisitive travellers who want more than a standard city break;
have a drink and soak up Timisoara’s revolutionary spirit with
them.

How to get there

Fly into Timisoara International Airport; from there, express
buses head into the city centre and the main train station.