6 reasons to fall in love with Timisoara. The European Capital of Culture 2023.

Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by

To be honest, I never thought of paying a visit to Timisoara until my trip with Experience Romania. My reluctance didn’t have a particular cause. In fact, my reasons lied all in my mental picture of Romania as a land of lost fairytales, castles and breathtaking landscapes. Yes, Romania is undoubtedly also all these things I just mentioned. However…. how much I was wrong about the rest?! Taking a medieval historian out of her middle ages world is hard work. Everything loses its “magical charm” after 1500, becoming just history. Nevertheless, I realised that Timisoara is one of those cities that can steal your heart very easily. That’s why you will find here 6 reasons to visit Timisoara during your next trip to Romania!

6 reasons to visit Timisoara

1) For its history

Middle Ages

Timisoara is the 3rd largest city of Romania. It is situated in the historical region of Banat and it’s often called as “Little Vienna” because of its colourful architecture resembling the Austrian capital. It’s original name Temeswar is famous since 1315. This used to indicate a city with a castle on the River Timiș (Temes). Indeed, during the Middle Ages, the city was indicated on the maps as Castrum regium Themes. A city located on a strategic location. One of those fiercely standing against the Ottomans to defend the values of the Christian faith.

Modern history

Unfortunately, Timisoara fell under the rule of the Ottomans and remained under their control for more than a century (1522 -1716). After that, the city was controlled by Habsburg Monarchy. It remained under their rule until the 20th century. One of the most impressive structures build during this period, and still surviving the test of time, is the Theresia Bastion. Named after the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, the stronghold was designed in a stellar shape (or Pagan style) and still covers part of the current city centre enriched with shops and restaurants. However, most of the fortification was removed between 1892-1910 to give space to a rapidly expanding, modern city. In this regard, in 1884, Timisoara was the first European city (second in the world after New York) to be lit by electric street lamps.

20th Century

The 20th century was not kind to Timisoara. Ceded from Hungary to Romania in 1920, bombed by the Axis powers in 1944 and constrained to the Systematization by theNicolae Ceaușescu leadership soon after the war. 42 years under the Communist Rule signed by austerity, harassment and lack of human rights, culminated in the powerful Romanian Revolution. This started in Timisoara in 1989. It’s crazy to think that this happened not so much time ago. I was just a four-years old kid enjoying my tranquil life in Italy when not so far from my country, kids of my same age were witness of violence, bloody scenes and terrible events.

If from one hand the revolution was a necessary act. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean it wasn’t painful for Romanian people. In the Romanian Revolution Museum ( Memorialul Revolutiei ) you can still feel how the horror of that bloody year signed the life of many people. Yes, Romania was freed from the Communist control, but at what price? A visit to this museum is a touching experience. In fact, the museum is leaded by a surviving witness of the Romanian Revolution. This give you a different insight on the events and makes you reflect on the fragility of our political national systems.

A special thanks to Timisoara City Tours, especially to our guide Ludovic Satmari, for all the historical information and nailed tour provided for this guide.

2) For its stunning architecture

One of the 6 reasons to visit Timisoara, is surely its colourful architecture. In effect, I can easily say that every building you pass by in Timisoara has an interesting story to tell. Maybe it’s a window, a name on the door or a mysterious beehive on the roof of a Baroque palace. You have just pose your eyes on something, to discover a hidden piece of history of the city.

Due to its old, complicated and multicultural heritage, Timisoara’s architecture is expressed in a mix of different styles from many historical periods. Immense Baroque palaces share the space with Roman ruins. Fine examples of secession style elements stand fiercely in front of austere renovated Communist buildings. Neo-Byzantine churches shine upon the sober Neo-Gothic ones. In this regard, for the lovers of art, a walk in Timisoara is a continuous heartbeat.

Among the most impressive places to visit, the immense Unirii Square displays some of the most significant buildings of the city. Among these, the St. George’s Cathedral or Dome, the Serbian-Orthodox Episcopal Palace and the colourful Bruck House.

3) Because it will be European Capital of Culture in 2021 (now 2023 because of the pandemic)

If you want one more reason to love Timisoara, (and an additional excuse to visit soon), you should know that the city won the title of European Capital of Culture for 2023! With the theme Shine your light/Light up your city, Timisoara will reaffirms its role of city of premieres by shining again for this important and prestigious event. For this reason, the city is undertaking a big renovation of all its important historical buildings that will be ready to glow in 2023.

4) For the food!

Did I already mentioned that in Timisoara I had some of the most amazing food of Romania? In fact, I still have a feeling for the best tomato salad and potato mash I ever had! As you can imagine, Timisoara offers wide choice in terms of restaurants, but among the places I visited, I would love to recommend Casa Bunicii. One of the restaurants where I had a great culinary experience!

Casa Bunicii

The restaurant Casa Bunicii offers in traditional food representing Romanian multiculturalism. In fact, grandma’s unique recipes are the highlight of the restaurant, used to maintain a lively culinary heritage. Casa Bunicii produces almost everything in house and don’t use any artificial or ready made ingredients. For my lunch, I decided to opt for a fully vegetarian menu. The reason for my choice, was because I was stuffed with meat for most of the week and I really needed to light up my daily diet in Romania. What to say, it was an exceptional choice. I opted for tomato salad, mashed potatoes, stuffed courgettes, spaetzle (a sort of pasta of German/Austrian origins) and apple pancake. Everything was fresh and delicious. Totally recommended.

5)For its lovely cafe culture

This came out unexpectedly, but I discovered that Timisoara has a lovely cafe culture. How amazing is this? Hanging out in nice cafes is usually one of the things that I love to do when I explore a new place. In this regard, Timisoara definitely got it right. Among the places I visited, I would definitely recommend a visit to Craft Rooftop. This rooftop cafe has probably one of the best views in Timisoara and during summer, it’s the perfect place where to have a delicious iced-coffee.

Another place to check out, is definitely Senneville. Located at just a few steps away from Unirii Square, Senneville is very nice bakery-cafe. It is specialised in French patisserie and I was totally obsessed with their pistachio eclairs!

If you are in the area of Liberty Square, one of the nicest cafes to visit is Cafeneaua Verde . The cafe is very nice and its design is inspired by the art-nouveau style. Moreover, they have also a rich menu of European dishes. Unfortunately, I haven’t try any of them but the coffee (that is pictured under the title of this paragraph) was very good (and you know how much critic I am with coffee).

6) For shopping and local markets

The last of the 6 reasons to visit Timisoara, is certainly for its peculiar local markets and shopping!

Visiting the Flea Market of Piața Aurora-Flavia

One of the most famous markets in the city is the Flea Market located in Piața Aurora-Flavia. I have to say I am not a big fan of shopping when I am travelling. In fact, I see it as a waste of time (unless you shop traditional local products). However, I love flea markets!! I grew up in Catania and we have lots of flea markets around the city in different days of the week! In fact, I love to hang out in flea markets to find forgotten treasures. In particular, I usually try to find books to adopt. You should know that a good 40% of my personal library is made of second (maybe also third/fourth) hand books coming from flea markets.

However, I didn’t find any special book in Timisoara, but its flea market didn’t disappoint. The market is well-organised and you have to pay 5 LEI to access. This is usually open Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 14 pm.

Shopping in Timisoara

Timisora has countless corners where to shop. The most famous area is Piata Victorei. Here, you can find also some traditional shops selling local art and craft like Galeria Helios and Galeriile de Arta Populara. If you are interested in vintage shops, Ozz Vintage House near Liberty Square has interesting items.

That’s all for this 6 reasons to visit Timisoara! I hope I gave you a little inspiration to put this city on your travel map!

Interested in visiting more places in Romania? Read my Transylvania and Bucharest guides!

This trip has been sponsored by Timisoara Tourism and Timisoara City Tours.

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