Last Updated on July 28, 2023 by
Before going to Romania, I never heard of Oradea. This little city in the Bihor County was nothing but a real surprise to me! Located at just 10 km from the Hungarian border, Oradea encompasses some of the most beautiful architecture I’ve seen in Romania. In this blog you can find everything you need to know to discover Oradea’s Art Nouveau and plan a fantastic tour of the city!
Table of Contents
Oradea History
The city of Oradea was inhabited since the Neolithic and its old name was Varadinum. It was home for different population from the Dacians, to the Romans to the Hungarians and the Ottomans. Disputed for a long time between the Principality of Transylvania and the Ottoman Empire, Oradea was built and destroyed several times along the centuries. One of the most famous destruction happened in 1241 during the Mongol invasion. This destroyed completely the medieval citadel. Only in 1606 (after centuries at war), Oradea become part of the Principality of Transylvania.
The treaty was not appreciated by the Ottoman counterpart who besieged and captured the city with more than 45.000 soldiers on 1660. Oradea became the newly designed capital of the Eyalet of Varat (an administrative territorial entity that included various cities like Oradea, Salonta, Debrecen etc.). The Ottoman rule ended on 1692 with the conquest from the Habsburg imperial forces.
Under the Habsburg, Oradea flourished by acquiring part of its architectural Baroque style. The city was used a base for the Hungarian arm factory during the Hungarian Revolution in 1848. The I and II World Wars shaped the city’s contemporary aspect and signed its multicultural environment. Strong European influences, determined the city’s current architecture and nickname of “Little Paris”.
How to get to Oradea
Oradea is located in the North Western area of Romania. It’s quite far from Bucharest (less than 600 Km) and if you are planning to visit you should know what are your options.
By Plane
The most convenient option is probably that of reaching Oradea by plane from Bucharest. In fact, it’s a very short flight (about 50 minutes) and if booked in advance, the price is very convenient (between £15-50) with companies like Blue Air or Tarom. Moreover, Oradea International Airport is located at just 5 km from the city centre.
By car
Oradea is far from Bucharest about 582 km. This means that if you want to reach it by car, it would take around 8 hours (in the best possible scenario). I would opt for this option only during a road trip of Romania.
By Train
You can reach Oradea also by train from Bucharest. This is quite a lengthy journey as it will take around 11 to 15 hours by train. Ergo, if you depart at morning, expect to be at your destination at night. Nevertheless, prices are quite cheap. In fact, a train ticket is about £15-20 (one way). You can book your tickets directly from the Romanian Railways website.
How to get around Oradea
Oradea is served by bus, tram and taxi. All of these are very cheap. Buses and Trams are managed by the Oradea Transport Local S.A. There are three main Tram lines connecting different parts of the city. Line 1, runs from Sinteza Factory, to the township of Borş, via the quarter of Rogerius. The Line 2, runs from Ioșia quarter via the southern city centre and the heart of the city (Unirii Square) to Cantemir quarter and then Nufărul. Line 3, is a city loop and runs from runs from Nufărul to the Civic Centre.
I haven’t used much the public transport in Oradea, so I cannot comment if it’s good or not. However, I used its taxi system that is cheap and reliable. Big cities in Romania are served by Uber. However, I am not sure Oradea has Uber too. I personally used Bolt (you can download the app from the App store). I found it very good to get around Romanian cities.
Planning a tour of Romania? Read my blogs about Bucharest, Timisoara and the amazing Medieval locations in Romania to help you with your holiday!
Oradea. Romania’s capital of Art Nouveau
Oradea is famous for being Romania’s capital of Art Nouveau. Indeed, the city’s beautiful architecture makes it like an open air museum. The Secession style was brought in Oradea from European cities like Vienna, Budapest and Paris between 1890-1914.
I have to say that I was impressed by the beauty of Oradea’s architecture! It’s really a pleasure to walk its streets and discover these colourful and beautiful palaces that are so unique in their style. However, because most of these palaces are now private residences, you can’t actually visit them inside. Therefore, the best thing to do is a photo tour and admire them from their magnificent facades.
Oradea’s Art Nouveau Tour. What to See and Photograph
The Black Eagle Palace
The Black Eagle Palace was one of my favourite architectural elements of the city. Located in the heart of Oradea, this palace is a national jewel. Indeed, it’s the most representative example of the Secession movement in the whole Transylvanian region.
The Black Eagle palace was completed in 1907. Two architects named Komor Marcel and Jakab Dezso won a competition for the urban renovation of Piața Unirii. The construction was financed by two lawyers, Kurländer Ede and Adorján Emil, who bought the structure and former Eagle Hotel. The glazed passage was inspired by the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. This connects the two unequal parts of the buildings.
The palace hosts several shops, apartments, a hall for great events and a theatre. One of the main characteristics is the stained glass panel with a flying eagle over green hills. You can visit for free.
Location
Strada Independenței nr.5, Oradea, Romania
The Moskivits Miksa Palace
The Moskovits Palace was built between 1904-1905 and takes the name from the engineer who commissioned it. At the time of its construction it was regarded as one of the most spectacular building of its genre for its intricate facade. In fact, the colourful facade features different motifs and symbols like the three of life, Mercury’s sceptre, a cogwheel etc. At the basement of the palace you can find some shop. Nevertheless, the rest of the palace is used as a private residence. Ergo, is not open to visitors.
Location
Republicii Boulevard, Oradea, Romania
The Stern Palace
Does this palace looks familiar to you? It should because it was designed by the same architects who built the Black Eagle Palace on commission from the engineer Stern Miklós. The construction of the palace was completed in 1909 and its still used as a private residence. Nevertheless, if you find the gate open, you can take also some pictures of the courtyard.
Location
Calea Republicii, Oradea, Romania
The Astoria Hotel
The Astoria Hotel dates back to 1902. However, its original name was the Sztarill Palace. The name Astoria Hotel arrived in 1930 when the palace was turned into a hotel. Nevertheless, because of the II World War, the hotel was open only for a few years. The palace featured an important space called “Emke cafe”that used to be the main meeting place of important people and journalists. Moreover, it was a special location for exhibitions and music. This is now transformed into the Crown Pub Restaurant and, unfortunately, it no longer features the original secession style interiors of the former cafe.
Nowadays the Astoria Hotel is open again and you can book your stay there.
Location
Strada Teatrului 1-2, Oradea, Romania
The Adorján Houses
The Adorján Houses are a complex of buildings built by the architects Komor Marcell and Jakab Dezső around 1903. These two buildings are beautiful to see because full of intricate details in their facade. You can find the the Adorján House I in Str. Patrioților no. 6. It pops for its original design, floral motifs and pink facade. The Adorján House II (pictured) is located in Str. Patrioților no. 4. This dates back to 1904-1905 and has a grey facade. The best thing is that every windows features a beautiful frame. Plus, I loved the heart-shaped window on the upper central part of the main facade.
The Kolozsváry House
The Kolozsváry House dates back to 1910- 1912 and commissioned by the jeweler Sándor Kolozsváry. One peculiarity of this building are the windows. Indeed, these are framed with a lovely flower decoration. The building used to host the luxury store of the Kolozsváry family, who were the oldest jewellers of the city.
Location
Strada Iosif Vulcan, Oradea, Romania
The Poynár House
The Poynár House dates back to the beginning of the 20th century and owned by the Poynár family. The building used to host several stores and among these a bookshop that was the biggest of Oradea. This was now converted into a pharmacy.
Location
Strada Nicolae Grigorescu, Oradea, Romania
Deutsch K. Ignác Glassware and Porcelain Store
This was one of my favourite buildings in Oradea! I loved its design and unique colour! The building dates back to 1903-1906, built by by architect Sztarill Ferenc. During its golden age, it belonged to the Deutsch family who moved to Romania from Czech Republic. This family was one of the wealthiest in Oradea as they were the second most important merchants of glass for the Empire. This building was used as a glass store for the company. It was renewed several times but its beauty remain the same.
Location
Strada Vasile Alecsandri, Oradea, Romania
Füchsl Palace
This building dates back to 1902. It was commisioned by the Füschl brothers and planned by the architects Zoltán Bálint and Lajos Jámbor. The main characteristic is the central tower featuring different decorative motifs. The palace is now used as a private residence.
Location
Strada Mihai Viteazul 3, Oradea, Romania
Bonus stop: Rimanóczy Kálmán Sen. Palace
The Rimanóczy Kálmán Sen. Palace is NOT built in Art Nouveau style but it’s so beautiful that is worth a stop! Indeed, the palace is built in a mix of Eclectic style and Gothic Elements. The intention of the architect, Rimanóczy Kálmán, Sr. was that of reproducing the more impressive Ca’ D’oro Palace in Venice.
Location
The Corner of Republicii Street and Trajan Park N. 1
