Rightfully considered the crown jewel of Craiova’s parks, Nicolae Romanescu Park is an emblem of the city, internationally recognized and deeply rooted in the hearts of locals. With an impressive area, it ranks among the largest urban parks in the naturalist style in Europe, offering a spectacular escape from daily life.
A Paris-Awarded Heritage: Brief History
The park’s history is as fascinating as its landscapes. At the end of the 19th century, the then-mayor of Craiova, Nicolae Romanescu, envisioned transforming an undeveloped area into a monumental park. The project was entrusted to the French landscape architect Édouard Redont. Redont applied the principles of the Romantic style, seeking to imitate and idealize nature, creating picturesque landscapes with winding lakes, artificial hills, rustic bridges, and abundant vegetation.
The absolute moment of glory came in 1900 when the park’s plans were presented at the Universal Exposition in Paris. Here, Redont’s project received the Gold Medal, an exceptional international recognition that confirmed the artistic and innovative value of the design. This distinction was not just an award; it established the park as a landmark of European landscape architecture and decisively contributed to its status as a protected monument and to local pride. Thus, Romanescu Park transcends its recreational function, becoming a living monument, a testament to an ambitious vision, and a direct link between Craiova and an important moment in the history of global landscaping.
Emblematic Attractions: The Suspended Bridge, The Enchanted Castle, The Lake, and The Zoo
Exploring Romanescu Park is an adventure in itself, dotted with numerous points of attraction:
- The Suspended Bridge: One of the most iconic elements of the park, the Suspended Bridge elegantly crosses one of the park’s valleys. Its slender structure and the view it offers make it a favorite spot for photographs and a recognized symbol of the park.
- The Enchanted Castle: With its romantic appearance of a medieval ruin, the Enchanted Castle is a picturesque construction located on one of the park’s hills. Initially conceived perhaps as a decorative element or maybe having a technical function (water tower), today it adds a touch of mystery and fantasy to the landscape, being a major visual attraction.
- The Lake: The vast expanse of water in the heart of the park is perfect for relaxing walks along the shore or, when possible, for boat or pedal boat rides. The lake, populated by ducks and swans, offers scenic views of the lush vegetation and other elements of the park.
- The Zoo: Harmoniously integrated into the park’s landscape, the Craiova Zoo hosts a variety of animals, from native species to exotic examples such as large felines, monkeys, or diverse birds. It is a favorite destination for families with children, offering an educational and fun experience.
- Other Attractions: Besides these, the park also shelters various monuments and statues, a hippodrome (although its use may vary), as well as numerous species of trees and shrubs, some of them being rare or venerable specimens.
Visitor Facilities and How to Get There
To ensure the most pleasant experience, Romanescu Park offers various facilities: strategically located restaurants and terraces (some with local specifics), cafes, public restrooms, numerous benches for resting, and, in places, children’s playgrounds. Renting boats on the lake is also a popular option during the warm season.
The park is located in the southern part of the city, with the main entrance on Nicolae Romanescu Boulevard. Access is easy both by public transport (several bus lines have nearby stops) and by personal car, with parking available in adjacent areas. Of course, the park is also easily accessible for pedestrians or cyclists. Due to its size and popularity, the park frequently hosts various events: fairs, festivals, open-air concerts, exhibitions, especially on weekends and during the summer.