Nicolae Romanescu Park
Southwest Oltenia Region
Nicolae Romanescu Park, located in Craiova in the Oltenia region of Romania, is one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in Eastern Europe. Designed by French architect Édouard Redont and inaugurated in 1902, the park is a masterpiece of landscape architecture reflecting Belle Époque elegance. It features an English-style garden layout with winding alleys, ornamental bridges, a lake, and diverse flora and fauna, including a small zoo originally established by Ioan Bibescu. The park's design integrates natural hills, valleys, and a suspension bridge, creating a picturesque and serene environment for visitors. Historically, the park evolved from the Bibescu Garden, a noble promenade dating back to the mid-19th century, which was expanded and transformed under the guidance of Nicolae Romanescu, then mayor of Craiova. Today, it remains a central recreational and cultural landmark, offering visitors scenic walking paths, benches modeled after the original 1902 designs, and a glimpse into the region's aristocratic past and urban development.
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Tip: The best time to visit Nicolae Romanescu Park is during spring and early autumn when the vegetation is vibrant and the weather is pleasant. Visitors are encouraged to explore the park on foot or by bike to fully appreciate its natural beauty and architectural features. While entrance is generally free, checking for special events or guided tours on the official Craiova city website can enrich the experience. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer quieter atmospheres and excellent lighting for photography. Reservations are not typically required, but group visits or special events may benefit from prior arrangements.
Interesting facts
- •The park is one of the largest urban parks in Eastern Europe, covering over 100 hectares.
- •It was designed by French architect Édouard Redont, who integrated natural landforms into the park's layout.
- •The original Bibescu Garden included Romania's first zoological garden, established by Ioan Bibescu.
- •The benches and lampposts in the park were custom-made in 1902 and some original designs are still preserved.
- •The park celebrated its 120th anniversary in 2022, maintaining its Belle Époque charm.
History
The origins of Nicolae Romanescu Park trace back to 1844-1845 when a German gardener was commissioned to create a garden with greenhouses, pavilions, and animal enclosures on the estate of Ioan (Iancu) Bibescu.
Known as Bibescu Garden, it served as a promenade for local nobility and hosted Romania's first zoological garden.
Significant expansion occurred through land acquisitions, reaching 259 pogoane.
In 1902, under Mayor Nicolae Romanescu and architect Édouard Redont, the park was redesigned and officially inaugurated, incorporating Belle Époque aesthetics and modern landscaping techniques.
The park's benches and lampposts were custom-designed and manufactured locally, reflecting the attention to detail and civic pride of the era.
Place Guide
Suspension Bridge1902
An iconic feature of the park, this bridge spans a valley and offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. It exemplifies the integration of engineering and natural beauty in the park's design.
The Lake and Island1902
A central water feature with an island accessible by bridges, providing habitat for various bird species and a tranquil setting for visitors.
Original Benches and Lampposts1902
Benches and lampposts based on designs from 1902, manufactured locally, still adorn the park, preserving its historic ambiance.
Bibescu Garden Area1844-1845
The historical core of the park, originally created in the mid-19th century by Ioan Bibescu as a noble promenade with greenhouses and animal enclosures.
Contact
Phone: 0761 760 224
