Craiova history

The city of Craiova, serving as the heart of the historical region of Oltenia in Romania, possesses a rich and centuries-old history. Its past is a tale of strategic importance, political power, and cultural flourishing, leaving a significant mark on the nation's heritage.

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Craiova is rooted in deep antiquity. The city grew on the site of the Dacian-Roman settlement of Pelendava, which existed here as early as 400-350 BC. Following the Roman conquest in the early 2nd century AD, a military camp was constructed here. Although the settlement declined during the early Middle Ages, it reappears in chronicles: the first documentary mention of the city under its current name dates back to June 1, 1475.

Key Factors of Development

The rise of Craiova as an important centre was driven by several key factors:

• Political Centre: Beginning in the 15th century, the city became the residence of the powerful rulers of the region — the Bans of Craiova. This transformed it into the capital of Oltenia and a vital administrative and military hub of Wallachia.
• Trade Hub: Thanks to its strategic location at the crossroads of trade routes connecting Transylvania, the Balkans, and Constantinople, Craiova quickly evolved into a thriving market for artisans and merchants.
• Military Significance: The city played the role of a crucial defensive point on the south-western frontiers, which contributed to its fortification and growing influence.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the 15th and 16th centuries, Craiova established itself not only as a political force but also as an economic and cultural one. The city was renowned for its craft guilds and lively fairs. Religious life developed actively here, with monasteries and temples being built, many of which became examples of the Wallachian architectural style with Byzantine elements. The oldest surviving structure is considered to be the Coșuna Monastery, built in 1483, testifying to the city's cultural richness even in its early history.

Timeline of Key Events

The history of Craiova is a kaleidoscope of eras, from Roman legionaries to modern cultural and industrial achievements. Below are the landmark moments that shaped the city's appearance.

• Circa 106 AD — On the site of the Dacian settlement of Pelendava, the Romans establish the military camp Castra Nova, laying the first stone in the city's centuries-old history.
• 1475 — Craiova is officially mentioned in documents for the first time as an important administrative and trade centre, the capital of the historical region of Oltenia.
• 1593 — Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul) becomes the Ban (ruler) of Craiova; he would later unite the three Romanian principalities and become a national hero.
• 1652 — Construction of the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius is completed, which remains one of the city's main spiritual symbols today.
• 1821 — The city plays a significant role in the Wallachian Uprising led by Tudor Vladimirescu, becoming one of its centres.
• 1896 — Construction is completed on the magnificent Jean Mihail Palace, which today houses the Art Museum, renowned for its collection of works by Constantin Brâncuși.
• 1903 — The Nicolae Romanescu Park is officially opened; its design received a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris in 1900.
• September 7, 1940 — The Treaty of Craiova is signed in the city, under which Romania ceded Southern Dobruja to Bulgaria.
• 1947 — The College of Agriculture is founded, which would subsequently become the core of the future University of Craiova.
• 1965 — The University of Craiova is officially established, uniting several institutes and becoming the leading scientific centre of the region.
• 1989 — Residents of Craiova actively participate in the Romanian Revolution, leading to the fall of the communist regime and the beginning of a new democratic era.

Major Development Milestones

The development of Craiova is a story of transformations that turned the city from a regional capital into a major industrial, cultural, and educational hub. Key stages reflect its economic growth, urban planning ambitions, and cultural enrichment.

• Capital of Oltenia (from the 15th century): Obtaining the status of an administrative centre and the residence of the Bans (rulers) of Oltenia was the starting point for the city's growth. This attracted nobility, merchants, and artisans to Craiova, laying the foundations for its economic and political influence.
• Architectural Flourishing (19th – early 20th century): During this period, the city was actively developed. Iconic buildings were erected, including the Jean Mihail Palace (now the Art Museum) and numerous public structures. The urban landscape acquired European features, evidencing its growing prosperity.
• Creation of Nicolae Romanescu Park (1903): This ambitious urban planning project became Craiova's calling card. The park project, awarded a gold medal at the World Exhibition in Paris, transformed the city into a model of landscape architecture and significantly improved the quality of the urban environment.
• Foundation of the University (1947–1965): The establishment of separate institutes initially, followed by their unification into the University of Craiova in 1965, turned the city into the main educational and scientific centre of the region. This attracted youth and intellectuals to the city, giving a powerful impulse to its cultural development.
• Industrialisation (1950–1980s): In the socialist period, Craiova became one of Romania's largest industrial centres. Giants were built, such as the "Electroputere" plant (manufacturing locomotives and electrical equipment) and the automobile plant, which fundamentally changed the city's economic structure and led to significant population growth.
• Economic Transformation (post-1990s): After the fall of the communist regime, the city's industry went through a complex stage of restructuring. An important milestone was the acquisition of the automobile plant by Ford, symbolising Craiova's integration into the global economy and the beginning of a new phase in its industrial development.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The urban development of the city of Craiova is a reflection of its rich history, where medieval traditions intertwine with the elegance of European aristocracy and the scale of modern urbanism. Unlike many other cities in the region, the centre of Craiova has preserved a cohesive ensemble of historical buildings, giving it a special charm and atmosphere.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The city's architecture represents a picturesque mosaic where every period has left its unique mark. From ancient monasteries to bold modernist projects, a walk through the city streets resembles a journey through time.

• Middle Ages and Brâncovenesc Style (17th–18th centuries):

  The oldest surviving buildings in the city belong to this era. It is characterised by a combination of Byzantine traditions with local decorative elements. The brightest example of civil architecture from that time is the Casa Băniei (House of the Bans), built in 1699. It is the oldest secular building in the city, which today serves as an ethnographic museum.

• Eclecticism and Academicism (Late 19th – early 20th century):

  The golden age of Craiova's architecture coincided with a period of economic prosperity. Local nobility, inspired by Western European culture, invited French and Italian architects to build luxurious residences. The city is dominated by Neo-Baroque, Neo-Renaissance, and Neoclassical styles.
  Iconic buildings:
  — Jean Mihail Palace (now the Art Museum) — a masterpiece of late Baroque, striking in its wealth of decoration and luxurious interiors.
  — Vorvoreanu Palace (now the residence of the Metropolitan of Oltenia) — an elegant building with clear French influence.

• Neo-Romanian Style (First half of the 20th century):

  During this period, architects sought to revive national traditions, reinterpreting elements of ancient church and peasant architecture in monumental public buildings.
  Iconic example: Administrative Palace (Prefecture), located on the central square, which stands out for its powerful forms and traditional decor.

• Modernism and Socialist Architecture (Second half of the 20th century):

  The post-war period in Romania was marked by industrialisation and the expansion of city boundaries. Alongside standard residential developments, unique public structures appeared in the city, executed in the styles of Socialist Modernism and Brutalism.
  Iconic example: Marin Sorescu National Theatre. Its building, constructed in the 1970s, is considered one of the most bold and original architectural projects of that time due to its unusual geometry and inclined roof planes.

Urban Planning Features

The city centre is formed around Michael the Brave Square and Unirii Street, which are the main pedestrian arteries. The historical core is surrounded by a ring of parks and green zones, among which Nicolae Romanescu Park stands out — one of the largest and most beautiful landscape parks in Eastern Europe, created in a romantic style with lakes, bridges, and a castle.

Notable Personalities

Being the historical and cultural centre of Oltenia, the city of Craiova is linked to the names of many prominent Romanian figures. These individuals left a significant mark on politics, art, and science, bringing fame to their hometown far beyond its borders.

• Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul) (1558–1601) — Voivode of Wallachia, national hero of Romania. Before becoming a ruler, he was the Ban (Governor) of Craiova. It was from here that he began his path toward uniting the Romanian principalities, making him a key figure in the country's history.
• Tudor Vladimirescu (c. 1780–1821) — Leader of the Wallachian Uprising of 1821. He received his education in Craiova, where his views were formed. The city became one of the centres of the liberation movement he led, directed against the Phanariote regime.
• Nicolae Titulescu (1882–1941) — Distinguished diplomat and politician. Born in Craiova, where he received his primary education. He was twice elected President of the General Assembly of the League of Nations, making a significant contribution to European politics in the interwar period.
• Constantin Brâncuși (1876–1957) — World-renowned sculptor, one of the pioneers of abstract art. Although born in the village of Hobița, it was at the School of Arts and Crafts in Craiova that his creative journey began. His early works, created during this period, are kept in the city's Art Museum.
• Corneliu Baba (1906–1997) — One of the most significant Romanian painters of the 20th century. Born and began his education in Craiova. Known for his expressive portraits and genre scenes, which brought him international recognition.
• Eugène Ionesco (1909–1994) — French playwright of Romanian origin, a classic of the Theatre of the Absurd. He spent part of his childhood and youth in Craiova, where he studied at the prestigious Carol I National College. This period of his life influenced his worldview.
• Jean Negulesco (1900–1993) — Romanian and American film director, Oscar nominee. A native of Craiova, he had a brilliant career in Hollywood, working with stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart.