Streets squares and districts to visit Timişoara

From the first glance, this large paved and grassy square, surrounded by colourful buildings, seduces by its elegance. Entirely pedestrian, it is a popular meeting place: people come here to chat, play football, meet around the small circular fountain in the centre or have a drink at one of its many terraces. Union Square has been the scene of many important events for Banat. For example, it was here that the region's attachment to Romania was celebrated, hence its name. In the center stands the statue of the Holy Trinity (1740), which recalls the plague epidemic that devastated Timişoara. Created in Vienna, in the purest Baroque style, the statue was transported by river. It was renovated in 1995.

Piața Unirii is surrounded by many remarkable buildings, most of them of Baroque architecture, but also classical or eclectic: the Baroque Palace, which houses the Museum of Art, the Serbian Catholic and Orthodox Cathedrals, the Episcopal Palace. Note also the amazing Casa Brück, at No. 2, built in 1910 in the Art Nouveau style. Or, in a corner, at the very beginning of the rue Gheorghe Lazăr, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture from 1908, with wavy shapes and glazed ceramic ornaments. The beautiful building is reminiscent of those designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. A little further on, by taking the Augustin Pasha street, you will see at n° 6 the house "au Trompettiste", surmounted by a baroque bulb.

Facing the Orthodox Cathedral, this lively, flowery square is lined with terraces. Note in the centre the replica of the famous statue of the Capitoline Wolf, donated by the city of Rome in 1926. The beautiful building housing the Theatre and Opera dates back to the 19th century, except for its neo-Byzantine façade, rebuilt after the fire of 1920. Victory Square is also the symbol of the revolution, of which it was the main stage. It was here that on 16 December 1989, thousands of demonstrators came to protest against the forced transfer of Pastor László Tőkés.

It was developed from the ^18th century onwards, with the establishment of various factories. More popular than the center, but just as colorful, it's a true neighborhood. Its Poporului park is pleasant and lively. Nearby stands an imposing Secession-style synagogue dating from 1897. Further east, Piața Traian, surrounded by beautiful buildings, is the heart of the district. Piața Romanilor, more intimate, is the entry point to the Millenium Catholic Church (1896). A vast program to renovate the district is due to begin in 2024.

Southwest of the centre, on the other side of the Bega river, you will happily get lost in the residential areas of Elizabetin and Iosefin. The large houses are not always in good condition, but are nevertheless elegant. Streets with a village character, sometimes paved, small quiet squares, a lively market and the rarity of cars also make the charm of these places. Among the points of interest: the Reformed Church (strada Cipariu 1) of Pastor László Tőkés. This is where the very first rally against Ceaușescu was formed on December 15, 1989.

Three large squares line the route: Piața Victoriei, opposite the cathedral, is undoubtedly the busiest, with its cafés and terraces. Piața Libertății is the main tramway station. Note at no. 7 the former military casino, in late Baroque style. Finally, Piața Unirii, with its square surrounded by ^18th-century buildings, is a meeting point for locals. Between these two squares, the streets are pleasant and colorful. Among them is the Catholic Episcopal Palace (strada Augustin Pacha), a remarkable Baroque building dating from 1752.