Oradea : Romania
Architecture
Oradea’s architecture is a mix between Communist-era constructions, mainly in the outer quarters, and beautiful historical buildings, mainly in Baroque style, remnants from the era when the city was part of Austria-Hungary.
During Communism and in the first years of Romania’s post-Communist transition, many of the historical buildings became derelict or were degrading. After 2002, when Romania entered into a period of economic boom, many historical buildings in the city were restored to their previous state and currently, the city possesses a very historic and well-maintained feel.
Attractions
The beautiful city centre is worth visiting, as are the B?ile Felix health spas, accessible by train and located outside the city.
Sites worth visiting are:
Muzeul ??rii Cri?urilor – a wonderful baroque museum with some famous 365 windows.It was the roman catholic bishop’s palace, until 1945, then the communist regime simply occupied the building.It was retroceded to Roman Catholic church, in 2003, after a long and painfull process, on the High Court.
Catedrala baroc? – the biggest baroque cathedral in Romania
Cetatea Oradea – Oradea’s Fortress, with a pentagonal form
Biserica cu Lun? – A unique church in Europe with a clocklike mechanism which indicates the phases of the moon
Pasajul “Vulturul Negru” – The “Black Eagle” Passage
Muzeul “Ady Endre” – the house of one of the greatest Hungarian poets
Teatrul de Stat – The State Theatre, whose plans were designed by two Austrian architects who had built around 100 theatres and opera houses in Europe by the end of the 19th century.
There are around 100 churches of different cults in Oradea, among which 3 synagogues (however, only one is supposed to be still in use) and the biggest Baptist church in Eastern Europe.
