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Casa Băniei

4.7(453 reviews)Strada Matei Basarab 16, 200352 Craiova, România
Casa Băniei

Casa Baniei is the oldest surviving civil building in Craiova, an architectural monument that today houses a section of the Oltenia Museum devoted to ethnography and folk art. Built in its present form at the end of the 17th century, on the site of the residence of the great bans of Craiova, high officials with wide powers in Oltenia, the building reflects traditional Romanian architecture, with a porch, arcades and massive walls. Its name recalls the institution of the banate, an old administrative office with medieval roots.

Inside, the museum presents folk costumes, textiles, household objects, pottery and testimonies of rural life in Oltenia, offering a rich picture of the traditions and crafts of the area. Set in the historic centre of Craiova, near Saint Demetrius Cathedral, Casa Baniei is easy to visit as part of a tour of the city. The site combines architectural value with the richness of its ethnographic collections and is a recommended stop for those interested in the history and folk culture of Oltenia.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Casa Băniei?+

Casa Băniei is located at Strada Matei Basarab 16, 200352 Craiova, România, in Craiova.

Is Casa Băniei worth visiting?+

Yes — it holds a 4.7/5 rating from 453 visitor reviews.

Do I need to book tickets for Casa Băniei?+

Popular sights can sell out — booking ahead online saves queuing.

What else is near Casa Băniei?+

Nearby you'll find Catedrala Sfântul Dumitru, Muzeul de Artă Craiova (Palatul Jean Mihail), Parcul Nicolae Romanescu.

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Catedrala Sfântul DumitruChurch

Catedrala Sfântul Dumitru

Saint Demetrius Cathedral is the metropolitan cathedral of Craiova and one of the most important Orthodox foundations in Oltenia. Raised on the site of a much older church linked to the Craiovesti family and to the medieval history of the town, the present building was rebuilt in the second half of the 19th century in the Neo-Byzantine style, to the plans of the French architect André Lecomte du Noüy, well known for his restorations in Romania. The interior is impressive for its mural painting, its richly carved iconostasis and the solemn atmosphere of the space. The cathedral holds relics and valuable liturgical objects and remains a spiritual landmark for the local community. Standing in the historic centre of Craiova, near other significant monuments, it is easy to include in a walk through the city. Visitors are asked to respect the dress and quiet appropriate to a place of worship, especially during services.

4.8(588 reviews)
Muzeul de Artă Craiova (Palatul Jean Mihail)Museum

Muzeul de Artă Craiova (Palatul Jean Mihail)

The Art Museum of Craiova is housed in the sumptuous Jean Mihail Palace, one of the most impressive buildings of the town in the heart of Oltenia. Raised in the early twentieth century for a family of great landowners, the palace stands out for its eclectic façades, monumental marble staircases, decorated ceilings and the consummate elegance of its interiors, the work of a renowned French architect. Over time the residence has hosted illustrious guests, and today it holds collections of Romanian and European art. The museum's centrepiece is the collection of sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, one of the world's greatest sculptors, a native of Oltenia, which lends the institution a special prestige. Alongside the Brâncuși works, visitors discover valuable painting and decorative art. The union of the palace's grandeur with the importance of the collections makes the Art Museum of Craiova a first-rank cultural destination, a compulsory stop for anyone discovering the historic capital of Oltenia.

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Parcul Nicolae RomanescuPark

Parcul Nicolae Romanescu

Nicolae Romanescu Park in Craiova is one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Romania and in south-eastern Europe, a work of landscape design awarded at the Universal Exhibition in Paris at the start of the 20th century. Laid out in the romantic style on ground of varied relief, the park stretches over dozens of hectares and impresses with lakes, waterfalls, a suspension bridge, a grotto, a miniature castle and paths winding through old tree plantations. In summer, rowing boats glide on the lakes and families spend their days in the shade of century-old trees; in autumn, the colours turn everything into a painting. A zoo and a hippodrome round out the offer. It is the pride of the Oltenia region and a promenade loved by generations. Admission is free; check the schedule of the zoo and boat rentals.

4.7(19,272 reviews)

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