Arad

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Why?

Arad, the city with the Viennese allure situated on the bank of the Mureş river, prides itself with a long and fascinating history that is reflected today in its architecture and atmosphere.

Once here, you will not only be impressed by the Vauban style bastion fort, imposing architectural edifices, emblematic churches of different confessions, museums and exhibitions, but also by the multiple possibilities for relaxation, like going to the pool, shopping or the numerous coffee houses and restaurants.

Regardless if you are just passing through or are vacationing in the region, Arad will surprise you for sure!

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Situated only 50 km from the Hungarian border, the city of Arad represents a gateway from Western Europe into Romania.

Since ancient times, its strategic positioning gave it an important status. First mentioned historically in the year 1208, the city was, at different times under Hungarian (10th, 12th and 14th century), Ottoman (16th century), and, starting in 1699, under Habsburg rule. The fortress was built under the Austrian Empire. In the same period, the city had remarkable archaeological and cultural development.

Economically, it kept evolving all throughout the first half of the 20th century, with the setting up of numerous factories and plants. Arad today is a prosperous economical centre, with a population of about 160,000.

Historical Arad has an outstanding cultural heritage, so if you have never visited before, you should take a walk on Revoluţiei Boulevard and admire the many remarkable buildings dating from the 18th - 19th centuries. The Administrative Palace is one of Arad’s emblematic buildings, which today houses City Hall. Other impressive buildings are the Classic Theatre “Ioan Slavici”, Cenad Palace, the National Bank Palace or Neumann Palace, built in an Eclectic style.

Relax on a bench in the beautiful Avram Iancu square, where you will see the Assumption of Virgin Mary Cathedral. Afterwards, discover the Viennese atmosphere inspired by the old houses on Tribunul Axente Street. To discover another emblem of the city along the Mureş river go to Ceaikovski Street, where you will find the Water Tower.

A tourist attraction you will surely not want to miss is the Arad Citadel, built in the star shaped Vauban style, situated in the Under the Fortress (Sub Cetate) district. Since you are already here, it’s worth taking the extra walk up to Calea Timişorii no 18, where you can admire the House with the Cannon Balls, built in the Baroque style, which still has cannon projectiles imbedded into its walls from the 1848-1849 Revolution.

Arad is also known for its myriad of religious edifices belonging to the different religious denominations that coexist in this beautiful city. You will be charmed by the Red Church, St Peter and Paul Serbian Church or the Church of St Anton of Padova, all three of them situated in the historical centre.

In the Gai peripheral district you have the opportunity to discover the St Simon Stâlpnicul Monastery, a Baroque style building from the 18th century.

Don’t leave Arad without visiting some of its museums and art galleries, like the Museum Complex found in the Cultural Palace, the Vasile Goldiş Memorial Museum, the Clio Gallery, Delta Gallery or the Alfa Gallery.

A visit to Arad can be made to coincide nicely with one of the many festivals that take place here every year, like the International Classical Theatre Festival, the International Euromarionete Festival or the Festival of the Minorities.

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We recommend

  • A novel exploration of the historical centre (Theatre – Revoluţiei Blvd.– Podgoria –Reconcilierii Park - Theatre) can be done on board  the children’s train, which leaves from the Theatre. The train is only available in the summer (May-October) between 12:00 and 19:00.
Good to know

  • Situated only 50 km from the Nădlac customs point on the border with Hungary, Arad is well connected not only with Western Europe, but with the rest of the bigger cities of Romania. It is transited by the DN 7/E 68 (on Mureș Valley, Deva-Sibiu), DN 79, which makes the connection with Oradea and Timișoara and A1 also for Timișoara.
  • Arad has daily railway connections with Oradea, Bucharest (through Deva) or with Timișoara.
  • The city has an airport which offers internal flights and flights to some cities in Germany and Italy.
  • The Tourist Information Center is located on Revoluției blvd, no. 81.
  • The Post Office can be found on Caius Iacob Street, no. 4. Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00-19:00, Saturday 9:00-13:00.

Weather


Friday
5°C

Saturday
10°C

Sunday
10°C
Attractions

The Red Church

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Cenad Palace

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The Mureş Meadow Natural Park

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Şoimoş Medieval Fortress

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