Craiova Old Town (Lipscani area) | Craiova

Craiova Old Town, known as the Lipscani area, is a renovated historical district in the center of Craiova, Romania. It consists of a dense network of pedestrian streets characterized by 19th-century architecture that reflects the city's commercial peak as a regional trade hub.

Visual Characteristics

The district features row-style buildings with ornate Neoclassical, Baroque, and Art Nouveau facades. Common materials include brick and stone with decorative stucco moldings around windows and cornices. The streets are paved with granite cobblestones and lined with vintage-style wrought-iron street lamps and benches. Notable architectural details include narrow balconies with forged iron railings and large wooden commercial doors.

Location & Access Logistics

The Old Town is centered around Lipscani Street and Romania Worker Street (Strada Lucrătorul Român), approximately 0.2 kilometers south of Mihai Viteazul Square. It is a strictly pedestrian zone. The nearest vehicular access and public parking are available at the underground lot beneath Mihai Viteazul Square or along Calea Unirii. Local tram lines 100, 101, and 102 stop at the nearby "Teatrul Național" station, which is a 5-minute walk from the district.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The area developed in the 18th and 19th centuries as the city's primary merchant quarter, where traders from Leipzig (hence "Lipscani") established shops and warehouses. Most of the current structures were built between 1880 and 1920. Following decades of decay during the communist era, the district underwent a massive structural and aesthetic rehabilitation project between 2013 and 2015 to restore its original pre-war appearance.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking tours emphasize architectural photography and the observation of restored masonry details. The district is the city's primary social hub, containing a high density of restaurants, pubs, and outdoor cafes. Visitors can access the Craiova Art Museum (Dinu Mihail Palace) located on the periphery of the historic zone. During traditional holidays, the streets host open-air markets and cultural performances.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The pedestrian zone is equipped with public seating and street-level waste bins. Public restrooms are located in the nearby "English Park" and within the commercial establishments in the area. 5G mobile coverage is consistent throughout the district. Natural shade is minimal due to the narrow streets and lack of trees, but most cafes utilize large umbrellas for outdoor seating.

Best Time to Visit

Evening hours are optimal for visiting as the historic street lamps illuminate the facades, and the social activity is at its peak. For architectural photography, mid-morning provides the most direct natural light on the northern facades. The district is accessible year-round, with the Christmas Market period in November and December being a peak time for decorative lighting and seasonal vendors.

Facts & Legends

Local lore suggests that the basement vaults of the Lipscani buildings are interconnected by a system of tunnels used by merchants to move goods safely or hide during the frequent Ottoman raids of the 18th century. While many basements are now used as wine cellars or bars, the full extent of the tunnel network remains unverified by modern archeology.

Nearby Landmarks

Bania House (Oldest building in Craiova): 0.3km West

Craiova Art Museum: 0.4km North

Oltenia Museum (History and Archeology): 0.4km West

St. Dumitru Cathedral: 0.3km Southwest