The country of Romania is located in southwestern Europe, bordered by Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, Bulgaria and Serbia. The population of the country is about twenty million people. In Romania, there are more than three hundred settlements with the status of a city. All cities in the country have a history that began in the Middle Ages or even earlier. The Transylvanian and Sibinium film festivals are held in Romania every year. Music lovers can be invited to visit the pop music festival in Tulcea, the art festival in Brasov and the spring festival in Chotenia.
Romania is located at the intersection of many European highways. Bucharest is a major transport hub. In addition to road and rail transport, sea and river transport is flourishing in the country. The city of Constanta is the country's main port. Romania is not deservedly deprived of the attention of tourists. Although the spirit of the mystical and romantic Middle Ages reigns there.
The largest cities in Romania
List of the country's main cities in terms of population.
Bucharest
The capital of Romania with a population of about 2 million people: Romanians, Gypsies, Hungarians. The Palace of Parliament, built under socialism, is comparable to the size of the Pentagon building. The city has a developed metro network: four lines, good bus communication between the districts. Bucharest is popular with tourists who come to see the city. Of the sights there are: the museum of the village, the museum of the peasant, palaces.
Population - 2106 thousand people (2016)
Craiova
The population of the city is about 400 thousand, mostly Romanians. After Bucharest, this is the second city in Romania in terms of the presence of architectural monuments. In Craiova, as in many European cities, there is a part of the city where traffic is prohibited. The city is very beautiful. It is similar to Prague and Dresden, and to all European cities with tiled roofs and ancient architecture. The city's infrastructure is not very developed. Not all residents of the city know English, but the middle-aged population should remember the Russian language since the time of socialism.
Population - 387 thousand people (2016)
Iasi
The former capital of the Moldavian principality, now the administrative center and cultural capital of Romania with a population of over 362 thousand people. University and theater in the XIX century for the first time in Romania appeared here. The city is famous for the magnificent painted monasteries of Moldovitsa, Sucevitsa, Putna, powerful ancient fortresses of Targu Neamtsa, Suceava. Bikaz gorge surprises with its natural beauty. The city organically combines ancient buildings and modern buildings made of concrete and glass.
Population - 362 thousand people (2016)
Cluj-Napoca
Until 1974 it was called Cluj (Kolozhvar). The population is more than 300 thousand, 80% of them are Hungarians. Cluj-Napoca is located in the center of Transylvania. The city is famous for its university. The city has a vibrant student nightlife. Noteworthy is the Gothic building of the church of St. Michael. This is a Roman Catholic church of the XIV century. Banffi Palace was created in the Baroque style of the 18th century. It is interesting that in many cities of Romania there are monuments to the capitoline she-wolf, which connects Romania with Rome.
Population - 324 thousand people (2011)
Timisoara
The city is also called "small Romanian Vienna", which was not bitten by vampires. The fictional vampire lays the golden eggs to his country. Where his pale foot came, there were stalls with magnets. Timisoara can be walked around in a day. The city was built in the style of the Austro-Hungarian Baroque. The main attractions are distributed over three squares: Victory, Unification and Freedom. Many buildings in the city require restoration.
Population - 319 thousand people (2011)
Constanta
The Black Sea port of Romania with a population of about 300 thousand people. Tourists in this city are rare. In the city you can find mosques and old madrasahs. Constanta is a holiday destination with low prices. In the center of the city, there are still Soviet gray residential buildings with chaotically stuck windows. There are many museums in the city, such as the National Maritime Museum. The old casino, which has been closed for a long time, is a kind of symbol of the city. After the Second World War, there was a restaurant in this building.
Population - 283 thousand people (2011)
Galati
The population of the city is about 249 thousand people according to the 2011 census. Galati is a port city at the mouth of the Danube River. The walls of the church of St. Mary XVII century. The most beautiful place in Galati is the botanical garden. Since April, the botanical garden has flowers and water. It can be visited free of charge every last Friday of the month. Tourists like the aquarium in Galati. Piranhas and other fish are bred in it. For tourists Galati is rather a transit city on the way to the cities of Bulgaria: Golden Sands or Varna.
Population - 249 thousand people (2011)
Ploiesti
Located 56 kilometers from Bucharest in the historical area. The city is located on the Lower Danube Plain at the foot of the South Carpathian Mountains. It has been mentioned since the 16th century. In 1854, large oil fields were discovered near the town of Ploiesti. The city became a major oil-producing center, which was used by the Nazis during the Second World War. Germany received over 30% of petroleum products from Ploiesti. Orthodox churches of the XVI-XVII centuries have been preserved in the city. Ploiesti is the center of the leading oil-producing region of Muntenia.
Population - 233 thousand people (2016)
Brasov
The Saxons appeared on the Romanian soil in the 13th century. In the old part of the city, the Saxon Gothic quarters have been preserved. The first printing house in Transylvania was opened in the city of Brasov. The city is notable for its romantic old streets, it is located in a ring of the mountains of the eastern Carpathians, which attracts many skiers here. Thirty kilometers from the city is Bran Castle - the haven of the cruel Count Dracula (Vlad Tepes), who terrorized the population of Transylvania.
Population - 290 thousand people (2016)
Braila
The city was founded by the Greeks in the 5th century BC as a port on the Danube River. Cargoes from sea vessels were transshipped to river vessels and back. At that time the city was called Prochilia. After the city was conquered by the Turks. He became known as Braila. The Turks built a huge number of fortifications. At the beginning of the 19th century, the fortress surrendered to the Russian troops without a fight. Preserved in the city buildings of the Roman orthodox and Greek churches, fountains and theater of the XIX century.
Population - 180 thousand people (2011)
Oradea
The city is located on the border with Hungary in the valley of the Krishul-Repeda River. The first mention of the city was in the XII century. The ruins of the Oradei fortress have survived to this day. In the 18th century, the city was built up in the Baroque style. There are many Soviet houses on the outskirts of the city. Unification Square is impressive. In the center of the snow-white square there is a monument to the voivode - Mikhail the Brave. On the square there is the Black Eagle Palace, the Moon Church, opposite the Church of St. Nicholas, the Episcopal Palace of the Greek Catholic Church and the Town Hall building. And this is not all the monuments of the city of Oradea.
Population - 196 thousand people (2011)
Pitesti
The city of Pitesti is a center of science, education and culture. In addition, it is a large industrial city with a developed automotive and petrochemical industry. There is an institute for nuclear research. The city is built on the banks of the Arjesh River. Lake Vidraru with a dam is located not far from the city. There are two reservoirs in the city. Pitesti has a large number of architectural monuments, churches, theaters. In the center of the city there is a musical fountain, the best in Eastern Europe.
Population - 155 thousand people (2011)
Arad
Located on the Maros River near the Hungarian border. The first mentions of the city are from the 11th century. The population is about 160 thousand people 85% of them are Romanians. Arad is an important transport and industrial hub in Romania. The city has developed mechanical engineering, the production of chemicals, building materials, furniture, textiles, footwear.There is also a food industry. A hundred years ago, the city of Arad in terms of living standards could compete with Budapest and even Vienna. Now the city is hopelessly behind and does not have such rosy prospects. But magnificent architectural structures remained - monuments of former greatness.
Population - 159 thousand people (2011)
Baia Mare
The history of the city began in the XIV century. Baia Mare is one of the most developed cities in the Transylvania region. The city is located near the Ignis and Gutai mountains. There are ski slopes in several places. Until 1989, the economy was based on mining enterprises. Ore production has declined. The most prominent attraction is the Gothic-style Stephen's Tower. Previously, it was used as a fire tower. The Museum of Mineralogy is also of interest to tourists.
Population - 147 thousand people (2016)
Sibiu
Center of Transylvanian Saxons, with a population of about 400 thousand people. It was first mentioned in the XII century. The area of 121 square kilometers accommodates three large squares of the Upper City, a considerable number of architectural monuments, museums, cathedrals, there is a synagogue, which is now not functioning. Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, who lived from 1721 to 1803, a native of the city of Sibiu, who was the governor of Transylvania, built his residence here. He later placed a collection of paintings in it. This is the best classical composition in Eastern Europe.
Population - 397 thousand people (2017)
Bacau
The city is located on the Bistritsa-Moldovyana River in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The history of the city begins in the 15th century. The population of the city of Bacau is over 144 thousand inhabitants. Two hydroelectric power plants, Bacau-I and Bacau-II, have been built on the river, supplying electricity to most of Romania. Bacau is connected to the capital and other cities of the country by major highways. There is an international airport and a railway station in the city. In addition to architectural monuments, national parks and reserves in the vicinity of the city will be interesting to visit.
Population - 144 thousand people (2011)
Targu Mures
Previously, the city was inhabited mostly by Hungarians. Currently there are fifty to fifty Hungarians and Romanians. In the city of Targu Mures, two languages are officially recognized. The city cannot but please. Fairs have long been held in Targu-Mures. In summer, the city has a park Mereshul, there are outdoor swimming pools. You can go boating on the Mures River. There are rapids of the second category.
Population - 134 thousand people (2011)
Buzau
The first settlements on the territory of the city of Buzau were even before our era. Now this city is inhabited by 115 thousand people, 95% of whom are Romanians. The city is located on the banks of the river of the same name. The city has a well-developed production of metal products, wire and plastic products. There is a sewing and food industry. A geological reserve was formed twenty kilometers from the city. Mud miniature volcanoes Berca became active after the earthquake. They throw dirt in all directions. At the same time, gas comes out of the ground, which sometimes ignites spontaneously.
Population - 115 thousand people (2011)
Botosani
The history of the city begins in the 11th century. The population of the city is already more than 100 thousand people, mainly Romanians. Probably, the name of the city is associated with the ancient influential family of boyars by the name of Botos, who lived in the 15th century. The city grew in the second half of the 20th century at the expense of the inhabitants of the surrounding villages who came to work in socialist enterprises. Nowadays, in the city of Botosani, the textile and food industries are developed, children's toys and metal products are made. Of the cultural structures, the Eminescu Theater is especially significant.
Population - 106 thousand people (2011)
Vaslui
The city has the same ancient history as many cities in Romania. Since 1968. Vaslui began to develop especially intensively. During socialist times, ventilation systems were produced in the city. The chemical industry and the production of polyester threads were developed. Privatization took place, many of these enterprises ceased their work. There are forests and lakes in the vicinity of the city.
Population - 47 155 people (2017)
Satu Mare
The population is almost 100 thousand people. These are Romanians and Hungarians. Satu Mare is located between Vienna and Bucharest on the Somes River. Its architecture is somewhat reminiscent of these two capitals. Buildings of the XIX-XX centuries have been preserved in the city. Modern Satu Mare is a transport hub with a developed leather and textile industry. Mining and transport equipment is produced here. On the site of the modern city, there is the restored Kastrum Zatmar fortress. It is a pentagonal wall with five towers.
Population - 102 thousand people (2011)
Focsani
The city owes its name to a boyar family that bore the surname Foksha. The history of the city began in the 13th century. Focsani is located on the Milkov River. A modern city is a large industrial center with a developed infrastructure. Winemaking, mechanical engineering, woodworking industry is doing well. In the 18th century, during the Russian-Turkish war, Russian and Austrian troops in this area inflicted a serious defeat on the Turkish troops.
Population - 94 408 people (2016)
Rymnicu-Valcea
The town of Rymniku-Valcea is located on the banks of the Olt River at the mouth of the Olaneshty River. The city has been known since the XIV century Rymniku Valcea - a small industrial town. In the vicinity of Rymnicu Valcea there is a balneological resort Calimanesti, where there are thirty mineral springs. Twenty kilometers from the city, there is a male monastery of Kozia. The city is more interesting for its favorable location among the hills, although it has an ethnographic museum and areas of old buildings.
Population - 98 776 people (2011)
Suceava
It was the capital of the Moldavian principality back in the XIV century. In 2011, more than 100 thousand people lived in Suceava. The history of the city dates back to the 2nd century. Archaeological finds told about it. Hungarian furriers have lived in Suceava since ancient times. And the name of the city can be translated as "furrier workshop". Two fortresses were built near the city at different times. The ruins of a later fortress have survived to this day. Since the fifties of the last century, archaeological excavations have been carried out in the fortress many times.
Population - 116 thousand people (2011)
Targovishte
The city of Targovishte is located in the Transylvanian Alps near the Yalomitsa River. It is an industrial city with a history that dates back to the Middle Ages. Prince Vlad Tepes, known as Dracula, ruled there. The symbol of the city is the Kindia Tower. In the 14th century it served as a bell tower, in the 16th century - a watchtower, in the 17th century - a watchtower, and now it houses the museum of the Tepes reign. The residence of the prince was destroyed by earthquakes, only ruins with numerous underground passages, cellars and labyrinths remained.
Population - 79 610 people (2011)
