Timișoara
Timișoara or “the unofficial capital of Banat” is the third largest city in Romania and one of the most popular student centers in the country. It is a city with a special history, dating back to ancient Rome. At one point in feudal history, it even became the capital of Hungary, under the reign of King Charles Robert of Anjou. The rather diverse architecture, but predominantly in Austrian Baroque style and the multitude of parks have made a reputation for Timisoara, the city being also known as "Little Vienna" or "City of Parks".
With the possibility to be visited at any time of the year, Timișoara has a lot of attractions for tourists. Art and architecture enthusiasts can connect with the past in museums (Banat Village Museum, Ethnography Museum, Art Museum, Violin Museum). Those who enjoy theater can go to the Timișoara Theater which offers - for the first time in Europe - plays in three languages: Hungarian, Romanian and German.
Beware to include in your itinerary important sights such as the Baroque Palace, the Dicasterial Palace (which served as the residence of the governor of Banat), Huniade Castle (the oldest building in the city), the Metropolitan Cathedral or Maria Square and Victoriei Square, with a high historical charge, these being the places where the 1989 Revolution began.
The desire to explore correlates with the passion to drive, and a trip from Timișoara to Maramureș, although it may take a few hours, is well worth it. Especially for the fact that you will enjoy mesmerizing landscapes all the way.
Maramureș is one of the areas with a unique charm in Romania, so be prepared for a special itinerary and book it for at least two or three days. You can visit the Merry Cemetery from Săpânța, unique in the world due to the funny messages and the colorful crosses. You can ride Mocănița, the steam train that used to transport locals through the mountains over the Vaser Valley more than 100 years ago. Near Borșa resort, you can admire Cailor Waterfall, the largest in Romania (90m). Last but not least, a special attraction for drivers is the mysterious hill from Cavnic - Budești, where it seems that cars climb the hill by themselves. If you get there, you have to convince yourself.
