Top Things to Do in Arad, Romania

As you may already know, this year I was enchanted by Romania. Arad is a city that holds a prominent place in the western part of Romania. Situated on the Mures River in the Krishan and Banat region, it serves as the capital of the Arad district.

The city offers a plethora of attractions, monuments, and a captivating atmosphere that is bound to delight any tourist. You can explore numerous museums, take leisurely strolls through the city, and visit various architecturally fascinating churches. If you’re eager to uncover the secrets of Romania and become acquainted with Arad, I extend an invitation to you to visit!

Table of Contents

1 Holy Trinity Cathedral
2 Arad City Hall
3 Red Church
4 The Padlock House
5 Arad Fortress
6 Pressure Tower
7 Church of St. Anthony of Padua
8 Ioana Slavici Classical Theater
9 Arad Museum Complex
10 Palace of Culture
11 Serbian Orthodox Church
12 Where To Get Coffee?
13 Where To Sleep In Arad?
14 Arad – Is It Worth Visiting?

Holy Trinity Cathedral

This Orthodox cathedral was constructed between 1994 and 2018 and was designed by Ioan Hăprian. The cornerstone for its construction was laid by Archbishop Timothy in November 1991. It currently serves as the primary cathedral of the city’s bishopric. The cathedral is a remarkable edifice characterized by distinctive domes and a lavishly adorned interior that is unquestionably worth visiting.

Arad City Hall

One of the standout attractions in Arad is the Administrative Palace, a historical gem dating back to the 19th century. It is often referred to as an architectural marvel. Construction of this remarkable structure commenced in 1872 and was completed over a span of four years. The visionaries behind the city hall project aimed for the main administrative edifice to occupy a central position in the city.

Interestingly, the current location of the Administrative Palace was previously occupied by the city’s salt mine. After the palace’s construction, the area underwent significant transformation. Numerous renovations took place in its vicinity, and the city’s tramway system was revamped. This represented a significant milestone in Arad’s evolution, allowing the city to keep pace with other rapidly modernizing European metropolises.

Today, the Administrative Palace continues to captivate tourists with its impressive facade, tower, and eclectic architectural style, which blends classical elements. Undoubtedly, it rightfully earns its status as a prominent landmark of the city.

Red Church

The Red Church, as you might have guessed, derives its name from the red polished brick finish on its facade. This building holds historical and architectural significance, serving as a place of worship for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Romania.

Constructed in 1906 in the Gothic style, the Red Church is a striking architectural marvel, boasting towering spires, with the tallest one reaching a height of 46 meters. The Gothic-style stained-glass windows here are also a sight to behold. Interestingly, the church originally housed three bells with a combined weight of 1590 kg. However, during World War I, two of them were removed and melted down to create artillery shells.

The Padlock House

The Padlock House is a historic structure, and on one of its corners, you will discover a recessed area housing an iron padlock. In the past, visiting craftsmen who came to the city to acquire the secrets of their trade would hammer a commemorative nail into this spot before departing the city. This building was originally constructed in 1815, and during the mid-19th century, an additional two floors were added to it. Over the years, its facade has also undergone various alterations.

Arad Fortress

This expansive fortress is situated on the left bank of the Mures River in the Subcetate district, which was once the location of the former military border between the Habsburg Empire and the Ottoman Empire. Initially serving as a military garrison and prison, it has since 1999 been repurposed as the headquarters of the Mixed Romanian-Hungarian Battalion.

Pressure Tower

The 35-meter-high Pressure Tower in Arad was once a significant landmark on the city’s map. From 1896, it served as a crucial component of the water supply system and also functioned as a firefighter’s siren. Today, it houses a small museum dedicated to water, featuring thematic exhibitions. Additionally, you can observe a 400-ton water tank here, accessible via a ladder.

The exhibition space within the tower spans across five levels. It is certainly worth a visit due to its engaging exhibitions, including a permanent collection of artworks created by Arad painters. Moreover, you will gain insights into Arad’s firefighting traditions and discover how the city’s water supply was maintained over the decades.

Church of St. Anthony of Padua

This church was designed by the local architect Milan Tabakovic and constructed between 1902 and 1904, replacing an earlier Baroque church that was demolished for this ambitious project.

The church showcases an eclectic architectural style, blending elements of Neoclassicism, Baroque, and Renaissance. The main entrance is graced by four imposing columns adorned with Corinthian capitals. Above this entrance, a replica of Michelangelo’s Pieta is prominently displayed.

The interior of the church boasts a nave measuring 43 meters in length and 17 meters in width. Within the dome, you’ll find bells that were cast in a local foundry. Positioned above the white marble altar is a painting depicting the church’s patron saint.

It’s noteworthy that the Church of St. Anthony of Padua has earned its place on the list of monuments recognized by the Romanian Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs.

Ioana Slavici Classical Theater

The Ioana Slavici Classical Theater stands as another noteworthy landmark within the city, deserving a visit when you’re in the area. This three-story neoclassical building from the 19th century is dedicated to Ioan Slavici, one of Arad’s most celebrated Romanian writers and journalists.

Over the course of its existence, the theater has played host to a multitude of performances, enchanting and mesmerizing audiences from both Romania and across the globe. Throughout the years, this cultural institution has welcomed numerous celebrities. Among its early distinguished patrons were figures like Franz Joseph and Prince Albrecht, alongside many other notable princes, princesses, and aristocrats.

Arad Museum Complex

This expansive museum complex comprises three distinct museums: the archaeological-historical museum, the natural sciences museum, and the art museum. These museums are housed within the historic Palace of Culture in the city.

Collectively, the complex boasts a staggering collection of over 125,000 exhibits. In the archaeological and historical section, visitors can explore an array of artifacts, including tools, armor, documents, and flags meticulously arranged in chronological order. The exhibits span from the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, encompassing the cultures of the Dacians and Celts, the medieval era, and extending into the 19th century revolution and modern times.

Other exhibition halls within the complex showcase natural history collections that delve into topics such as the solar system, space exploration, mineral specimens, and paleontology. Additionally, a separate edifice houses the art collection, which features artworks created by European and Romanian artists spanning from the 16th to the 20th centuries. This museum complex is a treasure trove of knowledge and history, providing visitors with a rich and diverse cultural experience.

Palace of Culture

The Palace of Culture stands as another prominent building in the city of Arad, constructed between 1911 and 1913. Today, the building houses the previously mentioned museum complex and the State Philharmonic Hall. If you find yourself in Arad, this place is sure to be on your list of must-visit attractions.

The architecture of the building seamlessly blends various styles. The neoclassical facade features intricate detailing, with a pediment supported by sturdy Corinthian pillars. At the pinnacle of the structure stands an imposing tower, while the side wings incorporate elements reminiscent of Italian Renaissance design. The main corridor is adorned in the Art Nouveau style, adding to the building’s overall architectural charm.

Serbian Orthodox Church

The Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Peter and St. Paul stands as one of the city’s oldest structures, dating back to its construction between 1698 and 1702. This church was raised by the Serbian community and is situated in Serbian Square. The funding for its construction was provided by Captain Iovan.

Within the temple, visitors can marvel at a collection of icons, which were meticulously painted by the artist Stefan Tenecki during the latter half of the 18th century. This historic church offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Serbian community in the area.

Where To Get Coffee?

If you’re in search of a great cup of coffee in Arad, I wholeheartedly recommend Cafein coffee place. This establishment serves up top-notch coffee, fragrant cappuccinos, and a diverse array of delectable desserts. The ambiance is inviting, the service is hospitable, and you can always count on freshly brewed coffee.

Where To Sleep In Arad?

In Arad, like in many other cities across Romania, you’ll discover a range of accommodation choices tailored to your preferences and budget. For instance, if you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you might want to explore the option of staying in a hostel. Arad offers several hostels where you can find affordable dormitory or private rooms.

You can find a selection of accommodations here.

Arad – Is It Worth Visiting?

In my opinion, absolutely.

Arad is a city that holds undeniable appeal for travelers seeking to explore less frequented destinations. I am confident that when you embark on such an off-the-beaten-path journey, you’ll uncover numerous attractions in this city that will captivate your interest. Let the list provided here serve as a starting point and guide for your exploration of the city. Have you had the opportunity to visit Romania?

Have you explored Arad? What aspects of your visit did you find most enjoyable? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments!