"Gateway to the West"

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Timisoara: Piata Unirii
These old cities, formerly part of the "Banat of Temesvar" are natural gateways to Transylvania, which may be approached either via the Iron Gate of Transylvania or the Mures Valley.

ARAD is the first city reached by one of the principal land corridors into Romania - by rail and by road. TIMISOARA, cradle of the 1989 Revolution and the 1st city in Europe with electric street lights is a cosmopolitan cultural city with a surfeit of baroque and art nouveau architecture and broad squares, and boasts Romania's second international airport. ORADEA is the chief town of the Crisana region and gateway to Cluj and northern Transylvania.

To the south the land climbs into rugged limestone mountains, the remote Cerna valley described by Patrick Leigh Fermor, and the wonderful Imperial spa town of Baile Herculane.

Timisoara
"Little Vienna"
Timisoara ("Temesvar") has always been a progressive, cosmopolitan city, facing West rather than East, so it was no surprise that the spark of the 1989 Revolution. It is also a very beautiful city with open squares, parks and gardens, and a wide variety of architecture, principally baroque and art nouveau. Visit the huge orthodox cathedral overlooking the Bega Canal, Piata Unirii with its Catholic Cathedral and Serbian Orthodox Church, or the mediaeval bastion. South of the canal is a quarter of art nouveau buildings constructed in the late 19th century, reminiscent of Prague. Discover your own little niche - perhaps one of the quiet leafy squares. You will also find good restaurants, pavement cafes, numerous interesting stores and fascinating open-air markets, and of course, museums, theatre and opera.

Timisoara is an ideal short break destination with convenient flights via Vienna and a range of excellent hotels including the Timisoara overlooking the main square and Ceausescu's former villa.

NEW Stylish City Breaks in Romania's "LITTLE VIENNA"
3 nightspackages - prices on request

Vila International ****
A stylish air-conditioned hotel with good facilities including a restaurant, located in a quiet leafy street just off the city centre. Special apartments on request.

Hotel Timisoara ***
Popular hotel with good facilities and historic facade overlooking Piata Victoriei.

For updated detailed information about Timisoara and the Banat with accommodation
and tour prices we recommend you check the following website:

www.beyondtheforest.com
Baile Herculane
Imperial Spa Resort

Oradea

The Western Gateway



The city of Oradea (Nagyvarad) is located on the Crisul Repede
river at one of the
main border crossings from Hungary and offers an alternative gateway
to the Apuseni and the Maramures.

It is a cultural city with broad squares and some magnificent baroque
and art nouveau architecture - the Moon church, the catholic cathedral,
theatre, Bishops Palace (museum) and the spectacular
Vulturul Negru "Black Eagle" being just a few examples.

Oradea is situated at the northern end of the Banat in a region often referred to
as "Crisana" - particularly known for thermal spas such as Baile Felix

This lovely spa town, located in the beautiful Cerna Valley, is divided into two parts: the historic upper town and the much busier newer resort located lower in the valley. Although somewhat jaded with the passing of time, the upper town retains much of its former grandeur and is more peaceful for a sojourn. A host of restaurants, pavement cafes, and other shops and stalls line the main street through the newer quarter which is just 15 minutes walk.

Patrick Leigh Fermor
Trail

Patrick Leigh Fermor Trail parHunedoara and the Retezat