Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)
About Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)
Piața Mihai Viteazul, Mihai Viteazul Square, is the central square of Craiova, a pedestrian esplanade in the historic centre, on Calea Unirii. In the middle, on a plinth surrounded by a fountain with water jets, stands the equestrian statue of Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul), who was the Ban of Craiova before becoming Prince of Wallachia. In the evening the water displays and the surrounding buildings are lit up.
What you can see
On the east side rises the Administrative Palace (Calea Unirii 19), the work of the architect Petre Antonescu, completed in 1913, in the Neo-Romanian style, with a clock tower and a green tiled roof. Today it houses the Prefecture and the Dolj County Council. On the north side stands the former Palace Hotel, a domed building from the early 20th century, now an administrative pavilion of the City Hall. The seat of the City Hall, in the former Palace of the Commercial Bank (Palatul Băncii Comerțului), is about 150 m away, on Alexandru Ioan Cuza street.
The Christmas market
Every winter the square is the heart of Craiova's Christmas market, which usually runs from mid-November to early January and also spreads along the surrounding streets. It generally includes wooden stalls with decorations, sweets, traditional food and mulled wine, a large Christmas tree, festive lighting, attractions for children (a small train, a carousel, an ice rink) and an artistic programme of carols, children's theatre and shows. For the 2026 edition, the City Hall has announced the opening on 13 November, with the theme “The Land of the Elves”, running until 3 January 2027. Each edition has its own theme, and the attractions change from year to year. In November 2025, in an online ranking voted by the public and run by European Best Destinations, the market came first in Europe.
- The equestrian statue of Michael the Brave, on its plinth in the middle of the fountain.
- The Administrative Palace, in the Neo-Romanian style, with a clock tower, seat of the Prefecture and the Dolj County Council.
- The former Palace Hotel, with its dome, now an administrative pavilion of the City Hall.
- The fountain with water jets, lit up in the evening.
- The Christmas market, every winter, with stalls, a large tree and an artistic programme.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Craiova is ~230 km from Bucharest (~2 hours 40 minutes), ~95 km from Drobeta-Turnu Severin (~2 hours) and ~225 km from Sibiu (~4 hours). The old centre is largely pedestrianised; leave the car on a nearby street or in a car park and walk into the square.
Public transport: from Craiova railway station to the square it is ~2.3 km, about a 30-minute walk, or a few stops by public transport or taxi. From Craiova International Airport it is ~8 km, about 15 minutes by taxi. The Art Museum (Calea Unirii 15) is ~150 m away, and Casa Băniei ~450 m.
- Where to park
You cannot park on the square: it is pedestrianised. Around the centre there are street spaces and public car parks, usually paid. At weekends and during the Christmas market they fill up quickly, and traffic around the square may be restricted.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the square and to the Christmas market is free.
- Rules
The square is a pedestrian public space with free access. During the Christmas market, the stalls, the stage and the attractions take up part of the square.
- Facilities
Benches · pedestrianised square · fountain with water jets · shops, cafés and restaurants on the surrounding streets
Frequently asked questions about Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)
How much is a ticket to Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)?
Admission to Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) is free (and the Christmas market). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)?
Opening hours at Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul): daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) take?
A visit to Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) takes about 30 min (without the nearby museums).
Can you visit Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) with kids?
Yes, Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) is suitable for children (fountain and pedestrian space).
Where can I park at Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)?
There is paid parking at Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) (on the streets in the centre). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)?
Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul) is located at Calea Unirii, Craiova, Dolj County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul)?
The best season for Mihai Viteazul Square (Piața Mihai Viteazul): All year round (Christmas market in winter).
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