Craiova
Craiova (/krəˈjoʊvə/, also US: /kraɪˈoʊvə, krɑːˈjɔːvɑː, krɑːˈjoʊvɑː/, Romanian: [kraˈjova] ⓘ), is the largest city in southwestern Romania and capital of Dolj County, situated near the east bank of the river Jiu in central Oltenia. It is a longstanding political center, and is located at approximately equal distances from the Southern Carpathians (north) and the River Danube (south). Craiova is the chief commercial city west of Bucharest and the most important city of Oltenia. The city prospered as a regional trading centre despite an earthquake in 1790, a plague in 1795, and a Turkish assault in 1802 during which it was burned.
Craiova | |
|---|---|
From left, clockwise: Constantin Mihail Palace • Bibescu Manor House • Museum of Oltenia • University of Craiova • Carol I National College | |
| Nickname(s): Bans' Citadel (Romanian: Cetatea Băniei) | |
Location in Dolj County | |
Craiova | |
| Coordinates: 44°20′N 23°49′E | |
| Country | Romania |
| County | Dolj County |
| Status | County capital |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–2024) | Lia Olguța Vasilescu (PSD) |
| Area | |
| • City | 81.41 km2 (31.43 sq mi) |
| • Metro | 1,498.6 km2 (578.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 100 m (300 ft) |
| Population | |
| • City | 234,140 |
| • Density | 2,877/km2 (7,450/sq mi) |
| • Metro | 356,544 |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 200xxx |
| Area code | (+40) 251 |
| Vehicle registration | DJ |
| Website | www |
Eight villages are administered by the city: Făcăi, Mofleni, Popoveni, Șimnicu de Jos, Cernele, Cernelele de Sus, Izvoru Rece, and Rovine. The last four were a separate commune called Cernele until 1996, when they were merged into the city.