Pitesti Travel Guide, Romania

Pitesti is a southern Romanian city, 69 miles away from the capital city of Bucharest and 205 miles from Constanta, with a long history, the location being inhabited since prehistory, but first documents dated it in 1388. It developed fast into a prosperous commercial, crafting and agricultural center, currently counting 179.000 people.

The industry is highly developed in this location, especially in the automobile area, Pitesti being the hometown of Dacia Factory, which was taken over in the 2000 by Renault.

Also, the wines and footwear produced here are very appreciated. The city is particularly known for what is called the “the Pitesti reeducation”, an experiment conducted by the Communists 1949-1951, using the most cruel torture techniques in order to brainwash and dehumanize the young people detained in the prison.

Let’s learn more about the city in the following sections of Pitesti travel guide.

Pitesti Travel Guide-Climate

The area where Pitesti is located, the Romanian Plain, has the highest annual temperature values, but it is also the most arid region of the country, with an average rainfall of 400-600 mm per year. Drought is a frequent phenomenon, as an effect to the lack of precipitation. Winters are very cold, so better have the right clothes if planning to have a winter holiday in Pitesti. Also, summers are very hot, and it is recommended that you avoid sun at noon, especially for the ones with cardiac problems.

Pitesti, Travel Guide- Cusine

Romanian cuisine is very diverse and original, although Ottoman, Hungarian, Serbian and German influences can be noticed. Probably the most well-known Romanian dishes are the stuffed cabbage rolls(“sarmale” in Romanian), and the cornmeal mush named “mamaliga”. These dished are extensively consumed, especially when an event is being celebrated.

Pork is the typical meat cooked in Pitesti and in the surrounding regions. Poultry, beef, sweet water fish and lamb are also largely used in cooking.

“Ţuică” is an appreciated strong alcoholic drink, and it is made of plums. Also, wine is consumed, and Romanian wines, including the ones from the Pitesti region, are internationally appreciated. Beer is another popular alcoholic beverage in Romania, and there are lots of varieties to choose from.

You shouldn’t miss the pies, filled with sour cabbage or mashed potatoes, and also “clatite”, a Romanian desert similar to the French “crêpes”, stuffed with various fillings: jam,meat, mushrooms etc. Fast food is very good in Pitesti, and you can have either the Greek gyros or the Turkish kebab.

Pitesti, Travel Guide-Culture

There are many things to visit and take part in if you want to get into the culture of Pitesti. The city has a main theatre, with representations varying from puppet shows to open-air plays. Also, at the “Dinicu Golescu” library, you can get an insight on Romania’s literary past. Ploieşti is the home of two universities, a private and a public one.

You should not miss the Tulip Symphony, a festival held every spring, featuring cultural performances in an ambiance of thousand of tulip bulbs.

Have the best time in Pitesti using the travel guide you’ve just read!