The capital city of Dolj County, Craiova, is located in southwestern Romania, on the left bank of the Jiu River, within the historical region of Oltenia. It is a major academic, cultural, and economic hub in the country. The city preserves numerous historical buildings, including churches, boyar mansions, and secular palaces, highlighting its rich historical importance. Craiova was first mentioned on the Tabula Peutingeriana, a Roman map dated around 225 AD. The area is closely tied to the ruins of Pelendava, an ancient center of the Geto-Dacian Pel tribe, with traces dating back to 400–350 BC.
Following a decline caused by urban systematization in the 1960s, which led to the demolition of many historical districts, Craiova has experienced a revival. The city has become a tourist attraction due to its unique architecture and cultural heritage. Key highlights include the seven original sculptures by Constantin Brâncuși, such as the famous piece The Kiss. Other attractions include:
- The Art Museum, housed in the Jean Mihail Palace, a magnificent neo-baroque building featuring Romanian and European art.
- The Oltenia Museum, offering fascinating insights into the region's history and culture, including an ethnography section located in a building dating back to the 15th century.
The city hosts several prominent festivals, including the International Shakespeare Festival, the Pelendava Festival (dedicated to Dacian-Roman historical reenactments), and the Mihai Eminescu International Poetry Festival.
Travel to Craiova is facilitated by multiple airlines, including TAROM, Turkish Airlines, Wizzair, Ryanair and Lufthansa, which operate direct flights to and from Craiova International Airport.