Fast Facts
Name: Bistrița (pronounced: Bee stree t'sah)
Location: Northern Transylvania - Romania
Nearest airports: Targu Mures and Cluj Napoca
Size: 7.8 sq. miles (20.6 sq. kilometers)
Elevation: 1,180 ft. (360 meters)
Population: 78,000
First documented: 1264 AD (Villa Bistiche)
Town of Bistrita info
Located at the foot of the Bargau Mountains, not far from the Borgo Pass (Pasul Tihuta in Romanian) which connects Transylvania region to the Bucovina one, the town of Bistrita is one of the oldest in the region. Archeological findings indicate that the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic age, long before Bram Stocker chose it as the setting of his fictional Dracula's castle.
Saxon colonists settled in Bistrita in 1206 and helped develop the town into a flourishing medieval trading post. Bistrita was first mentioned in a written document in 1264 as Villa Bistiche; the name of the town was later changed to Civitas Bysterce. Soon Bistritz - as it was named by its Saxon (German) inhabitants - became one of Transylvania's most important Saxon citadels (Siebenbürgens).
The town was named after the Bistriţa River, which traces its origin to the Slavic word bystrica, meaning fast-flowing river.
In 1353, Bistrita was granted the right to organize an annual 15-day fair and to have its own seal. Its coat of arms represented an ostrich with a horseshoe in its beak, which, according to medieval heraldry, symbolized that trade was among the main occupations of the inhabitants.
In Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, the leading character, Jonathan Harker, visits Bistriţa and spends a night at the Golden Krone Hotel (Hotelul Coroana de Aur) on the eve of St. George's Day, before continuing his journey east to Dracula's castle. Although no such hotel existed when the novel was written, a hotel with the same name has since been constructed for visitors.
Unsettling times forced the city to build defense walls and Bistrita became a fortress. By 1465 18 defensive towers and strong bastions were constructed. In 1602, Austrian troops under General Giorgio Basta damaged parts of Bistrita defense system. In 1863, the gates of the citadel were destroyed by order of the Imperial Court of Vienna. Successive fires during this century caused further damage to the medieval citadel.
Today, the old town's quaint 15th and 16th century merchants' houses and the remains of the 13th century fortress walls allow visitors to imagine Bistrita's medieval atmosphere.
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Bistrita Landmarks
Coopers' TowerTurnul Dogarilor
Address: Strada Dogarilor 14,
(west-end of Bistrita Municipal Park)
Vestiges of the 13th century fortress walls can still be seen near the Municipal Park along Kogalniceanu and Teodoroiu Streets. From the original 18 towers of the medieval fortress, only the Coopers' Tower, built between 1465 and 1575 on three levels, still stands today. The tower is now housing a collection of folklore masks and puppets (Galeria de Masti si Papusi); visits by appointment only.
Biserica Ortodoxa Bistrita
Address: Piata Unirii 7
Formerly a Franciscan church, the Orthodox Church dates from the late 13th century.
The stone carvings, mainly preserved in the chancel and the apse, belong to the Cistercian form of early gothic style. The interior was completely restored in baroque style and some late 14th century murals have been preserved.
Biserica Evanghelica Bistrita
Address: Piata Centrala Bistrita
The greatest attraction of Bistriţa's Main Square (Piata Centrala) is the Evangelical Church built by Transylvanian Saxons centuries ago.
Construction of the church started in mid-1300s and ended in 1520.
Forty years later the town council decides to commission architect Petrus Italus de Lugano to enlarge and re-decorate the church.
Renaissance elements are added to the gothic structure. Works are completed in 1563.
A clock was mounted in 1521 in the 246-foot steeple overlooking the city. It is the highest (medieval) stone church tower in Romania.
Inside the church visitors can admire a collection of 23 flags which belonged to the town's craft guilds,
valuable renaissance-style pews designed by local master Johannes Begler in 1516, 500-year furniture and an organ manufactured in 1795.
The statues decorating the belfry (St Nicholas, the Holy Virgin with Child and Knight Roland)
are representative of 15th century Transylvanian art and are similar to those found in the Black Church in Brasov and the Church on the Hill in Sighisoara.
Bistrita Evangelical Church is one of the examples which best represent the transition from Gothic to Transylvanian Renaissance architectural style.
Hours:
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: Piața Centrală
On the north side of Bistrita Main Square, facing the Saxon Evangelical Church,
stands 'Șugălete row' - 15th and 16th century merchant houses.
Built between 1480 and 1550, the thirteen gothic- and renaissance - style houses
are connected by 20 archways supported by quadrilateral pilasters.
The stores and workshops of the medieval guilds were once located in the basements and on the ground floors.
The upper floors were designed to lodge the merchants' and the craftsmen's families.
Several art galleries are now housed here.
Casa Argintarului
Address: Str. Dornei 5
Located in Old Town Bistrita, near the Sugalete ensemble,
Silversmith's House (Casa Argintarului)
is considered one of the most beautiful patrician house of medieval Transylvania.
It was built and decorated, between 1560 – 1563, in the Renaissance style.
The construction is attributed to Peter of Lugano - the Italian architect invited by the Saxons of Bistrița
to expand and embellish town's largest (Renaissance style) church, soon after converting to Lutheranism.
Commissioned by a wealthy family of goldsmiths,
Casa Argintarului is a typical medieval mixed-use (business and residence) building
with a vaulted-ceilinged ground floor, carriage entrance hall,
spaces for workshops and a shop (ground-floor) and large living quarters upstairs.
The façade - adorned with fine stone carvings -
is dominated by a monumental semi-circular portal,
framed by pilasters placed on high pedestals, in the style of 15th-century Florentine architecture.
An arched passage allows access to the inner yard.
The windows are decorated with, Renaissance-style, rectangular frames.
The facade also features two chalices carved in the arch of the ground floor window.
Many researchers believe thatthe name "Silversmith's House" comes from the two chalices -
a highly developed craft in medieval Bistrița and the symbol of the goldsmiths' guild
who also owned the nearby mines of Rodna, rich in silver deposits.
Nowadays, the venerable structure houses Bistrita's Fine Arts, Music and Folk Dance Schools
and hosts exhibitions and educational activities.
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Bistrita Museums
Museum of Bistrita Nasaud County
Muzeul Judetean Bistrita
Bistrita Nasaud County Museum, housed in a former garrison, exhibits Romanian, Saxon and Hungarian folk art, paintings and carvings belonging to the Transylvanian art school.
The History Section displays a bronze sword in the Mycenian style (14th century B.C.),
Thracian bronze tools (13th - 10th centuries B.C.), Scythian jewels and arms (6th century B.C.), pottery, arms
and other artifacts from the large Celtic necropolis at Fantanele (4th -2nd centuries B.C.).
Address: Blvd. General Grigore Balan 19
Open:
Tue. – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
Muzeul Casa Saseasca
Saxon house built in 1838 has been tranformed in a wonderful museum that offers an insight into the history and way of life of Bistrita Saxon community.
Address: village Livezile 153, 6 miles northeast of Bistrita town centre
Open:
Wed. – – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
Muzeul Memorial Ion Pop Reteganul
House of teacher and publicist Ion Pop, mid 1800s traditional Romanian rural architecture
displays artifacts and documents that illustrate Bistrita area rural traditions.
Address: village Reteag 24, 28 miles west of Bistrita town centre
Open:
Wed. – – Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.;
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Attractions near Bistrita
Schullerwald Forest
Padurea Schullerwald
74 acres nature reserve located
2 miles west of Bistrita Old Town.
A great place for promenade (4 miles of marked trails) and open-air events.
Crama Jelna
Located six miles southeast of Bistrita,
Crama Jelna produces white wines, rosé wines, red wines from native and international grapes varieties.
Jelna hotel and restaurant,
located next to the wine cellars,
are open year-round and welcome travelers interested
in discovering the wines of Northern Transylvania and spend a night or more in the area.
Explore the surrounding region and discover quaint and charming Saxon villages:
North of Bistrita:
village Dumitra (Mettersdorf) and Tărpiu (Treppen),
both with traditional churches and brightly painted houses.
South of Bistria:
villages Lechinta (Lechnitz) and Herina (Monchsdorf),
the latter boasting an unusual Romanesque-style Evangelic Saxon church (1260).
Village Lechinta is also known for its vineyards.
Vie Vin Winery
(Crama Vie Vin)
offers visitors the opportunity to try its wines obtained from
native (Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală)
and international grape varieties (Neuburger, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat Ottonel, Rhein Riesling, Pinot Noir and Merlot.
Access to the Saxon villages near Bistrita:
car, bus or train (nearest train stations: Lechinta, Nasaud and Sieu).
(Valea Bârgăului)
Location: 5 – 15 miles northeast of Bistrita
Nearest train stations: Bistrita Birgaului hcv, Josenii Birgaului hc, Prundu Birgaului
The road from Bistrita to the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina runs east through the Bargau Valley and across the Tihuta Pass which peaks at 3,840 feet.
The Bargau Valley encompasses some of the most beautiful unspoiled mountain scenery in the Carpathians
with picturesque traditional villages located in valleys and on hillsides, ideal bases for hiking, riding
or discovering their vivid tapestry of old customs, handicrafts and folklore.
Explore some of the villages located in the Bargau Valley:
Livezile (5 miles northeast of Bistrita) with its small folk museum called the Saxon House (Casa Saseasca)
displaying Saxon ceramics, woodcarvings and folk dresses;
Josenii Bargaului (10 miles northeast of Bistrita), a traditional center for black and colored pottery, and
Prundu Bargaului (15 miles northeast of Bistrita), the site of the first paper mill in Romania, opened here in 1768.
Teleki Mansion
Castelul Teleki - Posmuș
The former residence of Transylvanian count Teleki is now a museum and cultural centre open to visitors.
Among items on display are the locally produced ceramic tiles (cahle).
Cahla (plural cahle) come from German „kachel”; the art of making ceramic tiles
was brought to Bistrita by the Transylvanian Saxons (German-speaking settlers).
Ceramic tiles were first produced in Mesopotamia and Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabs brought the tile-making in Spain and Portugal.
Later the Germans in Europe started producing ceramic tiles to adorn their homes and buildings.
Location:
21 miles south of town of Bistrita.
Telephone: (+4) 0742 301.816
E-mail
Crama Liliac
Crama Liliac produces great white wines, rosé wines, red wines
obtained from native and international grapes varieties
grown in two vineyards: Lechința (35 acres) and Batoş (94 acres).
Location:
29 miles south of town of Bistrita.
Address: village Batoş,
Strada Principala 41, Mureş county
Telephone: (+4) 021 539.90.92
775 acres artificial lake (300 ft. high / 1,000 ft. wide dam)
located 26 miles east of Bistrita.
Lake Colibita area is popular year-round for fishing, water-sports, hiking, relaxation.
Castelul Bethlen
si
Parcul Dendrologic Arcalia
Former residence of Count Bethlen Balazs, built in mid-1800s, the mansion featured Byzantine and Moorish decorative elements.
The structure is set in the middle of 40-acres arboretum, home to over 150 species of plants,
trees, shrubs and spears from all around the world.
Address: village Șieu-Măgheruș,
35 miles south of Bistrita
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TRIP PLANNING INFO
Transportation
Air Transportation to Bistrita
The closest airports to Bistrita are located in:
Targu Mures (TGM) - 55 miles south;
Cluj Napoca (CLJ) - 70 miles southwest;
Suceava (SCV) - 110 miles northeast
Reaching Bistrita by Train
Bistrita North – main train station
Gara Bistrita Nord
Address: Str. Garii 2 (one mile from downtown)
Telephone: (+4) 0256 491.696
Daily train service from/to Bucharest and Cluj Napoca.
To check train and bus schedules for domestic routes please visit
RomaniaTourism Domestic Transportation section.
Intyer-City Bus to/from Bistrita
Bistrita Bus Station
Autogara Bistrita
Address: Str. Rodnei 1 A
Telephone: (+4) 0263-233.655
Daily domestic bus service from/to:
Alba Iulia, Brasov, Cluj Napoca, Deva, Fantanele, Hunedoara, Iasi, Oradea, Reghin, Satu Mare, Sibiu, Targu Mures
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Bistrita Car Rental
Great car rental rates in Bistrita - Transylvania.
Traveling to Bistrita by Car
| Road Distance from/ to Bistrita: | |
|---|---|
| City | Distance |
| Bucharest | 265 miles |
| Arad | 260 miles |
| Budapest (Hungary) | 330 miles |
| Cluj-Napoca | 75 miles |
| Constanta | 380 miles |
| Iasi | 200 miles |
| Oradea | 165 miles |
| Sibiu | 125 miles |
| Sighetu Marmatiei | 85 miles |
| Sighisoara | 95 miles |
| Suceava | 115 miles |
| Targu Mures | 55 miles |
| Timisoara | 260 miles |
| Vienna (Austria) | 495 miles |
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Bistrita Taxi
| Bistrita Taxi Companies | |
|---|---|
| Name | Phone # |
| Total Taxi | (+4) 0766 666.943 |
| Uni Taxi | (+4) 0788 999.949 |
| Taxi Total | (+4) 0766 666.943 |
| Taxi Diesel | (+4) 0765 384.315 |
| Taxi Narcisa | (+4) 0764 616.345 |
| Confort Taxi | (+4) 0766 290.192 |
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Bistrita Public Transportation
22 bus routes connect Bistrita’s neighborhoods and tourist attraction.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at ticket kiosks or on-line.
Town of Bistrita public transport App.
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Bistrita Hotels
Accommodations in Bistrita include:
| Hotel Name | Class | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Coroana de Aur | four-star / midscale | Bistrita Town Centre |
| Metropolis | five-star / upper-midscale | Bistrita Town Centre - central park |
| English House | boutique / upper midscale | 0.5 miles northeast of Bistrita Town Centre |
| The Bricks Loft | boutique / midscale | Bistrita Town Centre |
| Ozana | four-star / midscale | one mile northeast of Bistrita Town Centre |
| Bistrita | three-star / midscale | Bistrita Town Centre |
| Diana | three-star / midscale | two miles northeast of Bistrita Town Centre |
| Conacul lui Horia | B & B / midscale | five miles northeast of Bistrita Town Centre |
| Pensiunea Curtea lui Toader | B & B / midscale | Seven miles south of Bistrita Town Centre |
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Tourist Information / Local Authorities
Bistrita Tourist Information Centre
Centrul Național de Informare și Promovare Turistică Bistrița
Piata Centrala 4
Telephone: (+4) 0263 235.377
E-mail
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Bistrita Local Authorities
General emergency phone number: 112
Bistrita City Hall
Primaria Bistrita
Address: Piața Centrală 6
Telephone: (+4) 0263 223.923
E-mail
Bistrita Nasaud County Archives
Directia Judeteana Bistrita a Arhivelor Nationale
Address: Strada Garii 3 -- 5
Telephone: (+4) 0263 203.296
E-mail
Address and Hours
Consumer Protection Agency
Oficiul pentru Protectia Consumatorilor – Bistrita Nasaud
Address: Piaţa Petru Rareş 1
Telephone: (+4) 0263 211.681
E-mail
...Postal Service & Telephone
Post offices display a postal horn symbol and the word Posta.
Bistrita Main Post Office
Address: Str. Stefan cel Mare 9
Telephone: (+4) 0263 214.377
Open:
Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sat.: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Telephoning Bistrita from Abroad
International Access Code + 40 (country code) + 0263 or 0363 (area code) + six-digit telephone number
Maps
Romania Historical Regions Map
Town of Bistrita interactive Street Map (Harta Interactiva Bistrita)
Romania - Main Tourist Attractions Map
Bistrita Area Map
Map of Bistrita-Nasaud county
