Bring your camera to Union Square, known locally as Piata Unirii, to capture scenes from one of Timisoara’s most photogenic areas. This harmoniously designed square is surrounded by architectural masterpieces created by Baroque and Classicist revivalists in the 20th century. Take a guided tour to learn more about Timisoara’s oldest plaza.
Note the 18th-century Baroque-style façade of St. George’s Cathedral, the city’s catholic church. Enter to enjoy lavish interior decorations, paintings and sculptures, which were designed by artisans from Vienna. In the nearby Serbian Orthodox Cathedral, admire frescoes depicting traditional Serbian saints on gilded walls.
At one end of Union Square is the Baroque Palace, which exhibits both architectural and artistic mastery. Admire its commanding façade before browsing the art museum within. Among a collection of contemporary and decorative European art, see exhibits of the works and personal belongings of the famed portraitist Corneliu Baba.
Take an architectural tour of the square to see a range of styles that seamlessly complement one another. The Orthodox Bishop’s Residence and La Elefant House champion traditional Baroque design, while the Bruck House draws from Hungarian Secession architecture. Note its brick fountains and ceramic tiles, which depict motifs of Hungarian folklore.
After a stroll, enjoy a coffee outdoors with views of the Canons’ Houses. These four 18th-century buildings bring splashes of colour to the square’s urban palette. Photograph the intriguing façade of Lei house, which features gorgeous bay windows and depictions of lions. Before leaving, stop at the Trinity Monument, a column memorializing the cessation of the plague that devastated Banat in 1783.
Union Square is located in central Timisoara, just a short walk from popular attractions, including Piata Victoriei (Victory Square). Get here from farther afield using the city’s public trolleybus and trams.
