Discover Otopeni: Culture, History and Swimming Sports

Swimming Sports

Those planning to enjoy swimming sports in Otopeni will find two Olympic-sized pools at the Complex Sportiv de Natație Otopeni. Four additional pools are also part of the complex and are intended for training, learning to swim and rehabilitation. The facility therefore combines several clearly defined areas of swimming sports. Changing rooms are part of the amenities, as are fitness rooms. A training room is provided for dryland diving practice. Saunas are among the other facilities. The complex also includes a restaurant and a relaxation area. The complex is intended to host national and international competitions and has around 2,800 spectator seats for this purpose. The facility thus combines pools for different uses with dedicated areas for training, recreation and leisure.

Culture

The “Ion Manu” Cultural Centre in Otopeni offers theatre performances, concerts and art exhibitions. Workshops are available for children and are also aimed at adults. The centre also organises special events and festivals. The course programme includes folk dancing as well as classical and modern dance. Foreign languages are also part of the course programme, as are stained-glass art and chess. The courses are led by professional teachers, masters and artists. The cultural centre therefore encompasses both public events and regular courses covering a range of cultural focuses. The Festival of Romanian Folk Art and Folk Tradition takes place in Otopeni every year at the beginning of September and has already been held for the 23rd time. It is regarded as an experience that connects the past and present through folk traditions. The programme thus ranges from stage performances and exhibitions to courses in dance, languages, design and chess; the workshops are aimed at both children and adults.

History

The first documented mention of Otopeni dates back to 1587. Prince Mihnea Turcitul issued the document in which this mention appears. Construction work took place at Bucharest “Henri Coandă” International Airport in 1966. During this construction work, archaeologist Margareta Constantiniu discovered ceramic fragments and objects from the first period of the Iron Age. A settlement dating from the 10th century AD was also found in this area. The discovery indicates continuous settlement and supplements the written record with archaeological evidence.

Parks and Transport

Parc Central is considered a green oasis in the heart of Otopeni. Otopeni’s public municipal parks and gardens are used for recreation, relaxation and outdoor sports. Otopeni has its own public transport line called “Linia Albastră”. Express line 100 connects Bucharest-Otopeni “Henri Coandă” International Airport with Otopeni and the centre of Bucharest, continuing to Piața Unirii. The public transport network therefore includes both a dedicated line for Otopeni and an express connection between the airport, the city and Bucharest’s central square. The two services differ in their described purpose: “Linia Albastră” is part of the local network, while express line 100 links Otopeni with the airport and the centre of Bucharest.

Other places include Corbeanca, Popeşti-Leordeni, Dascălu, Mogoşoaia, Balotești, Buftea, Domnești and Rudeni.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ilfov.