Râmnicu Vâlcea: Art, History and Parks

City Location

Râmnicu Vâlcea lies at the confluence of the Olănești and Olt rivers. The Bucharest–Pitești–Râmnicu Vâlcea–Sibiu road corridor runs along DN 7.

Art and Architectural History

The Vâlcea County History Museum is housed in the building of the former “Școala cu ceas”, a 19th-century structure representative of the city. The Muzeul de Artă Casa Simian is located in a house built in 1940 in the Neo-Romanian style. Its permanent exhibition spans the late 19th and 20th centuries and includes Romanian paintings and sculptures. Every year, the Muzeul de Artă Casa Simian hosts exhibitions of contemporary painting and sculpture.

The Anton Pann Memorial House is an urban architectural monument dating from the mid-18th century. The building includes a gazebo and a cellar. The Crucea Mișeilor is located in the courtyard of the Biserica “Buna Vestire”; it bears the monument register code VL-III-m-B-09986 and is dated to 1580. As a national historic monument, the Biserica “Buna Vestire” is listed in the 2015 register of monuments for Vâlcea County under entry 249, with code VL-II-m-A-09617. The church is dated to 1747 or to the 18th century.

Places of Remembrance and Events

On 29 July 1848, the revolutionary marching song “Deșteaptă-te, române” was sung for the first time in Parcul Zăvoi in Râmnicu Vâlcea. Anton Pann took part, together with the city authorities, in the ceremony consecrating the banners of national freedom following the new constitution. The Arhiepiscopia Râmnicului, with its complex of religious buildings, is associated with pilgrimages and spiritual retreat.

The new headquarters of the Teatrul Anton Pann comprises two theatre halls, an open-air amphitheatre, a rehearsal room, accommodation and a terrace in a modern and functional structure. Râmnicu Vâlcea hosts annual cultural events, including theatre festivals, traditional markets and art exhibitions.

Leisure and Urban Green Spaces

The Baza de Agrement Ostroveni comprises four swimming pools, including two saltwater pools. The two freshwater pools have a combined area of 4,240 m², while the two saltwater pools cover a combined area of 3,108 m². Parcul Zăvoi is Râmnicu Vâlcea’s main park. Dealul Capela is considered a favourite recreational destination for the residents of Râmnicu Vâlcea. A bobsleigh track almost 3.5 km long was built on Dealul Capela around 100 years ago.

The Grădina Zoologică din Râmnicu Vâlcea caters to visitors of all ages.

Museums in the Surrounding Area

The Muzeul Satului Vâlcean is located in Bujoreni, on the outskirts of the municipality of Râmnicu Vâlcea. It preserves and displays traditional houses, farm buildings and various cultural artefacts. These reflect the culture, customs and activities of the inhabitants of Vâlcea County and the Oltenia region. The traditional activities of Vâlcea’s farmers represented there include woodworking and metalworking, weaving, pottery and beekeeping.

Other Destinations

Other destinations in Vâlcea County include Câinenii Mici, Costeşti, Voineasa, Obârşia Lotrului, Băile Olăneşti, Horezu, Marița and Baile Govora.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Vâlcea.