Buzău city

Buzău Municipality

Buzău is the municipal seat of the county bearing the same name, located in the south-east of Romania, and part of the historical region of Muntenia. Positioned at the crossroads of roads connecting Muntenia, Moldova, and Transylvania, the city has evolved into an important administrative, economic, and cultural center since the Middle Ages. Today, Buzău welcomes visitors with a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, featuring historical monuments, museums, green areas, and a variety of tourist attractions.

Photo: Palatul Comunal – Alexandru Iordan

BRIEF HISTORY – FROM THE MIDDLE AGES TO PRESENT

From the First Inhabitants to the Medieval Market

  • Prehistoric Traces: Archaeological excavations (Crâng Park, areas in the southern part of the city) have uncovered remnants of the Gumelnița and Monteoru cultures, demonstrating human presence even before the Christian era.
  • First Written Record: Documents from the 4th century (376 AD) mention the Mousaios River (Buzău) in connection with the martyrdom of Saint Sava of Buzău. Later, a decree from 1431, under Dan II, certifies Buzău as a market and customs point.

The Modern Era and the Phoenix Symbol

  • Successive Destructions (17th–18th centuries): Invasions (Ottoman, Tatar, etc.), epidemics, and earthquakes ravaged the city. Repeated reconstructions inspired medieval locals to adopt the Phoenix bird in Buzău’s coat of arms, symbolizing rebirth.
  • 19th Century: A period of cultural and economic flourishing. Schools emerged (Theological Seminary, B.P. Hasdeu College), the Communal Palace was built (1899–1903), Crâng Park was developed, and the city became a railway hub (railway network towards Bucharest, Galați, Brașov, Mărășești).

20th Century – Industrialization and Urban Transformations

  • First Half (1900–1945):
    • Construction of large factories (metallurgical industry, Saturn petroleum refinery).
    • Interwar period: development of commerce, establishment of craft associations, emergence of sports teams.
  • Communist Regime: Forced industrialization, Buzău Sud platform (wire factories, railway equipment, plastic masses, etc.), tripling of the population due to rural migration. Historic buildings disappeared (Moldavia Theater), and worker neighborhoods were built.
  • Post-1989: Economic restructuring, privatizations, commercial reorientation, and today numerous factories (e.g., Romcarbon, Ductil, Apcarom) operate with private capital in a free-market context.

CULTURAL AND TOURIST HERITAGE

Architectural Monuments and Places of Worship

Communal Palace (1899–1903)

  • An architectural emblem of the city, located in Dacia Square, designed by architect Alexandru Săvulescu.
  • Neoromanian style, featuring a tall tower and imposing façade, today serving as the City Hall.

Buzău Episcopacy Complex

  • Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral (1649), chapel (1841), episcopal palace (17th century), and old seminary (1838).
  • Enclosure wall and bell tower (18th century), symbolizing the ancient religious tradition.

Old Churches

  • Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God (Neguțători/Greeks, 1649), featuring a bell tower.
  • Church of the Annunciation (Banului Monastery, 16th century).

Casa Vergu-Mănăilă (18th Century)

  • Hosts the Ethnography and Folk Art Collection (part of the Buzău County Museum).
Photo: Casa Vergu Manaila – Wikipedia

Marghiloman Manor (in the homonymous park)

  • Residence of Romania’s last Prime Minister during World War I, Alexandru Marghiloman.
  • Eclectic style, recently restored, intended for cultural events.
  • Museums and Cultural Life
Photo: Vila Albatros Parcul Marghiloman-Toader Daniela

 

Buzău County Museum

  • Founded in 1951, with sections on history, ethnography, and decorative arts. Also manages outdoor collections (Colți amber, Vasile Voiculescu Memorial House, Măgura Sculpture Camp).

Vasile Voiculescu County Library

  • Established in 1893 (initially “Carol I Public Library”), an important hub of local culture.

George Ciprian Theater (inaugurated 1996)

  • The first theater established in Buzău after 1989, hosting theater festivals (Gala of New Generations – Director’s Head), BUZZ CEE film festival, among others.

Events

  • Top T Festival (rock music), since 1983.
  • National Literary Creation Contest “Vasile Voiculescu”.
  • Drăgaica Festival (June), a traditional fair with medieval origins.

NATURAL AND RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS

Parks and Green Spaces

Crâng Park

  • ~189 hectares, part of the ancient Vlăsia Forests. Numerous alleys, recreational areas, a lake, and gazebos.
  • An important green area, a place for promenades and summer events.
Photo: Parcul Crang – Diana Toma

 

Youth Park (Eastern Part of the City)

  • Includes a sports hall, Olympic pool, recreational spaces, and venues for festivals.
Photo: Parcul Tineretului – Alina Radulescu

Forest Reserves (around the municipality)

  • Frasinu and Spătaru forests (in the communes of Țintești and Costești), continuing with fragments of the Vlăsia Forests.

Sports and Leisure

  • Romeo Iamandi Sports Hall: Hosts handball, volleyball, basketball matches, and various sports events.
  • Municipal Stadium: Home to the local football team (currently SCM Gloria Buzău) which plays its matches here.
  • IceMagic Ice Rink: Established through a public-private partnership, a venue for competitions and recreational skating (currently non-functional).
  • Outdoor Activities: Being at the foothills of the Subcarpathians, day trips can be organized to the Mud Volcanoes, Dealu Mare vineyard area, or Buzău Valley.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Railway and Road Hub

  • CFR Line 500 (Bucharest–Moldova) and branches to Galați, Constanța, Nehoiașu.
  • DN2/E85 (Bucharest–Suceava), DN1B (Ploiești–Buzău), DN10 (Buzău–Brașov).
  • Two main bus stations and local bus service (Trans Bus).

Diversified Economy

  • Traditional and Modern Industries: Metallurgy (Apcarom, Ductil), plastics (Romcarbon), milling (Boromir), sugar (Agrana).
  • Services, Commerce, and IT: Expanding sectors with enhanced potential due to proximity to Bucharest.

Education

  • Prestigious Schools: National Colleges B.P. Hasdeu, Mihai Eminescu, Pedagogic Spiru Haret, “Margareta Sterian” Art High School.
  • Distance Learning Centers: ASE Bucharest and others.

TOURIST RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Historical Circuit: (Old Center – Communal Palace – Casa Vergu-Mănăilă – Banu Church – Crâng Park).
  2. Buzău County Museum: Exhibitions dedicated to the Pietroasele treasure, Colți amber, and local ethnography.
  3. Wine and Gastronomy: Tastings at nearby wineries (Dealu Mare, Pietroasele, Merei), gastronomic tours, and traditional brunches.
  4. Cultural City Break: George Ciprian Theater (shows, festivals), Communal Palace, architectural monuments (Episcopal Church, Greek Church, Banului Church).
  5. Events:
    • Drăgaica Fair (June), an old agricultural fair.
    • Top T Rock Festival.
    • Young Theater Week at George Ciprian Theater.

OFFICIAL SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  1. Buzău City Hall
    • Website: primariabuzau.ro
    • Information about local administration, urban projects, and events.
  2. Buzău County Council
    • Website: cjbuzau.ro
    • County tourist guides, cultural information.
  3. Buzău County Museum
    • Website: muzeulbuzau.ro
    • Details on exhibitions, visiting schedules, external sections (Colți, Pârscov, Măgura).
  4. Vasile Voiculescu County Library
    • Information about collections, literary events: bjbuzau.ro
  5. National Institute of Statistics (INS)
    • Website: insse.ro
    • Updated demographic data.
  6. Buzău Local Tourist Information Center
    • Guides, maps, event calendars.

We invite you to discover Buzău, a city that, like the Phoenix bird, has been reborn many times and continues to develop as an important cultural, economic, and administrative center in southeastern Romania. Enjoy the historical monuments, local art, the aromas of surrounding wines, and the distinctive hospitality of Buzău!