One of the main squares in Timisora is Piata Victoriei and is well worth exploring. This square is where the uprising in Romania started in 1989, hence the name, Victory Square. You can still see bullet holes in the building that now houses McDonalds ( communism has definitely gone!). It used to called Opera Square as one of the main buildings at one end of the square is the Opera House. Unfortunately the opera house is under going renovations at the moment as are many buildings, so we haven’t got to see the square at its best. But we will one day and it is still very impressive. There are gardens down the centre of the square ( more a rectangle if you want to geometrical about it) towards the huge cathedral. The walk down from the Opera House on the right side was for the aristocracy and called ‘corso’ and the promenade on the left was ‘surogat’ which was reserved for the workers and youngsters. I don’t fit in any of those 3 categories so I guess I better stick to the middle! Each side of the plaza is lined with cafes, bars and shops and is a very pleasant spot to while away a few hours. Timisoreana Café owned by the brewery of the same name is a terrific place and the beer is cheaper than anywhere (6.5 Lei/£1.20) despite being right on Piata Victoriei. So of course we had to take advantage of that, the food is tasty to and we devoured a meat and cheese platter, more than enough for 2 for (50 lei/£10). Another favourite place already of ours is Craft Rooftop Bar which affords incredible views of the square and the city. Not much in the way of craft beer but the cold Ciu (pronounced Chuck) went down a treat on a hot afternoon. Another beer chuck?
There are lots of small lanes off Victory Square to explore and it links to Piata Libertatii ( Freedom Square) and then on to Piata Unirii which we think is the most beautiful. All in, it is a great area to wander round, have a drink and a meal and watch the world go by.
