One of the largest cities of Romania and capital of Dolj County, Craiova is located in the southern part of the country, at approximately equal distances from the Southern Carpathians(north) and the River Danube(south). It is a longstanding political centre, the chief commercial city and the most important city of Oltenia. The university town of Craiova, prides itself on the strong academic tradition and wealth of important historical figures who passed through here on their journey to fame: the world-famous sculptor Constantin Brancusi – who studied at the Craiova Art School and carved his first sculptures here, and Craiova-born Petrache Poenaru – inventor of the first cartridge fountain pen. The most important landmark is Nicolae Romanescu Park – the largest natural park in eastern Europe. This park has a few interesting features: The Suspended Bridge (photo), the Charmed Castle, the Craiova Hippodrome and the Zoo.
