Piatra Neamț

Template:Infobox City in Romania

File:Pnt11.jpg

Piatra Neamţ central park

Piatra Neamţ (pronunciation in Romanian: /'pja.tra 'něamʦ/) (population: ~110,000) is the capital city of Neamţ county, Moldova, eastern Romania. Because of its privileged ___location in the Eastern Carpathians mountains it is considered one of the most picturesque cities in Romania. It is also the capital of the Nord-Est (North-East) development region which consists of six Moldavian counties.

Etymology

The piatra toponym (meaning rock in Romanian) was always present in the names of the settlement along the history. The alternate names for the city were Piatra lui Crăciun, Târgu Piatra (in the middle ages) or simply Piatra.

Geography & access

 

Map of Piatra Neamţ

 

Piatra Neamţ railway station

Piatra Neamţ lies in the Bistriţa River Valley, surrounded by mountains - Pietricica (590 m), Cozla (679 m), Cernegura (852 m), Bâtca Doamnei (462 m) and Cârloman (617 m), at an average height of 345 m. The city has all the advantages offered by a kind and unique nature.

The city is located 350 km north of the capital city of Bucharest, in the historical region of Moldavia. The nearest airport is Bacău, situated at 60 km south. Piatra Neamţ is linked by Romanian railway trunk number 509 to Bucharest and Iaşi and by DN15 national road to Bacău (therefore DN2 to Bucharest), Iaşi, Suceava and Târgu Mureş (Transylvania).

The city is informally divided in several districts (in Romanian: cartiere)

• Centru
• Dărmăneşti
• Precista
• Mărăţei
• 1 Mai
• Sarata
• Valea Viei
• Gara Veche
• Speranţa
• Ciritei
• Vânători
• Văleni

History

 

15th century Stephen's Tower (the city symbol), the medieval town square and the Cucuteni culture museum in the background

The area around Piatra Neamţ is one of the oldest inhabited areas in Romania. The oldest traces of human civilisation in the present territory date back to the higher Paleolithic, about 100,000 years BCE. The Cucuteni culture, whose development lasted approximately one thousand years (ca. 3600-2600 BCE) was attested in the territory of Neamţ county by a remarkable number of settlements (approx. 150), archaeological diggings unearthing important museum collections of Aeneolithic artifacts. Archaeologists have also discovered objects here dating back to the Neolithic Period and the Bronze Age (about 1900-1700 BCE).

Excavations just outside the city revealed the ruins of a large Dacian city, Petrodava, mentioned by Greek geographer Ptolemy in the 2nd century. The whole compound had its heyday between the first century BCE and the first century CE. Standing out is the citadel at Bîtca Doamnei which contains shrines resembling those identified in the Orăştiei Mountains. As far as the existence of a local leader is concerned, historians tend to suggest the identification of the Kingdom of Dicomes in the very political centre at Petrodava. The complex of strongholds without peer in Moldavia and Wallachia is evidence as to a powerful political and military centre both in Burebista’s time and in the period that preceded the reign of Decebalus. The settlement was documented in the 15th century as Piatra lui Craciun, or Camena, a market town.

The first urban settlements, which emerged under Petru I Muşat (1375-1391), were Piatra lui Craciun, Roman and Neamţ. The Neamţ citadel, whose documentary attestation dates back to February 2, 1395, was also erected during the same consolidation period of the Moldovian pricipate east of the Carpathians. The Princely Court of Piatra Neamţ is mentioned for the first time in a document dated April 20, 1491 being founded between 1468 and 1475, under Stephen the Great, the Princely Cathedral being built in 1497-1898 and the 20 m. tall Bell Tower in 1499.

Economy

 

A central street in Piatra Neamţ

The city's industries include a fertilizer plant, a pulp and paper mill, and several food-processing plants. In the city are also located an agricultural machinery plant (Mecanica Ceahlău), a pharmaceutical plant (Plantavorel) and two paper manufacturers.

The city's main industrial park is situated 11 km south, in the Săvineşti area. During the communist period, the Săvineşti platform was one of the most important chemical plants in Romania and the site of a research institute. Today, the industrial facility is part of the Italian group Radici, and it operates at a very low capacity.

In the recent period, the most important Romanian commercial brands originating from Piatra Neamţ are Rifil (synthetic fibers manufacturer), Altex (Media Galaxy) (TV, hi-fi, home appliances national dealer), Köber (paints manufacturer), and Dasimpex (mobile phones dealer).

There are 2 local TV stations (TV M, 1TV ), 3 FM radio stations and several newspapers.

Culture & Education

File:Teatrul.Tineretului.PN.jpg

Youth's Theatre 1970

 

"Petru Rareş" national college

Piatra Neamţ is home to Teatrul Tineretului (Youth's Theatre), G. T. Kirileanu library and many cultural events, including the International Theatre Festival in the springtime, the classical music event Vacanţe muzicale (musical holydays) in the summertime and more folkloric festivals all year round.

The "Petru Rareş" national college, "Calistrat Hogaş" national college, as well as "Victor Brauner" Fine Arts College are also located here.

Touristic info

Piatra-Neamt with its cozy streets and coffee shops, warm people and antique boutiques will make you feel like at home.

Museums :

Cucuteni neolitic Culture Museum, Str. Stefan cel Mare nr. 3; tel. [phone]

Opened in June 2005, the museum has the widest and richest variety of Precucuteni- Cucuteni art. The building was built between 1928-1930 by Carol Zani and decorated by the sculptor Vincenzo Puschiasis. Opened: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Monday closed. Price: Adults: 2Lei, Children 1Leu.

Ethnografic Museum, tel. [phone]

It was opened in the 1980’s and it has a wide variety of popular costumes, traditional art and it presents the daily life of peasants from the Bistrita Valley . Opened: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM (October-March); 10:00AM to 6:00PM (April-September); Monday Closed. Price: Adults: 2Lei; Children 1Leu.

History Museum, tel. [phone]

Founded in 1934 by priest Constantin Matasa, it has important archaeological collections from the Bronze Era and Geto-Dacian Era. Opened: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM (October-March); 10:00AM to 6:00PM (April-September); Monday Closed. Price: Adults: 2Lei; Children: 1Leu.

Art Museum, tel. [phone]

Founded in the 1980’s, it has impressive collections of paintings, graphics, sculptures made by local and national artists like: Ion Tuculescu, Nicolae Tonitza, Corneliu Baba, Lascar Vorel. Opened: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM (October-March); 10:00AM to 6:00PM (April-September); Monday Closed. Price: Adults: 2Lei; Children: 1Leu.

Natural Science Museum, tel. [phone]

It was founded in the 1960’s and it has a collection of fossilized fishes and other botanical, zootechnical, paleontological collections. Opened: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM (October-March); 10:00AM to 6:00PM (April-September); Monday Closed. Price: Adults: 2Lei; Children: 1Leu.

Regal (Voivod’s) Court

It is located on a small plateau in the center of the city and it includes the St. John Church , Bell Tower , and it was built in 1468-1475 by Voivod Stephen the Great. From the regal court the only things that are left are a part of the cellars and portions of the wall. It has a tridimensional archeological materials and documents discovered in the Piatra-Neamt area. Opened: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM (October-March); 10:00AM to 6:00PM (April-September); Monday Closed. Price: Adults: 2Lei; Children: 1Leu.

Noble houses :

Lalu house- Piatra Neamt, str. Stefan cel Mare, nr.44, tel. [phone] This beautiful construction was built in 1912 by the builder Carol Zane. Now, here is The Children Palace.

Casa Paharnicului - Piatra Neamt, str. Paharnicului, tel. [phone]

It was founded at the begining of the19th century by police prefect (aga) Dimitrie Gheorghiadis. This massive building was used as a storage for merchandises and now there is a restaurant.

Fortress :

Bâtca Doamnei Fortress (Petrodava) - Piatra Neamt (Petrodava)

It was founded in 1st century b.C., but there are traces of an much older civilisation.

Rezervations and parks :

The fossil locations Cozla, Pietricica, Cernegura

Around the Piatra Neamt City, form a paleontological natural reservation: fossil fishes from Oligocene - 38 species

Art galleries :

Art Deco - Piatra Neamt, Piata 22 Decembrie, tel. [phone]

Lascar Vorel - Piatra Neamt, Piata Stefan cel Mare nr.15, tel. [phone]

Topart - Piatra Neamt, Bd. Decebal nr.4, tel. [phone]

Churches :

"Sf. Ioan" church

It was founded in 1498-1499 by the voivode Stefan cel Mare (Stephan the Great) and it is composed of: The Princely Church St. John the Baptist built of stone in a Moldavian style, the 19 m high tower and parts of the Princely Court (walls and the cellar arranged as a museum, placed near the "Petru Rares" High School).

The Transfiguration Church - tel: [phone]

This monument of popular religious architecture was successively founded by the Voivodes Petru Rares and Alexandru Lapusneanu (1574).

The Assumption of the Virgin Church - tel. [phone]

Founded in 1774 by Ioil. This monument of popular religious architecture is made of fir tree on a stone base. The altar screen made of lime tree and oak is a masterpiece of Romanian popular art.

The Annunciation Church - tel. [phone]

Founded in 1740 by Spatharus (the sword bearer) Iordache Darie Darmanescul. The altar screen of this monument of religious architecture was very rigurously made in the Byzantine style. There is also a Gospel from 1821, a real work of art, mounted in silver and polychrom enamel.

St. Nicholas Church - tel. [phone]

Founded in 1796 by Vogoride, a greek chancellor. There is a golden silver icon brought from Poland in 1865.

The Annunciation Church - pentru contact: Biserica "Constantin si Elena", cartierul Sarata, str. Verii nr.5, tel. [phone]

Founded in 1779-1787 by Stero and Mihalache Piroschi, moved in 1999 on the spot of Draga Hermitage, in Darmanesti, Piatra Neamt.

Doamna Hermitage

Founded in 1790 by Father Mitrofan. This small, simple building has very thick walls and the altar screen is a real work af art, decorated in a Moldavian style

Attractions

The city's main attractions are the natural beauty of the area (the mountains and the lakes), the hystorical buildings, the museums and the festivals. Today, there are several programs in progress with the goal of transforming Piatra Neamţ into an important touristic destination in Romania (the construction of the cable car ref in Romanian and the wintersports facilities).

Landmarks:

• Stephen's tower, built during Ştefan cel Mare period in 1499.
• St John The Baptist church (1497-1498)
• The Princely Court
• The History & Archaeology Museum (host of the Cucuteni exhibition, the largest Aeneolithic artifacts collection in southeastern Europe)
• The Fine Arts Museum
• The Natural Sciences Museum
• The "Calistrat Hogaş" Memorial Museum
• The "Schimbarea la Faţă" Wooden Church in Văleni
• The Bistriţa Monastery, founded in the early 15th century, is 8 km (5 mi) west of the city
• The Wooden Synagogue

Accommodation

HOTELS :

- Hotel Central *** Piatra Neamt, Piata Petrodava nr.1-3

tel. [phone]; fax. [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] Capacity: 262 beds in 131 rooms (72 double-rooms; 12 matrimonial apartments; 47 (Comfort +plus) double-rooms; 30 rooms with air conditioner. Services: Room-Service between hours 6AM and 1AM, Cable TV, Mini-bar, International telephone, Internet Access, Copying and Fax,Parking, Ticket Purchase, Safebox, Laundry and Drycleaners, Money Exchange. VISA and MASTERCARD accepted. The Hotel can host all kinds of parties in all of its 4 restaurants: Classic Restaurant (300 people), Breakfast Restaurant (150 people), Reception Hall (60 people), and Pink Salon (20 people). In these rooms there is also the possibility of organizing conferences, seminars and official meals. The restaurant offers professional services for all tastes. The Chef can cook all kinds of specialties from international recipes but also traditional Moldovan recipes. Inside the Central Complex you will find a suspended terrace with room for 150 people and one of the most modern cafeterias in country with room from 100 people. You are invited to taste the most delicious cookies: Central, Aluneta, Exotic, Select, And Tarta cu fructe de padure. Prices: Double Rooms: 53-58 Euros, Single Room: 38-43 Euros.

- Grand Hotel Ceahlau *** Piatra Neamt, str. Stefan cel Mare nr.3

tel. [phone]; fax. [phone] e-mail: [e-mail] Capacity: 244 beds in 42 Single-Rooms, 94 Double-Rooms and 7 VIP apartments. Services: Room-service, Cable TV, Internet, FAX and Courier, International telephone, air conditioner, barbershop and beauty salon, Laundry and drycleaners, Parking, Reservations and Tickets, Car Rental. Restaurant: 4 bars and terraces with room from 1600 people, Reception Hall with 120 seats, Money Exchange, Tourism Agency, Magazines.

- Hotel Belvedere *** - Piatra Neamt, str.Petru Movila

tel. [phone] Capacity: 50 beds in: 12 Rooms with 2 beds, 3 apartments, 17 beds in rooms with 2 or 3 beds. Restaurant: 80 Seats, bar with 16 seats, Parking with rooms for 10 cars. Prices: 80 Lei Double-Room; 100 Lei Triple-Room; 120 Lei apartment

- Hotel Lido ** - Piatra Neamt, Bd. Republicii; tel. [phone]

- Hotel Bulevard ** - Piatra Neamt, Bd. Republicii nr. 38-40 - tel. [phone]; fax. [phone] Capacity: 75 beds in 36 Rooms. 13 Matrimonial rooms, 16 Double rooms, 3 Apartments with 3 beds, 4 Apartments with 2 beds. Services: Room Service, Cable TV, Telephone, Fax, Safebox, Parking. Restaurant with 60 Seats, diverse menus.

PENSIONS :

"Ambiance" pension *** - Piatra Neamt, str. Petru Movila nr. 200A owned by ANTREC, www.antrec.ro contact person: Lucia Muj, tel. [phone]

"Aris" ** pension owned by ANTREC contact person : Lucia Muj, tel. [phone]

"Cornelius" pension *** - Piatra Neamt, Str. G-ral. N.Dascalescu nr.490

tel.[phone] e-mail: - - [e-mail] Capacity: 9 Rooms: 3 Matrimonial with showers, hot water,Room Service. Restaurant: 60 Seats, Organic foods, Select Collection wines. On request can organize trips for tourists. Prices: 120 Lei per night and includes Breakfast, Internet,Telephone, Cable TV. Discount available depending a length of stay. Car Rental available.

"Cozla" pension ** - Piatra Neamt , str. Elena Cuza nr. 8 Contact person : Lucia Muj, tel. [phone]

"Elis" pension * - Piatra Neamt, Bd. Republicii 40 Capacity: 9 locuri

"Nora" pension ** - Piatra Neamt, Str. Petru Movila nr.162 A Tel. [phone], Persoana de contact: Fam. Ciubotariu Contact Person: Ciubotariu Family Capacity: 2 Double Rooms with 2 beds. 7 Matrimonial Rooms. 8 Rooms have their own bathroom, all others have a common bathroom. Services: Cable TV. Restaurant: 16 seats Reservation is necessary a week before. Prices: 60 Lei/ day/ Double Room, 75 Lei/ Day/ Double Room with sofa.

"Red Rock" pension ** - Piatra Neamt , str. Maratei nr. 63 tel [phone]

"Virginia" pension ** - Piatra Neamt - apartine ANTREC, www.antrec.ro Contact person : Lucia Muj, tel. [phone]

Restaurants :

Amadeus - Piata M.Kogalniceanu nr. 4, tel. [phone], (program: 7:00-last client)

Cercul Gospodinelor - Parc Cozla, tel. [phone], (program: 10:00-2:00)

Ciao Ciao - Bd. Traian Bl.A9 parter, tel. [phone], (program: 8:30 - last client) pizza, restaurant, italian food

Colibele Haiducilor - Parcul Cozla, tel. [phone], (program: 8:00-24:00)

Dao - Chinees food - Bd. Traian Bl.A3, tel.[phone]. Program: 12:00 - 22:30

Diesel - Str. Petru rares nr.21, tel. [phone], (program: 9:00-2:00)

Laguna - Bd.Decebal nr.80, tel. [phone], (program: 10:00-2:00); billiard

Marianti - Bd.Traian Bl.A6, parter, tel. [phone], (program: 10:00-24:00)

Nefertiti - Bd.Decebal nr.196, tel. [phone], (program: 9:00-24:00)

Paharnicul - Str. Paharnicului nr. 5, tel. [phone]

Villa Italia - str. Burebista nr.65, tel. [phone] (program: 12:00-24:00)

Happy Food - Bd.Decebal Bl.H3 parter, tel. [phone]

Pizza&Grill 66 - Piata M.Kogalniceanu nr.1-3, tel.[phone] (program: 9:00-24:00)

Pizzeria Blue Star - Piata M.Kogalniceanu nr.1, tel. [phone] (program: 8:00-24:00 )

Pizzeria Buon Gusto - Piata Stefan cel Mare nr.1, tel. [phone] (program: non-stop)

Bar's :

Café-bar Bacardi - str. Duraului nr.1, tel.[phone] (program: 8:00-24:00)

Café Latino - Bd.Decebal Bl.I4 parter, tel. [phone] (program: 8:00-24:00)

Costarica Café - str. Titu Maiorescu Bl.I1 (program: 8:00-20:00)

Bar 12 (12 floor at Hotel Ceahlau) - str. Stefan cel Mare nr.3 tel. [phone]; fax. [phone]; e-mail: [e-mail] - night-bar, streap-tease

Cazino Fortunato - Piata Petrodava, tel. [phone]; bd. Traian, tel.[phone] - bar, mecanic games, electronic rullet (program: 11:00-2:00)

Club Q 30, str. Stefan cel Mare, nr. 31(luni-joi 16:00-24:00, vineri-duminica 16:00-4:00)

The Kilkeny (Irish Pub) - str. Dimitrie Leonida, nr.53 (program non-stop)

Shopping

Sports

Performance

File:Pnt 3.jpg

Ceahlăul Stadium

FC Ceahlăul Piatra Neamţ is the local football (soccer) team; best performance : 4th round in UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999 after two matches versus Juventus Turin. Currently it plays in the first national league - Liga I .

Former Fibrex Săvineşti, actually HCM Piatra Neamţ is the local men's handball team, three times champions of Romania and two times winners of Handball Romania's Cup.

CV Unic Piatra Neamţ is the local women's volleyball team.

Piatra Neamţ is the residence of Constantin "Ticu" Lăcătuşu, the first Romanian alpinist who reached the top of Mount Everest.

The Piatra Neamţ Equestrian Stadium (Baza Hipică) is the host of several show jumping and dressage international competitions.

Infrastructure

Famous natives and residents

• Victor Brauner, painter
• Emil Calmanovici, industrialist and communist activist
• Iulia Hălăucescu, painter
• Anton Vorel, herbalist, pharmacist
• Lascăr Vorel, painter
• Calistrat Hogaş, writer
• Constantin Lăcătuşu, mountain climber
• Bogdan Ţărus, athlete
• Mihai Trăistariu, singer
• Vasile Trăistariu, painter
• Cristian Gretcu, humorist

Twinned cities

•   Roanne, France
•   Villerest, France
•   Mably, France
•   Riorges, France
•   Alpharetta, Georgia, United States
•   Hliboca, Ukraine
•   Orhei, Moldova
•   Kiryat Malachi, Israel
•   Lod, Israel
•   Beinasco, Italy
•   Manilva, Spain

Notes

 

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