Central Plaza Hotel
Piatra Neamţ - Piata Petrodava nr.1-3
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Piatra Neamț is situated in the historical region of Moldavia, in north-eastern Romania, and is one of the country’s most picturesque cities. With a population of just over 85,000 inhabitants, it occupies an idyllic setting on the banks of the Bistrița River and is surrounded by mountains and lakes.
Located approximately 350 kilometres north of Bucharest, not far from Bacău and Iaşi, it sits in one of Romania’s most historically inhabited regions. The city has a distinctly medieval character, dating back to 1400. Remnants of Piatra Neamț’s past can be admired in Stephen’s Tower and the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist, both constructed during the reign of Stephen III of Moldavia, widely known as Stefan Cel Mare.
However, there is far more to discover in the city: numerous historic buildings from the 1800s, a series of museums worth visiting, a magnificent 15th-century Orthodox monastery, and wonderful opportunities for day trips in the surrounding area, whether by car or on foot, walking amongst lakes and mountains.
For those choosing to visit Piatra Neamț, here are the must-see attractions, in the historic centre or nearby, for a holiday discovering a city off the main tourist trail.
The Biserica Nașterea Sf. Ioan Botezătorul is an Orthodox church built in the late 1400s at the behest of Stephen III of Moldavia, known as Stefan Cel Mare. The year after construction was completed, the bell tower was erected, which today bears the name Stephen’s Tower and is the city’s symbol.
The church is an important testament to medieval Moldavian architectural school, featuring a semicircular apse and a single window along the nave’s axis. Externally, the church is imposing yet artistic, adorned with a series of horizontal relief bands that emphasise its depth.
Stephen’s Tower is the bell tower of the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. It is a standalone octagonal structure, standing 19 metres high, built alongside the church’s north-west side. Over the centuries it also served as a watchtower, with guards ensuring that no enemies approached to besiege Piatra Neamț.
The Tineretului Theatre, which translates as “Theatre of Youth”, is another of the city’s historic landmarks. It is one of Romania’s most renowned theatres and the place where numerous Romanian actors launched their careers. It is certainly worth trying to attend a performance to experience as much as possible of daily life in Piatra Neamț.
It is hardly surprising that the Tineretului Theatre’s history was rather complicated. Construction took 13 years, from 1929 to 1942, during World War II. After the conflict ended, however, the theatre struggled to take off, as during the communist period this form of entertainment suffered from lack of funding and, above all, lack of consideration from the party.
However, director Ion Coman did his utmost to transform the theatre into a forge of art and talent, encouraging young actors to come to Piatra Neamț to perform, guaranteeing them special treatment including board and lodging, thanks to his connections within the Communist Party. Even today, Ion Coman’s successors follow the path laid out by their predecessor, nurturing young local actors and presenting cutting-edge performances.
The wooden synagogue of Piatra Neamț has served as the centre of the city’s Jewish community since 1766, when it was inaugurated. The synagogue is built with thick timber beams lined both inside and out, and because of its high stone foundations, access to the building is via a descending staircase.
The interior essentially features a two-storey gallery on the north side and a single-storey gallery on the west side, where the women’s prayer area is located; to the south there is another, smaller gallery for children. The Baal Shem Tov synagogue is the only wooden synagogue in Eastern Europe and has been preserved intact with all its symbolic, religious and architectural value.
The Bistrița Monastery, or Mănăstirea Bistrița in Romanian, is located 8 kilometres from Piatra Neamț and is one of the must-see day trips for those in the city. It was erected in 1402, and inside you can admire rich ornaments in Byzantine style and splendid frescoes. The monastery is surrounded by a 4-metre-high wall, built in the late 1500s; the inner courtyard also houses a bell tower.
Within Bistrița Monastery you can admire the miraculous icon of Saint Anna, venerated with great devotion by the faithful. According to tradition, the icon was a gift from Empress Irene, and today it is one of Romania’s most venerated icons, providing protection for children, families and the sick.
The Museum of History and Archaeology of Piatra Neamț was founded by Minister Constantin Matasa in the early 20th century in a magnificent building in the city centre. It is a must for all lovers of ancient art, housing one of the major exhibitions of the Cucuteni Culture, dating to the period between 5500 BCE and 2750 BCE, which developed across present-day Romania, Moldavia and Ukraine.
The museum holds the largest collection of Copper Age artefacts in south-eastern Europe and is home to the Cucuteni research centre. The most important piece on display is the Hora de la Frumuşica (“Dance of the Frumusica”, the symbol of Cucuteni culture), a small sculpture depicting people in a circle dancing.
Piatra Neamț sits in the heart of a valley brimming with natural beauty, making it a paradise for trekking and hiking enthusiasts. A walk suitable for all levels is the one around Izvorul Muntelui Lake, in the Bicaz area. Romania’s largest artificial lake, it offers opportunities to stop for fishing and boasts wonderful views of the Ceahlau Mountains.
More experienced hikers will find plenty to satisfy them with a trek to Toaca Mountain: it takes about 3 hours from the city to the summit and the same to return; along the way you can admire mountain cabins and waterfalls. The walk is beautiful and challenging, but the magnificent panorama will more than reward your efforts.
It is also worth experiencing nature without the walk. Simply make use of the Cable Car, the ropeway that departs from the heart of the city and reaches the mountain that towers above it. At the top you’ll find souvenir shops and some facilities, and can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a natural landscape of lakes and forests.
Piatra Neamț is a city with a relatively small historic centre where attractions are all within easy reach of each other. Therefore, it is advisable to stay in the centre or its immediate surroundings. You’ll be close to services, bars and restaurants, as well as of course the sights to see. Fortunately, hotels are genuinely affordable, so you can treat yourself better than usual by choosing a high-end hotel at the price of a two-star hotel in other European cities.
Piatra Neamț is located in north-eastern Romania, approximately 5 hours from Bucharest, travelling along the E85 road heading north; the distance between the two cities is roughly 350 kilometres. You can also reach Piatra Neamț from Timişoara (520 kilometres, approximately 7.5 hours, heading east) or Constanța (450 kilometres, approximately 6 hours, heading north). You can complete the journey by bus or by hiring a rental car, the latter option offering maximum flexibility in managing your movements.
Alternatively, you can reach Piatra Neamț by air via Bacău Airport, approximately 60 kilometres away and served by Blue Air with direct flights to and from Bergamo, Bologna, Rome Fiumicino and Turin. Once you land, you can hire a car and reach Piatra Neamț in about an hour, or take a taxi to Bacău bus station and continue from there. Note that this option is not viable for those in Bucharest, as there are no flights between the capital and Bacău.
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