Târgu Mureş, with a population of nearly 150,000, is currently the sixth largest city in Transylvania. In addition to all the leisure, tourist and entertainment facilities that a medium-sized regional center should have, it is a key destination for both leisure and cultural tourism due to its international airport and cultural heritage sites.
A famous attraction of the city is the castle of Târgu Mureş, which is located in the city center and is one of the largest preserved castles in Transylvania. If you like to visit museums, the Mures County Museum has located its Archaeological and Historical Department in the castle – don’t miss it!
Also a must see place is the main square of Targu Mures, currently named Rose Square. From the Middle Ages until the 1950s, it served as a marketplace for the largest and most important fairs in the region, and was commonly visited by foreigners too. Despite the fact that in the era of the Romanian communist dictatorship the square underwent drastic interventions, similar to other historic centers of Transylvanian cities, still has a unique atmosphere.
The southern part of the square was taken over by socialistic block houses; a Franciscan monastery was demolished together with its church and school; only the tower of the church has survived. In the place of the demolished monastery was built the National Theater. But still, the square is surrounded by old houses and historical buildings.
The Palace of Culture, which is one of the most impressive buildings not only in Târgu Mureş, but in the whole of Transylvania, was built in Art Nouveau-style together with the Administrative Palace in the beginning of the 20th century, by Mayor György Bernády. It hosts the galleries of the Art Department of the Mureş County Museum.
In the 1960s, in the center of the square the Flower Clock was established, which has now become one of the new symbols of the city. Take a selfie and take home the memory of the city center!
Another historical building hosts the Ariel Youth and Children’s Theater: the newly restored building of the former Jewish House of Culture. If you love culture, and books, the Teleki-Bolyai Library (Teleki Téka) is also a must see.
The first public library in Transylvania, operating from 1802 to the present day, has an impressive collection of 250,000 books, ancient prints, manuscripts and other artifacts. It also has a very famous old Bible collection, and codices from the Middle Age. Not only a museum of books, but a living library, Teleki Téka has reading rooms, permanent and temporary exhibitions, thematic events, research activity.
Among the top things to do in Tirgu Mures are the leisure facilities as well, the Mureş Leisure and Sports Center, commonly known as the Weekend Complex, is a popular summer destination. The complex has several big pools, even with slides, a children’s pool with slides, playgrounds, also there are lots of restaurants and bars, and plenty of green areas with shade.
Also, the largest zoo in Romania is located in Târgu Mureş, on Somostető. It covers an area of 40 hectares and has more than 500 specimens of 80 species. For a Targu Mures city break weekend, don’t miss the frequent city events, concerts, fairs, exhibitions! Plan your travel in time, and check our collection of events on our website.
