Let's go for a walk... (part III)

The Centre of Pitesti

Pitesti is a middle-sized city, but its centre may be quite attractive, compared to other cities in the same cathegory, including a wide range of facilities of spending your leisure time, as well as plenty of buildings whose architecture will be presented in this part of the series 'Let's go for a walk'.

The photo above was taken during 'The Tulips' Symphony', a 3-day annual event which takes place in spring, usually in April, when all the town turns into a bewildering variety of dazzling colours, with tulips all over the green spaces. Also known as the Town of Tulips, Pitesti offers a splendid view, not only during the celebration, but in any part of the year:

The splendid view of the winding fountains is taken from Trivale Shopping Centre, which have been recently renovated ( during 2011 and 2012). The modern interior, some designer stores inside and the the cafe overlooking the central park, as well as the terrace-restaurant at the second floor state reason for it being one of the places of interest in the city centre.

Trivale Mall

The design of the new building, compared to the old one ( which was built in 1978), certainly gives a fresh look to our city centre. The old comunist style was replaced with an attractive modern design. The building was extended, and the facade was completely modified and reconstructed. The result, as seen in the pictures, is a new eye-catching building whose appearance has nothing in common with its previous one.

  

Cultural house of the trade unions

             (Casa de cultura a sindicatelor)

This prestigious building houses artistical and cultural events of utmost national importance, being a symbol of culture in our county. Designed by Arh. Cezar Lazarescu ( who was the president of the Union of Romanian Architects), the building was inaugurated in April 1971. Apart from the large event hall, where theatrical plays, classical concerts are displayed, there is also a library for students.

Should you need further information about the building, or ( why not? ) about the concerts held here, you can visit http://www.ccspitesti.ro/.

The City Hall

Founded in 1936, initially as the Financiar Administration, the building was later transformed into the City Hall (1968), function which it still holds. It was designed by Arh. State Cintan (1876-1940), in the neoromanian style. The 3-level building has a spectacular central hall resembling a covered interior yard. The facade of the building was well-preserved, recently being renovated.

As you can see in the photo, in front of the City Hall there is a exquisite fountain. The singing fountain, unique in Eastern Europe, was inaugurated in June 2008. It is a miniature replique of the famous fountain from Hotel Bellagio (Las Vegas). This impressive acquisition is one of the main attractions in our city. The magnificent singing fountain never fail to impress its spectators: once the light and music show starts, the magic is on!

 The Art Gallery

The neoclassical building is the previous City Hall of Pitesti ( it had hold the administrative function for 82 years: 1886-1968), but today it houses the Art Gallery, with renowned paintings and sculptures made by Romanian artists, which are representative for the end of the XIXth century and the XXth century. It also contains temporary exhibitions.

The design belongs to Arh. Ion Socolescu (1859-1924). The hall from the ground floor, the main stairs, the big council room and the old office of the mayor keeps the initial rich decoration untouched.