Romania travel: Oradea’s must-see Art Nouveau buildings
The elegant city of Oradea, with its unique and rich collection of Art Nouveau architecture, is part of an exclusive club called the Art Nouveau Network, certified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe. The city was even nominated…
Iulia Asproiu · Journalist
· Updated · 4 min read
The elegant city of Oradea, with its unique and rich collection of Art Nouveau architecture, is part of an exclusive club called the Art Nouveau Network, certified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe. The city was even nominated among the best Art Nouveau destinations in Europe earlier this year. We outline below some suggestions of the iconic Art Nouveau buildings one must see when visiting Oradea.
First documented in 1113 under the Latin name Varadinum, Oradea was administrated by the Principality of Transylvania, the Ottoman Empire, and the Habsburg Monarchy throughout history.
The iconic city of today was built in the 18th century according to the architectural plans of Viennese engineer Franz Anton Hillebrandt after a fire partially destroyed the city. Hillebrandt followed the Austrian architectural style en vogue at that time and decorated the facades of the buildings accordingly. The style is called Secession and is among the styles that can be admired in the central area of Oradea.
The Moskovits Miksa Palace
The Moskovits Miksa Palace (in opening picture) was built between 1904-1905 according to the plans of architect Kálmán Rimanóczy Jr., commissioned by engineer Moskovits Miksa. It features Lilienstil motifs from the Munich secession, containing several vegetal symbols that can be admired on the facade, alongside the tree of life, Mercury’s scepter, a hand, an anvil, a cogwheel, as well as a compass with a triangle ruler. As to its structure, the building consists of two floors, a basement, a high first floor, and a mezzanine. It can be admired from Traian Street.
Deutsch K. Ignác House
Previously a renowned glassware and porcelain store in the city, the Deutsch House is located at 4 Vasile Alecsandri Street. Some argue that the building was built in 1903 by Rimanóczy Kálmán Jr., while others say it was built around 1906 by Sztarill Ferenc, a famous architect of Oradea at the time.
The glassware and porcelain company became the leading distributor of Transylvania, the Balkans, and Austria starting 1900, and their commercial influence was to be seen on the building’s facade, displayed in large showcases with engraved stained-glass pieces and floral painted porcelain. The store underwent many changes and interior renovations after 1917. The last restoration was in 2018 and displays the main colors of the building, dark blue and gray.
