Parcul Regina Maria (Queen Mary Park), Timisoara

Queen Mary Park (Parcul Regina Maria) is the oldest public park in Timisoara, located on the right bank of the Bega Canal in the Fabric district. Its beginnings trace back to the mid-19th century, when the area known as the Esplanade-once a military defense zone where building was prohibited-was transformed into a green retreat. Count Johann von Coronini-Cronberg, governor of Serbian Vojvodina and Banat Timisoara, initiated the planting of trees around 1850, creating a landscaped English-style park with winding alleys and wooden pavilions where orchestras performed.

The park’s current name was adopted in 1919, in honor of Queen Marie of Romania, who played a decisive role in the country’s unification in 1918. A bust of the queen, sculpted by Aurel Gheorghe Ardeleanu in 2009, now stands at its center as a reminder of her importance to Romanian history. Spanning 45,100 square meters, the park has retained its 19th-century charm while evolving with the city’s cultural life. Its alleys shaded by oaks, yews, and pines continue to offer locals and visitors a peaceful setting for walks and gatherings.

One of its architectural highlights is the Secession-style monumental gate, erected in 1910, which harmonizes with the early 20th-century façades along 3rd August 1919 Avenue. The park also hosted cultural venues, most notably the Apollo Cinema, built in 1909 by Josef Kremmer Jr. and rebuilt in 1955 by Paul von Schuster, now functioning as a private clinic.

For tourists, Queen Mary Park offers both history and leisure in a central location. As the city’s oldest landscaped green space, it embodies Timișoara’s transformation from a fortified settlement into a modern European city, while remaining a beloved place for recreation, reflection, and cultural memory.