“Lake with Water Lilies”

Here, in a microclimate unique in Europe due to the thermal springs, grow rare species such as the White Water Lily (Nymphaea Alba), the Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera), the Thermal Water Lily (Nymphaea lotus var. Thermalis) and the Pond Cypress (Taxodium distichum).

White water lily (Nymphaea alba) is a herbaceous, perennial, legally protected plant of the nymph family (Nymphaeaceae), widespread in Europe (including Romania), Caucasus, Siberia, Central Asia. In Romania it is a rare species. White water lily, the best known species, prefers relatively shallow water, about 30-150 centimetres deep. Its green leaves have a characteristic circular shape and can reach a diameter of 30 centimetres. The water lilies are the flower with the most significance in mythology, symbolising: creative power, immortality, health, glory or peace of mind. Flowering begins in the first decade of June.

Also a species of water lily is the Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo Nucifera) which has similar flowers but differs in the shape of the leaf. The Sacred Lotus rises above the water, while the water lily floats on it. The stems are long, contain air and manage to penetrate the water level to unfurl their leaves on the surface, which lie twisted like papyrus scrolls. The leaves are green, circular and up to 60 cm in diameter. Flowers up to 20-25 cm in diameter rise a few cm above the water, are fragrant and pink or white in colour. They open in the morning and close in the evening, and after about 5 days they are shaken off. In addition to its ability to keep itself permanently clean, biological researchers have recently discovered that lotus trees regulate their flower temperature, maintaining it between 30°C - 35°C (86°F-95°F) when the ambient temperature drops to 10°C (50°F). Another special feature of lotus trees is the longevity of their seeds and their ability to germinate over long periods of time. Apparently, germination was obtained from lotus seeds found in a dried-up lake in China, which have been dated to be several hundred years old. The pink lotus is the most famous and prized flower of all, and is associated with the Buddha himself. Flowering takes place between April and October.

The thermal water lily (Nymphaea lotus var. Thermalis) is a species of water lily that lives only in the area of Baths 1 May. It is thought that this species is probably a Tertiary relict. The species was discovered in 1789 by the botanist P. Kitaibel, and was named a little later, in 1908, when J. Tuzson gave it this name because it resembles the Nile water lily. Because of its uniqueness (the Lake Petsea site is the only area where this species occurs), Nymphaea lotus var. Thermalis has been declared a monument of nature since 1931, following the efforts of Professor Alexandru Borza. The falling water level in Lake Pețea led to actions to save the water lily, which were completed in 2015 with the first plants being moved to the "Water Lily Lake" Nature Reserve in Baile Felix. They have adapted to the new environment and it is hoped to populate an entire basin exclusively with this beautiful monument of nature. The water lily appears on the water mirror from April to the end of October. The water lily flowers open their yellowish-white petals at dusk, and in the morning, between 10 and 12 o'clock, when the water temperature rises to 34 degrees Celsius, the flowers close up to await the evening.


The Barren Cypress (Taxodium distichum) is an exotic species, growing up to 50 m in height and up to 4 m in diameter. It is native to south-eastern North America, where it has a fairly restricted range near the Gulf of Mexico. In Romania, it is cultivated in parks and botanical gardens (Cluj, Timisoara, Simeria, Bucharest, etc.). It is adapted to oceanic, warm and humid climates, in Europe it tolerates colder and drier climates. It does not withstand hard frosts and prolonged droughts, and is highly adaptable to soil (pneumatophores in bogs). It is the longest-lived tree, it can live up to 6000 years. It flowers in April.

Apollo-Felix Beach

Fun, relaxation and adventure 365 days a year in one place! It is the most modern thermal aquatic complex in the west of the country, open all year round, completely renovated and offering 10 pools that delight tourists from all over the world, including a 1,000 sqm thermal water pool with aquatic hydro-massage installations, underwater massage beds, games and waterfalls; two relaxation pools with a total surface area of 1.700 sqm for adults; a 330 sqm swimming pool equipped with a wave-making system; two special pools for children, "Baby" and "Junior" with an area of 500 sqm equipped with water games. The complex has food and beverage facilities, self-service, bar, bakery, pastry shop, shops, sports ground, massage, pedicure, children's playground, medical assistance, animation program for adults and children, entertainment games: Aquagym, Aquazumba, Nordic Walking, Holiday Games, children's activities. Open all year round Monday 8.00-19.00, Tuesday-Friday 8.00-20.00 and Saturday 7.00-20.00.

Wooden Orthodox Church

It was built in 1785 from gorun(species of oak) wood cut from the imperial forest.

 

Oradea Town Hall - Built between 1902 and 1903, it is a monumental building, and the highlights are the four allegorical statues on the upper level and the 50 m high clock tower. Location: 1 Unirii Square

Regina Maria Theatre - Construction began in 1899, and the opening of the theatre also marked the introduction of electricity into the institution, which thus became the first electrified building in the city. Location: 4 King Ferdinand Square

The Court - It was built in 1901. Location: 10 Traian Park

Black Eagle Palace - It was built between 1907 and 1909. Characteristic of the complex is the glass-covered walkway connecting three streets. Location: 1 Independence Street

Oradea Fortress - The Oradea Fortress, as it still looks today - pentagonal, with bastions on the corners and a moat with water - was built between 1570-1618 by Italian architects and remains the best preserved Italian Renaissance fortress in central Europe. Between 1092 and 1557 the fortress became an important religious and cultural centre. Within the walls of the fortress operated a library, an astronomical observatory, a printing press and a school. Location: Fortress Square

The Canons' Row - It is a monument of Baroque architecture built between 1758 and 1875. It consists of 57 arches forming a corridor over 250 metres long linking 10 buildings. Location: 2 Canonicilor Street

Apollo Palace - It was built between 1912 and 1914. With its Berlin Secession style, it has decorations reminiscent of the Empire style. Location: 12 Republicii Street

Monastery of the Holy Cross - It was founded in 1992 and is located about 2 km from Oradea. Location: 24A Făcliei Street

Republicii Street - It is closed to car traffic, offering visitors to the city the image of turn-of-the-century palaces, monasteries and old churches, but also the novelty of 21st century shops and terraces.

Zoo Oradea - It was founded in 1960. In 2013, after extensive modernization and expansion, it reopened with about 700 animals. Location: Calea Matei Basarab nr. 30