Craiova is the capital of Dolj County and its largest city, with a population of 269,506 inhabitants. Named the capital of Oltenia, Craiova is the second city after Bucharest, if you consider the number of old buildings.

Its name comes from the Craiovesti great boyar family who owned the 15th century equivalent of 100 villages in the current territory of Oltenia. As one of the most powerful boyar families of the period, they had an amazing political impact. Principality rulers didn't have much chance to stay in the seat without the support of this dynasty boyar. Besides a number of Romanian rulers come from this outstanding family (Neagoe Basarab, Serban Cantacuzino, Constantin Brancoveanu, etc.).

"Marea Banie" of Craiova, established in the latter part of the 15th century, was an institution which initially was a local organizational form. Within a century Bania has evolved greatly, becoming the second political institution in the state, after the crown. With the enthronement of Neagoe (in 1512), Marele Ban takes over the rulers' attributions for the territory on the right side of Olt, Craiova creating a chancellery similar to the royal one.

Did you know that:

- In 1896 Craiova had a public lighting network working on 39 streets, counting 365 lamps?
- The network was the first one to be powered with electricity obtained through internal combustion engines?
- Craiova was the most important meeting place for the pasoptisti revolutionists before they left to Bucharest?
- In 1900, 43% of Oltenia's industrial enterprises were on the territory of Craiova?