Craiova, Romania's 6th largest city and capital of Dolj County, is situated near the east bank of the river Jiu in central Oltenia. It is a longstanding political center, and is located at approximately equal distances from the Southern Carpathians (north) and the River Danube (south). Craiova is the chief commercial city west of Bucharest and the most important city of Oltenia. The city prospered as a regional trading centre despite an earthquake in 1790, a plague in 1795, and a Turkish assault in 1802 during which it was burned.

Eight villages are administered by the city: Facai, Mofleni, Popoveni, Simnicu de Jos, Cernele, Cernelele de Sus, Izvoru Rece and Rovine. The last four were a separate commune called Cernele until 1996, when they were merged into the city.

Landmarks include:

• Madona Dudu Church - built between 1750 and 1756, renovated in 1844, after being destroyed by an 1831 earthquake. Murals were completed by Gheorghe Tattarescu.
• St. Demetrius Cathedral
• The Church of Cosuna Monastery - the oldest building preserved in Craiova, dating from 1483.
• Baniei House - the oldest non-religious building that exists in Craiova, dating from 1699. Today it hosts the Museum of Ethnography and Folk Art.
• Craiova Art Museum - the building that houses the museum was built in 1896, following the plans of the French architect Paul Gotereau. Its main attraction is the art gallery dedicated to Constantin Brâncusi, exhibiting six of his early sculptures (including variants of his best-known works)
• Museum of Oltenia - founded in 1915 and divided into three sections: ethnography, history and natural science. The collection is based on donations made in 1908.
• Nicolae Romanescu Park (formerly Bibescu Park) - the largest and most well-known park in Craiova. Through the initiative of Nicolae P. Romanescu, the mayor of Craiova at that time, the park was designed by French architect Émile Rendont. Plans for the park were awarded the gold medal at the 1900 World Fair; work began in 1901 and was completed in 1903.
• Botanical Garden - The garden was laid out by the botanist Alexandru Buia and was opened in 1952.