Casa cu Lei (House with Lions), Timisoara (must see)
In the heart of Timisoara鈥檚 Union Square stands one of the city鈥檚 most distinctive Baroque landmarks: House with Lions (Casa cu Lei). Built in 1758, this palace originally appeared on city plans as the Palick House, named after its first known owner. Its prominent location on the northwestern side of the square made it a focal point of urban life, and over the centuries, it has witnessed both prosperity and political upheaval. Today, it is recognized as a historical monument and forms part of the protected ensemble of the old Timi葯oara Fortress.
The building has worn many identities. In the early 19th century, it was called the Palick House, later serving as the Golden Sun eating house, the White Dog grocery store, and the Big Whistle shop鈥攁n indication of how the square bustled with commerce and conviviality. In 1871, businessman S谩ndor Weisz purchased the property after it passed through several hands, establishing a renowned haberdashery and wholesale enterprise there. His son, Lajos Weisz, eventually enlarged the warehouse on the ground floor and oversaw a major renovation of the fa莽ade in 1906.
It was during that renovation that the palace gained its most recognizable feature: the pair of life-size lions placed on the attic above the central pediment. The shield beneath them, adorned with four crossed swords forming the letter 鈥淲鈥� for Weisz, is supported by griffins, while the fa莽ade itself is enlivened with floral motifs, Ionic pilasters, and a rounded corner oriel that dates back to before 1840. The style blends the original Austrian Baroque structure with early 20th-century Secessionist flair, giving the building its layered character.
The House with Lions also has a darker chapter in its history. In the 1950s, during the socialist regime, the building became the headquarters of the Siguranta, the forerunner of the dreaded Securitate secret police. Its cellars were repurposed as detention centers, a stark contrast to its earlier life as a hub of trade and social life. For visitors today, the palace embodies Timi葯oara鈥檚 complex past鈥攁n elegant but weathered reminder of shifting fortunes, cultural intersections, and the city鈥檚 enduring spirit.
The building has worn many identities. In the early 19th century, it was called the Palick House, later serving as the Golden Sun eating house, the White Dog grocery store, and the Big Whistle shop鈥攁n indication of how the square bustled with commerce and conviviality. In 1871, businessman S谩ndor Weisz purchased the property after it passed through several hands, establishing a renowned haberdashery and wholesale enterprise there. His son, Lajos Weisz, eventually enlarged the warehouse on the ground floor and oversaw a major renovation of the fa莽ade in 1906.
It was during that renovation that the palace gained its most recognizable feature: the pair of life-size lions placed on the attic above the central pediment. The shield beneath them, adorned with four crossed swords forming the letter 鈥淲鈥� for Weisz, is supported by griffins, while the fa莽ade itself is enlivened with floral motifs, Ionic pilasters, and a rounded corner oriel that dates back to before 1840. The style blends the original Austrian Baroque structure with early 20th-century Secessionist flair, giving the building its layered character.
The House with Lions also has a darker chapter in its history. In the 1950s, during the socialist regime, the building became the headquarters of the Siguranta, the forerunner of the dreaded Securitate secret police. Its cellars were repurposed as detention centers, a stark contrast to its earlier life as a hub of trade and social life. For visitors today, the palace embodies Timi葯oara鈥檚 complex past鈥攁n elegant but weathered reminder of shifting fortunes, cultural intersections, and the city鈥檚 enduring spirit.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Timisoara. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Casa cu Lei (House with Lions) on Map
Sight Name: Casa cu Lei (House with Lions)
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Timisoara, Romania (See walking tours in Timisoara)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Timisoara, Romania
Create Your Own Walk in Timisoara
Creating your own self-guided walk in Timisoara is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Timisoara Introduction Walking Tour
One of the largest cities in Romania, Timisoara holds an honorary spot on one's travel map. One will be thrilled with the city鈥檚 harmoniously grouped landmarks and of course, it is incredible that the city houses quite a number of squares with historical value. Are you curious to visit Timisoara? Check out the city鈥檚 prominent landmarks.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Palaces and Castles Walking Tour
The 鈥淟ittle Vienna鈥� has amazed thousands of curious eyes for many years. This is thanks to the stunning palaces built in various styles, meant to lure visitors from all over the world. Take this tour to appreciate the most important historical buildings in Timisoara.
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles