With a population of about 200 000, Oradea is the administrative center of the Bihor County. It is situated in the North West of Romania, only 12 km away from the Hungarian border. The town stretches along the banks of the Crisul Repede River and is surrounded by a hilly landscape.

The first written mention of the town dates from 1113, although archeological findings have uncovered ancient Dacian and Roman settlements. During the Middle Ages, favored by its location, Oradea became an important commercial town, connecting Eastern to Central Europe. It is worth noting that in the 15th century, an important physicist of the Vienna University chose Oradea not only as location for his astronomic observatory but also set it as the 00 meridian.The communist regime brought a very diverse industrial development of the city, but also tourism related to the nearby thermal spas.

During the past 20 years, the town picked up with its universitarian traditions and a University was found, comprising 18 faculties and 5 colleges, including a bilingual Medical School.

The town displays an eclectic architectural landscape, melting together Baroque, Secession, Neoclassical and neo-Romanian styles.