In the Banat region of Romania, there are six purely Czech villages, one of which is Svatá Helena, where Štěpán Štěpnička runs a shop and pub affectionately known as “U Pepsiho”. Despite being 75 years old, Štěpnička still enthusiastically welcomes tourists exclusively from the Czech Republic.
During the summer months, many Czechs visit the area, which helps keep the business afloat. However, in winter, business slows down, and he must pay his employee out of pocket. To make up for it, they must work hard during summer.
They sell everything from souvenirs to other specialty items besides fresh bread. Some products require a long journey to obtain, such as from Temešvár, which is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Czech village.
The Banat region is home to six purely Czech villages, each with its charm. Svatá Helena, in particular, stands out because of Štěpnička’s “U Pepsiho” shop and pub.
Temešvár, a city in Romania with over a quarter million inhabitants, is the fourth largest city in the country. Although it is an industrial city, it now thrives on tourism. This is why it was named the European Capital of Culture this year.
Temešvár is a beautiful city, and the center is imposing. It starts with Victory Square, a smaller version of Prague’s Wenceslas Square. It has the Cathedral of the Three Hierarchs at its head, reminiscent of Moscow’s St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Romania was the last Soviet country where the dictatorship of the communist party was still in power in December 1989. An uprising in the middle of the last calendar month resulted in over a thousand deaths. The long boulevard “zažil” is the most significant protest.
While there is a lot to see in Temešvár, it is also a place where tourists can enjoy affordable prices. In particular, a family can easily find accommodation for under a thousand crowns per night. Food is also much cheaper than in the Czech Republic.
Moreover, there is a street full of colorful umbrellas, with many cafes and restaurants to choose from. One of the most popular tourist spots is the remains of the several hundred-year-old city fortifications – Marie Terezie Bastion or the Banat Museum at Hunyadi Castle.
For those looking to experience something new, the Czech villages in Romania offer a unique cultural experience, and Temešvár is a city worth exploring.