Discover Ploiești

The city of petrol, Caragiale and free people.

“Ploestii – like almost all our cities – was born from a village.
The origin of this village is lost in the distant past.
The legend speaks of a group of seven houses, hidden in a glade in the Vlasia woods, under an old man – Ploae…The founders of Ploesti village settled on the outskirts of Vlasia, long ago, in some hard times, otherwise they would have chosen not so hard places. The seven farmers fled from somewhere – driven away by foreign hosts, under the persecution of a master, cruelly executed by the slaughterers at the stump and in the smoke of red pepper. Sooner or later, the Tsars, led by Father Ploae, came from who knows where with beehives and cattle.”

Mihail Sevastos, Monografia of Ploiești

Ploiești, the heart of Prahova County, is a city with a distinct personality, where history, industry and the lively spirit of the people are woven into a continuous story. Just 60 kilometres from Bucharest and strategically located between the plains, vineyards and mountains, Ploiești has always been a place of movement, innovation and culture.

Known as the “Capital of Romanian Oil”, the city has built its identity on a remarkable technological tradition, but also on a rich cultural and artistic heritage: unique museums in Romania, inter-war architecture, festivals and a vibrant cultural life.

Today, Ploiești is a place of beautiful contrasts: old and new, tradition and modernity, industry and culture, all coexisting in a lively and hospitable urban rhythm. Whether you come here as a tourist, a student, an investor or just a curious traveller, Ploiești invites you to discover its history, places and people.

Why Ploiești

Although Ploiești is called an “industrial city”, to visit it is to combine the old with the new, a unique experience for anyone visiting the city for the first time.
Dubbed the “capital of black gold”, the city is an ancient centre of the oil industry, with the world’s first refinery, founded in 1857 by brothers Teodor and Marin Mehedințeanu, located in Râfov, near Ploiești.
It is the only town in Romania to have a symphony dedicated to it and the first town in the country to host a jazz festival.

Choosing Ploiești as a tourist or business destination is an invitation to discover a city with deep roots and contemporary energy. From Bulevardul Castanilor, a symbol of inter-war elegance, to the Clock Museum or the Palace of Culture, Ploiești offers a unique combination of history, art and technology. At the same time, modern logistical platforms such as Ploiești West Park transform the city into an important regional economic centre, open to investment and innovation.