"At the Elephant" House, Timisoara

The “At the Elephant” House (Casa „La Elefant”) is one of the city’s most recognizable historic buildings, with a past that reflects both the urban growth of the 18th century and later architectural transformations. First documented in 1785, it originally belonged to master glassmaker Simon Mathias. By the early 19th century, the property had been converted into a hostel and cafeteria under the name “La Elefant,” a title believed to come from an elephant-shaped advertising sign that stood at the corner. This identity, reinforced by its function as a tavern since 1754, gave the building its enduring nickname.

Over the centuries, the house underwent significant changes. In 1932, it was raised by two additional floors to accommodate growing urban needs, while in the 1960s it was expanded once again. However, the façade visitors admire today dates from 1980–1981, when architect Șerban Sturdza led a renovation that emphasized historicist aesthetics. Choosing to restore the Baroque character rather than pursue a modernist design, Sturdza faced criticism from colleagues but defended the choice as one that preserved the architectural harmony of the surrounding square.

The eclectic design now combines Baroque, classicist, and Neo-Baroque elements, with the most notable feature being its ornate entrance portal known as the “Baroque Gate.” These details give the house an elegance that recalls its 18th-century origins, even after centuries of alteration. Its façade serves as a reminder of the city’s layered architectural story, shaped by both continuity and adaptation.

Today, the “At the Elephant” House continues to attract attention not only for its decorative façade but also for the history embodied within its walls. As tourists walk past its street corner presence, they encounter a building that reflects Timișoara’s balance of tradition and reinvention, preserving the character of the old fortress city while embracing the city’s evolving identity.