O.A.R. Timiș aims, through a pilot cultural project that is a part of the Education section of the Timișoara Architecture Biennale (BETA), creating a set of guided tours of architecture for the wide public in order to stimulate the interest, reflection and involvement of the citizens for the conscious and assumed shaping of the local urban landscape. The project adresses to the civil society and local government of Timișoara, to all the city residents and also to the tourists.

The 2016 Edition of the project is developed during October and November and includes ten tours (two times for each of the five sugested routes). Eight tours are for adults and two for children between 9 and 11 years old. 

T3 _ The city and the Water - The banks of the Bega canal

A watercourse within a city is a privilege, but not necessarily an advantage as long as it is not used to its full potential, promoted in this sense, included in the city life and assumed by a community.

The history of Bega canal began almost 300 years ago. Since then the canal has had a major role in the existence and development of the city on an  economic and commercial level. For a period of 98 years Bega was also used for passenger transportation and, at the moment of the launch of the first boats of this kind, Timișoara became the first town, in the present territory of the country, that used this means of public transport.

This tour aims to use the new cycling infrastructure for a ride along the banks of Bega, with stops at important points on the route. We will focus on the buildings, bridges, neighborhoods, and also parks and green spaces that we will find in the vicinity of the canal.

The route will start at the hydroelectric plant and will run over a distance of about 7.5 km. The participants will learn the history of the "Water Plant" and what are or have been the industries along the canal; the history of bridges crossing the Bega canal and which is the first bridge that was built; about the appearance and development of the parks and the importance of them being close to the shores; the history of the navigable canal and also, the importance of water accessibility and its relationship with the city's neighborhoods.

To participate to the free tour please register on the website www.turdearhitectura.ro, there are 25 places available per tour.

For more details, please consult the tour website: www.turdearhitectura.ro