Lipova is a town in Romania, Arad County, located in the Banat region of western Transylvania. It is situated at a distance of 34 km from the Arad county capital, at the contact zone of Mureş River, Mures Couloir with Zarand Mountins, Western Plateau and Lipovei Hills. It consists of two rural settlements called Radna and Șoimoș, its total surface is 134,6 square km.

The first written record of the town dates back to 1314 under the name Lipva. In 1324 the settlement was mentioned as castellanus de Lypua, a place-name that reflects its reinforced character of that time.

Situated at the crossing of the roads leading to Transylvania, Bana and Ţara Românească, Lipova had a history full of vicissitudes. It was situated strategically at the Mureș River's exit from the defile, and consequently it was an extremely enviable centre. After the Tartar invasion in 1241 the fortresses were rebuilt, and the lines of the future urban settlement started to get contoured around the castle. Several names of famous historical personalities are related to this castle, such as John Hunyadi, Matthias Corvinus, György Dózsa, Szapolyai János etc. Due to the continuous disputes, the town has became two times under Turk administration (between 1552-1595 and between 1613-1716), and starting with 1716 it became under Hapsburg domination. In the 18th-19th centuries Lipova was a well-developed economic centre with famous craftsmen working here. In the period of the revolution in 1848-49 and in the beginning of the 20th century Lipova became an important centre of political and national emancipation, due to the activity of remarkable personalities, such as Nicolae Bălcescu, Vasile Goldiș, Alexandru Mocioni and Teodor Șerb.

Șoimoș castle has also taken part from the successive vicissitudinary periods related to the historical events of Lipova and to the defensive role of the main entrance gate from Transylvania.

The town's present-day economy can be characterized by a powerful dynamic force with significant developments in all the sectors. Car industry, light industry, services and tourism are the most representative economic sectors. The exceptional touristic potential of the town includes both natural and anthropic elements. Due to the abundance of touristic objects Lipova is an important touristic centre. The natural reservation "Balta Șoimoș", the Șoimoș castle, the monastery called "Saint Mary" in Radna, the church called "Buna Vestire" in Șoimoș, the church named "Adormirea Maicii Domnului", the town museum, the "Sub dughene" bazaar (Turkish bazaar), the environs o f the town-hall (Nicolae Bălcescu Street) and at last but not at least the thermal bath where springs with curative mineral water are functioning should be sure destinations for the tourists both from the country and abroad who visit this region.