Cluj-Napoca the treasure city of Transylvania
Every summer, the city of Cluj-Napoca enjoys a large number of tourists, eager to discover picturesque landscapes, impressive traces of past and architectural monuments.
The city is not only the seat of Cluj County, but also one of the most important academic, cultural, industrial and business centers in Romania. It is located in the central part of Transylvania and covers an area of 179.5 square kilometers.
Currently the city has approximately 340,000 inhabitants. Lying on the terraces of the river Somesul Mic, the city unveils tourists a glorious past, preserved in the old buildings and streets. It is definitely a great experience for those who want to see urban Transylvanian life at its best.
Downtown, an imposing monument of Gothic architecture captures your attention: St. Michael’s Church, with a tower of 80 meters high. Church construction began in 1350 and lasted nearly two centuries. Inside, you are impressed by the paintings, sculptures and colorful stained.
Also you should see the Matthias Corvinus’ mounted statue. The statue is always scaled by tourists, although officially this is not allowed. Not far from the church is Avram Iancu Square, where, among flower beds and fountains, lie on a huge pedestal, the statue of Avram Iancu. The square is surrounded by ancient buildings, and on one of its sides is the National Theater and Opera. For entertainment, spend an enjoyable evening at the Opera or attend a classical music concert offered by the Cluj Philharmonic. The only part of the old fortress, which was fully preserved, Tailors’ Bastion, is located nearby. Banffy Palace, built in late baroque style, now houses the National Art Museum. Here you can admire Romanian and universal art, furniture and oriental weapons.
Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden, is one of the largest in southeastern Europe. It was founded in 1872 and includes approximately 11,000 plant species from all continents, including a collection of cacti, a Japanese garden and the Roman Garden with archeological relics from the Roman colony of Napoca. Exotic plants are housed in greenhouses covering an area of 2,000 square meters. Romulus Vuia Ethnographic Park covers an area of 15 hectares. The park hosts many homesteads, monuments of folk architecture and crafts workshops.
Other landmarks of Cluj-Napoca are: Calvinist Reformed Church, St. Peter and Paul Church, The Franciscan Monastery and Church, Cathedral of the Transfiguration, St. Mary Calvaria Church, The New Synagogue, Emil Racovita Speleology Institute & Museum, the National Museum of Transylvanian History, Pharmacy Museum, Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, the Geology Museum and the Zoological Museum. Those are also “a must see” for the visitors!
Before leaving town, climb some 200 feet up Fortress Hill, where you can admire the city panorama and the surrounding landscape.
Along with excellent cultural activities, a vibrant night life, a wonderful historical legacy and a great atmosphere, the city will certainly not disappoint those who add it to their travel itinerary.
