Cluj-Napoca, often simply called Cluj, is the second-largest city in Romania after the capital, Bucharest. Located in the northwestern region of the country, it serves as the administrative center of Cluj County.
The name “Cluj” originates from the Latin Castrum Clus, first recorded in the 12th century as the name of the fortress that once surrounded the city. The word Clus, meaning “closed” in Latin, refers to the hills that encircle the area.
Today, Cluj-Napoca is recognized as one of Romania’s leading hubs for education, culture, industry, and business. It is home to vibrant academic institutions, a dynamic cultural scene, and a growing innovation sector.
A small selection of things to see in Cluj-Napoca:
Endowed with a collection of more than 65,000 ethnographic items, the museum offers an excellent introduction to Transylvanian folk art and traditions. Founded in 1922, it is one of the most important ethnographic museums in Romania. Its various sections, devoted to trades, lodging, food, pottery, textiles, national costumes and customs, include more than 50,000 photographs, as well as open-air and international sections. Together, they paint an image of Transylvania’s folk culture.
An imposing former residence of the Austro-Hungarian governors, Banffy Palace was designed by the German architect, Johann Eberhard Blaumann, for then-governor of the city, Banffy Gyorgy. Built between 1774 and 1775, it is considered the most representative example of baroque style in Transylvania. In 1951, the palace became the home of the Cluj National Art Museum.
Cluj National Museum of Art (Muzeul Național de Artă Cluj)
The 22 halls of the Banffy Palace display sculptures, graphics, weapons, furniture, carpets, and paintings by famous Romanian artists such as Nicolae Grigorescu (1838-1907), Theodor Aman (1831-1891) and Theodor Pallady (1871-1956).
St. Michael’s Church (Biserica Sfântul Mihail)
This church is one of the most beautiful gothic monuments in Transylvania. St. Michael’s Church was erected between 1350 and 1487 on the site of the former St. Jacob’s Chapel. The altar, built around 1390, is the oldest part of the church. The most recent section is the tower, erected in neo-gothic style in 1860. The star-shaped vault, the stained-glass windows and the sculptures impress with their beauty and grandeur. Repeated restorations revealed early 15th century murals. The latest restoration took place between 1957 and 1960.
Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden (Gradina Botanică Alexandru Borza)
Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden, one of the largest in southeastern Europe, is home to some 10,000 plant species. Here you can find a museum, several greenhouses with desert and tropical plants, including huge Amazonian water lilies, a Japanese garden with a brook and a Japanese-style house, and the Roman Garden with archeological relics from the Roman colony of Napoca.
Fortress Hill (Dealul Cetățuia)
For the best views of the city and the surrounding landscape, climb some 200 feet up Fortress Hill. The name refers to an Austrian fortress built here in the 18-th century to ensure control, rather than defense, of the city.
DESIGN YOUR TRAVEL SRL | str. Victor Babeş, nr. 3, biroul B, Cluj-Napoca, România | RO33853977, J2014003366122