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Cluj is situated at the foot of
Feleacu Hill, on the banks or river Somes, having a population
of 328,000. With a long history, Cluj was an important Dacian
location, named Napoca, developed by Romans and became a residence
in 124 and a 'colony' during Marcus Aurelius' leading. In 1316
it became 'civitas', being considered to be the most important
town from the whole county of Transylvania. Nowadays Cluj is a
powerful industrial and cultural centre with theatres, operas,
libraries, universities, the most famous is Babes-Bolyai University
founded in 1872. Since its foundation it produced scholars of
the calibre of Edmund Bordeaux Szekely, translator of the Dead
Sea Scrolls.
Old center of Romanian culture
and civilization, Cluj Napoca municipality lies in the middle
of the country at the crossroads of important roads of national
and international interest. The most important urban settlement
in Transylvania has tow names: Napoca is the name of the ancient
Dacian citadel while Cluj is the Latin name it received later
(meaning that the town is closed, surrounded by hills). After
Dacia was conquered by the Roman Empire, Napoca was upgraded to
the rank of municipium becoming the capital of Dacia Porolissensis
when it was for the first time mentioned in a written document.
Cluj Napoca stands out as an outstanding
cultural center through its tow drama theatres, tow opera houses,
tow puppet theatres, four houses of culture, the philharmonic,
six Museums
among which the National Museum of history of Transylvania
which dates back to the 19th century, more precisely to 23 September
1859 when the Transylvanian Museum Society was set up. At present
this institution boasts a rich heritage-366, 130 items. The Botanical
Gardens, the second in Europe in point of importance, hold
pride of place. One should also mention the three large libraries
with valuable, unique books.
Tailor's Bastion is a result of the fortifications that
extended from the 15th century citadel. If you walk southward
from the bastion you'll find youself in front of the Romanian
National Theatre and Opera.
Saint Michael Church is the oldest religious construction
from Cluj and it's the most representative building with a Gothic
architecture. It was built during the years 1349-1480 and it still
has part from the original wall paintings.
Franciscan Church and Monastery is another example of Gothic
themes from 15th century, but it was rebuilt during the years.
The Art Museum organized in a remarkable building, having
a Baroque style, has an important collection of modern and contemporary
art pieces.
The Ethnographic Museum contains what is probably Romania's
finest collection of carpets and folk costumes. In Hoia Forest
there are signs of rural architecture which have been assembled
at the open-air Village Museum.
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