Destination Guide - Regions              Cluj

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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.