Travel To Cluj Napoca, Romania – Where History and Modernity Unite
The exciting city of Cluj Napoca, located in central Romania, is a haven for young tourists looking for an adventurous yet informative journey. Cluj Napoca is the unofficial capital of Transylvania – the historical province of Romania. Although it has a small population of just over 400,000, Cluj is one of the liveliest most happening cities in Romania. It suffered from a poor reputation in the 90s, but today Cluj has become Romania’s center of academia and culture. It has a large student population and its pulsating discos and bars are a convergence point for the city’s young inhabitants. Here are some hotspots in Cluj that should make your list of places to visit! Have you been before? What did you think?
Art Museum of Cluj Napoca
The Art Museum is a treasure trove of Romanian and European heritage, paintings and art. It was founded in 1951 and houses the works of Romanian maestros such as Nicolae Grigoresu and Dimitri Paciurea. Its importance to Romanian heritage can be gauged by the fact that the Museum was nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award in 1997. The Art Musuem is housed inside Banffy Palace which is known for its exquisite baroque architecture and was the residence of Gyorgy Banffy, the governor of Transylvania.
The Botanical Garden
- Botanical Gardens
Located in the south of the city, the Botanical Garden is a nature lover’s heaven. It was founded in 1920 by Alexander Borza and houses over 10,000 plants over its 14 hectares. A summertime favorite for tourists and locals, the Botanical Garden is an excellent place to enjoy and absorb yourself in what nature has to offer. There are several greenhouses in the garden displaying several varieties of plants from across the world. A water tower in the middle of the Garden provides excellent views of the city.
St. Michael’s Cathedral
- St. Michael’s Cathedral
St. Michael’s Cathedral is the second largest cathedral in Transylvania and is a unique example of Gotchic architecture. Built in a span of over 100 year between 1350 and 1487, the church is located in the heart of Cluj Napoca. The church’s tower is the highest in Transylvania, with a height of 76 meters. Several beautiful sculptures can also be viewed inside the church. St. Michael’s Church has been witness to several important historical events and was converted to Protestantism in the 1500s.
Matthias Corvinus Statue
- Matthias Cornivus Statue
The statue of Matthias Corvinus, one of neighbouring Hungary’s greatest rulers, can also be found in Cluj. Matthias was born in Cluj and was coronated in 1458 at the age of 15. The statue was commissioned in 1894 on the 400th death anniversary of Matthias. It depicts the heroic leader on a horse along with four generals to his side. The statue was renovated in 2010.
Fortress Hill
- View of Cluj from atop Fortress Hill
At a height of 405 meters above sea level, Fortress Hill provides amazing views of Cluj and its surrounding landscape. The hill’s name comes from an Austrian fortress which was built in 1735 to protect the city’s defenses but later also served as a prison. A visit to Fortress Hill is a must for photographers because of the panoramic views it provides of the city.
Cheers!
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