The final part of our visit to Transylvania, Romania brought us to:
4) Cluj-Napoca
This historic city is located in the heart of Transylvania and is often simply called Cluj. Its history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Napoca, a key settlement in the Roman province of Dacia. Over the centuries, the city has been influenced by various cultures, particularly Hungarian, Saxon, and Romanian. Cluj became an important center under the Hungarian Kingdom and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It was a key site during the Romanian national movement in the 19th century and played a significant role in the cultural and political life of the region.
Today, Cluj is Romania’s second-largest city and offers a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions, making it a vibrant destination for visitors. It is simply a must-visit while in Transylvania, Romania. Here are some of the best sites to see in Cluj:
Union Square (Piața Unirii)
Union Square is the central square is the heart of Cluj, surrounded by beautiful historical buildings, cafes, and restaurants. It was our first stop after we arrived in Cluj, and there were many great restaurants to choose from. Key landmarks around the square include St. Michael’s Church and the Matthias Corvinus Statue, dedicated to the famous Hungarian king born in Cluj.
St. Michael’s Church
Located in Unirii Square, St. Michael’s Church is one of the most significant landmarks in Cluj. It boasts impressive Gothic architecture, a stunning interior, and a 50-meter-high tower that offers panoramic views of the city. The church is famous for being the location where the King of Hungary and Croatia from 1458 to 1490, Matthias Corvinus (Matthias I), was baptized. King Matthias was born in Cluj-Napoca on February 23, 1443. He was baptized on the ground floor of the church’s, now mainly demolished, Schleunig chapel. Matthias went on to be considered the most powerful King to rule Hungary. Outside the church there is impressive display of statues depicting him. St. Michael’s Church is the second largest church in all of Romania, second only to the Black Church is Brasov.
Banffy Palace
Situated in Unirii Square, this Baroque-style palace now houses the National Art Museum. It is an architectural gem and offers a great collection of Romanian and European art.
National Theatre of Cluj
One of my favorite buildings I saw during my visit to Transylvania, The National Theatre of Cluj-Napoca (Teatrul Național Cluj-Napoca) is one of Romania’s most prestigious cultural institutions. It was founded in 1906 and the stunning Neo-Baroque building is in the heart of Cluj. It is renowned for its diverse repertoire, which includes classical, contemporary, and experimental performances in both Romanian and Hungarian languages, reflecting the multicultural nature of the city. The theatre hosts a variety of performances, from drama and comedy to opera and ballet. It also hosts important festivals such as the International Theatre Festival.
Theotokos Cathedral
The Theotokos Cathedral (also known as the Assumption Cathedral) in Cluj-Napoca is an Eastern Orthodox church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Built between 1923 and 1933, the cathedral features a blend of Byzantine and Romanian architectural styles, including a striking dome and bell tower. Its interior is adorned with intricate frescoes and iconography and is simply stunning.
In the square outside of the church is the Avram Iancu square and statue. Avram Iancu was a significant figure in the Romanian national movement in Transylvania.
Cluj-Napoca’s Old Town
Wander through the charming narrow streets of Cluj’s Old Town, with its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone lanes, and vibrant atmosphere. The area is filled with cafes, restaurants, and small shops, making it perfect for a leisurely exploration. We especially loved it in the evening when some of the streets were lit up with fairy lights.
The Matthias Corvinus House
A medieval building where the famous Matthias Corvinus, King of Hungary, was born is located in the old town of Cluj. The house has been turned into a small museum dedicated to his life and legacy, showcasing artifacts from his reign and the medieval period.
Muzeon- the Jewish Museum
To escape the heat, we paid a visit to Jewish Museum, known as Muzeon. This museum is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Jewish community in the city and the region of Transylvania, Romania. Located in the former Jewish quarter in the old town, the museum features interactive exhibits following some Jewish citizens. It tells of their history, customs, and contributions with displays of photographs, documents, and artifacts related to their life before and after the Holocaust. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with an entrance fee of approximately 15 RON (around 3 USD). It’s a place of remembrance and reflection on the cultural impact of the Jewish community in Cluj.
Făget Hill (Făgetului Hill)
Făget Hill is located on the outskirts of the city and offers one of the best panoramic views of Cluj and its surrounding areas. The hill provided us with a natural escape from the urban environment, offering walking paths, cycling routes, and opportunities for relaxation. It’s a great spot for those looking to enjoy nature and take in stunning views of the city and the surrounding landscape, especially from the top of the hill. Also atop the hill is Hotel Belvedere, where we stopped in to enjoy a beverage during the heat of the day (and went inside a few times to enjoy the a/c).
Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden
One of the most beautiful parks in Cluj, and maybe one of the prettiest places we saw during our visit of Transylvania, Romania, is the Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden. This Botanical Garden spans over 34 acres and features a wide range of plants, from native Romanian species to exotic plants from all over the world. It’s a peaceful spot for a stroll and offers a great view of the surrounding hills.
Central Park (Parcul Central)
Located near the Someș River, the expansive Central Park is perfect for relaxing, with walking paths, playgrounds, and a large lake where visitors can rent rowboats in summer. It also features the Chios Pond, a picturesque area for leisurely walks where we even spotted some black swans.
Click here to read other suggestions about what to visit in Transylvania, Romania.
