Cluj-Napoca
Cluj-Napoca (Cluj for short) is very pleasant university town located in Romania’s northwest. The city has a deep history starting from Dacian settlement of Napuca in the 2nd century A.D. When the Roman took-over Dacia, Napoca became the capital of the new Roman province and one of the most important cities in the eastern part of the Roman Empire.
Cluj-Napoca is full of historical churches like St. Michael's Church - one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Romania. Also, you will find museums, ruins and charming architecture of 18th - 19th centuries that reminds about Austro-Hungarian empire. You will be surprised to know that two Hungarian kings where born in Cluj-Napoca, almost in the same house! Even more interesting fact is at that time there was a legislation according to which the house where Matthias Corvinus (King of Hungary) was born did not need to pay taxes and it is still in force up to these days.
Nowadays Cluj-Napoca is called the ‘Heart of Transylvania’ not because of its geographical position, but for its role in the historical and economic development of the region as it was capital of Transylvania during the 18th - 19th centuries. It is a vibrant cultural and educational city, a box-of-treasures in Romania that has gained its place as an economic, cultural and innovation center on a national and international level. Six state and several private universities located here also make Cluj Napoca the city with the largest percentage of student population in Romania. Because of this, streets of Cluj are full of people sitting in the bars or bohemian cafes. Everyone seemed relaxed and happy.
We fell in love with Cluj-Napoca’s wonderful vibe and culture, owing much of its charm to the numerous narrow streets. It is welcoming city so grab your friends and make Transylvania your next travel destination!
Helpful tips
Restaurants. If you ask a local what traditional dish would they recommend, the first answer you would get – “varză à la Cluj”. Cluj-Napoca has its own local dish you should not miss! The best place in town to eat it is at Varzarie, a gastronomic paradise for cabbage and meat lovers.
Markets. In Cluj-Napoca as in every other location on the world welcomed by tourists you will have plenty of shops who can sell you overpriced souvenirs. Prices in grocery shops are the same as through whole Romania, however, take into consideration that bigger shops usually hold better price.
Transportation. To get to Cluj-Napoca you can use plane, train, bus, car or any other transport you feel like using. As it is one of the main cities in Transylvania region also major university town of Romania, it has great accessibility and tourists can find it easy to get to the city and around.
In the city it is common to use public transportation such as buses which drives around the city.
Best of luck planning your holidays in Cluj-Napoca!
Is there anything else you would like to visit while in Romania?
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