What Cluj is known for

Cluj-Napoca is the capital city of Cluj County. One notable element of the city is its student population, boasting the highest ratio of students to residents in the country. This is due to the presence of seven state and three private universities. The city's main square, Piata Unirii (Union Square), is a historical place filled with 18th- and 19th-century buildings. Dominating the square is the 15th-century St. Michael's Church, which serves as an example of Gothic architecture in Romania. The 18th-century Banffy Palace houses the Romanian art collections of the Cluj Art Museum and a weaponry museum. Moreover, Cluj-Napoca is part of the Transylvania region and is known among a number of locals and tourists for its historical walled citadels. Thus, the city's history includes influences from the Transylvanian Saxons and its origins in the Middle Ages. Some of the cultural landmarks found in Cluj-Napoca also include the Calvinist Reformed Church, St. Peter and Paul Church, and Tailors' Bastion, which date back to different periods in history. For panoramic views, visitors can climb Fortress Hill, which once held an Austrian fortress in the 18th century. Furthermore, Cluj-Napoca is home to several museums, including the Cluj National Museum of Art, Emil Racoviță Speleology Museum, and the Ethnography Museum of Transylvania.[7]

Another historical city within Cluj County's borders is Turda. Reportedly, the main attraction drawing national and international tourists to Turda is its salt mine, which offers insight into the Austro-Hungarian mining industry of the 19th century and functions as an underground leisure park. Swimming in underground pools, playing table tennis and mini golf, riding a Ferris wheel, rowing on a subterranean lake, and purchasing souvenirs are some of the activities that are available to visitors at the salt mine. Apart from the salt mine, people can explore the salty lakes and swimming pools in its vicinity. To experience rural culture and enjoy views of the Piatra Secuiului rock, tourists can visit the village of Rimetea.[8]

In close proximity to Turda is located Cheile Turzii, or Turda Gorge, protected as a natural reserve. The area houses 12 protected habitats and a biodiversity of over 1,000 plant species and 100 animal species, several of which are under protection.[9] In Cheile Turzii—a relatively versatile natural area—visitors can engage in various activities. Hiking along marked routes, especially the Crestelor Circuit, offers views of the surrounding nature. Mountain biking is also available, but cyclists are encouraged to stick to designated trails to protect the environment. The site also provides a via ferrata route and over 300 documented rock climbing routes. Lastly, paragliding is another activity available at the natural reserve. The surrounding region of Cheile Turzii features villages such as Borzesti, Cheia, and Deleni, offering cultural experiences and traditional dishes.[10]

Geography

Cluj County, covering an area of 6,674 square kilometers, lies at the crossroads of 3 natural regions: the Apuseni Mountains, Someș Plateau, and the Transylvanian Plain. It ranks as the 12th largest county in Romania, accounting for approximately 2.8% of the country's landmass. The region's terrain is rugged, comprising primarily hilly landscapes within the Someș Plateau, with mountainous regions in the northeastern Apuseni Mountains. Cluj County lacks flatlands, which have been replaced by well-developed terraces and floodplains along the Someșul Mic and Arieș rivers' lower stretches. Hilly regions dominate the central, northern, and southern areas, while mountainous landscapes are found in the southwest. The county also boasts a diverse hydrographic network, with rivers such as Someșul Mic, Crișul Repede, and lower Arieș, along with natural lakes, ponds, and hydropower reservoirs. The vegetation varies from sub-alpine environments to deciduous forests due to the county's diverse terrain, and an abundance of fauna resides in the area, including deer, bears, foxes, lynxes, wild boars, and several bird species. The county also hosts mineral springs.[2]

Cluj County encompasses the Apuseni Nature Park, which extends across the county's borders into Alba and Bihor counties as well. The nature park is notable for its cave ecosystems, boasting prehistoric imprints and fossils of Ice Age creatures. Limestone formations dominate the park's topography, sculpting mountain crests and subterranean waterways, making it a considerable destination for geology enthusiasts. Some caves are accessible with basic equipment, while others demand rock climbing or crawling skills. Apuseni differs from other Romanian parks by hosting permanent high-altitude settlements, namely Albac and Arieseni, which exhibit traditional craftsmanship. Moreover, the park acts as a sanctuary for various wildlife, including rare bats, protected species such as bears and elk, and alpine birds—the ural owl and nutcracker.[5]

Cluj County experiences a temperate continental climate.[3] The warmest month in the county capital, Cluj-Napoca, tends to be August, with an average daily temperature of 26°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 2°C, and this month is also the driest month in Cluj-Napoca because it generally receives 40 millimeters of rainfall on average. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 113 millimeters.[6]

History

In the Middle Ages, the capital city of Cluj, Cluj-Napoca, was called Culus in 1173, but by the 15th century, it became known as Cluj. Its name is possibly derived from Castrum Clus, a fortress dating back to 1213. It became a hub for commerce and culture, gaining free town status in 1405. When the autonomous principality of Transylvania was established in the 16th century, Cluj became its capital. In 1920, alongside the rest of Transylvania, it became part of Romania, and later, the name Napoca was added in 1974, making it Cluj-Napoca as we know it today.[1]

Regarding the history of Cluj County as a whole, the archaeological findings in the area provide evidence of a civilization rooted in European life and culture. The region, known as Gura Baciului, has revealed Neolithic relics dating back to 5000 B.C.; later, a Thracian civilization had established itself. During the Roman Empire's conquest of Dacia, Potaissa and Napoca were designated as municipalities, with Napoca later becoming the capital of Dacia Porolissensis. In 1437, a peasant uprising occurred at Bobâlna, prompted by oppression. From 1683 to 1699, Cluj was under Austrian occupation. However, 1848 marked revolutionary movements and uprisings across the Austro-Hungarian Empire, including Transylvania, in response to the Habsburg administration. Cluj played an active role in the 1848 Revolution, with Avram Iancu emerging as one of its leaders.[3]

In 1920, Cluj County transitioned from Hungarian to Romanian control following the Treaty of Trianon. Initially known as Cojocna County, the region encompassed Cluj, a free city at the time. In 1925, the autonomous status of Cluj was removed, and it merged with Cojocna County, which was renamed Cluj County. However, in 1940, a portion of the county reverted to Hungarian control during the Second Vienna Award. The remaining territory, including Feleacu, was united with Turda County to create Cluj-Turda County. By 1944, with Soviet assistance, Romanian forces regained the ceded region, reaffirming Romanian jurisdiction per the Treaty of Trianon in the 1947 Paris Peace Treaties. Cluj County was dissolved in 1950 by the communist regime but re-established in 1968 when Romania reinstated its county administrative system.[2]