Church of the Assumption (Kálvária Church), Cluj-Napoca
History
The oldest church in Cluj-Napoca stands on Monostor Hill, founded around 1060 by King Béla I. It was originally a Benedictine abbey, built in a settlement called Castrum Clus, which later gave Cluj its name. Monks were brought here to establish a center of Christian worship and education.
The Benedictines remained for two centuries, and later the Jesuits also played a role in religious life here. The church suffered major destruction twice, first during the Mongol invasion (1241) and later during the Turkish campaigns. Only the sanctuary and sacristy survived in their original form.
The nave was rebuilt in 1896, but only one of the original two towers was reconstructed. In the 20th century, the church changed denominations several times. In 1924, it was handed to the Greek Catholic Church, but in 1948 it was seized by the Orthodox Church after the Greek Catholic Church was banned in Romania.
Between 1991 and 1994, the two communities shared use of the church. Once the Orthodox completed their own new building nearby, they peacefully handed this one back to the Roman Catholics. A thorough restoration followed, earning the church a Europa Nostra Award in 1998.Style
The church retains Gothic pointed arches, seen in the sanctuary and windows – designed to lift the eyes toward the heavens. There is no altar painting, as it was lost through centuries. Instead, an organ from 1792 was brought from Székelydálya and installed behind the altar, taking advantage of the church’s exceptional acoustics.
There are 14 stations of the cross along the walls, used especially during Lent, and even a Calvary path outside leading to a small chapel – from which the name “Kálvária Church” derives.
A unique feature is the sundial on the southern wall, dating back to 1440, marked with Roman numerals – one of the oldest in Transylvania.Famous residents
Throughout its nearly millennium-long history, the Calvaria Church has been associated with several significant figures. Canon István Kádár served as parish priest for over 32 years and played a key role in maintaining peaceful co-use of the church between Orthodox and Roman Catholic communities in the 1990s. The church’s earlier spiritual influence is tied to Prince István Báthory, who, in the 16th century, supported the return of the Jesuit order to the region, reinforcing its Christian mission. In more recent history, Zsigmond Jakó, a noted Transylvanian historian, emphasized the church’s religious and urban significance in numerous works.Renovation
The church has faced destruction and damage several times over the centuries. Its most comprehensive renovation occurred at the end of the 20th century, carried out entirely through church and community funding without state support. Great care was taken to preserve the original Gothic architectural features, such as the sanctuary’s arches and the sacristy’s vault. The quality of the restoration earned it the prestigious Europa Nostra Award in 1998, recognizing excellence in cultural heritage conservation across Europe. During the renovation, archaeological excavations uncovered 14th-century tombstones and structural elements, further enriching the church’s historic value.
Present day
The church still reflects the Benedictine motto: "Ora et labora" – Pray and work. The priest describes his service not as tied to a place, but to the people – though this church certainly offers something spiritually unique.Sources
Interviews with priest Kádár István
