The Old Town Hall of Kolozsvár (Cluj-Napoca)
History
The régi kolozsvári városháza (In Romanian: Clădirea Veche a Primăriei, also known as the Council House) is one of the city's most well-known and historically significant buildings. Its history is closely intertwined with Cluj’s medieval development, and today, the building still serves as a venue for municipal purposes. It is located at the southeastern corner of the Main Square (Piața Unirii).
The construction of the town hall dates back to the 15th century. According to the earliest records, it was already in use around 1405 for administrative purposes. Over the centuries, the building underwent several renovations and expansions. It acquired its present form during the 18th and 19th-century restorations, when it was redesigned in a Classical architectural style.
The building once had a small tower, whose bell was used to signal executions.
According to the oldest written sources, the building was used for municipal administration from the early 15th century. It suffered severe damage in two major fires, first in 1775 and again in 1798. At that point, the city leaders decided to construct a new town hall and even drew up plans, but ultimately chose to renovate the existing building instead.
In 1826, the structure was badly damaged by an earthquake. It took a long time before the old building was finally demolished, and a new one was constructed in its place, based on designs by Antal Kagerbauer. The new building was officially inaugurated on September 16, 1845. The building ceased functioning as the town hall when the city administration moved to the current City Hall on Moților Street.
Style
The building of the Old City Hall in Cluj-Napoca took on its present form during the 1843–1846 Neo-Renaissance renovation and is an outstanding example of the Rundbogenstil (“round-arched style”). The façade features rusticated plaster, is arranged in a seven‑bay U‑shape and is enriched with round‑arched windows, hood‑molded decorations, and an internal arcade system. Above the central risalit there is a prominent balcony with a wrought‑iron railing, while the arched main entrance is crowned with hood‑windows, and the rustication lends the building a robust yet historically rooted appearance. The stylistic elements are further emphasized by pilasters, corner ornaments, and “inverted crenellations” above the windows—features that, far from overloading the design, enhance its harmonious, historically–classical ambiance.
Renovation
The building underwent restoration and conservation works between 2018 and 2020, funded by the Cluj-Napoca City Hall. The purpose of the project was to preserve the historical structure and modernize it to accommodate cultural events, conferences, and tourism-related functions.Present day
Today, the Old Town Hall serves as a venue for temporary exhibitions, cultural events, conferences, and community programs.
The city government also occasionally uses the space for official receptions, award ceremonies, or other protocol events.
In the past, a tourist information center also operated on the ground floor periodically.
