Cluj
Cluj County, known as Kolozs megye in Hungarian, is a significant administrative region in northwestern Romania, encompassing a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. Established in 1968, the county was formed by merging parts of the former Turda-Arieș and Solnoc-Dăbâca counties, while some areas of the historic Kolozs County were integrated into Sălaj and Mureș counties. The county seat is Cluj-Napoca, a city with a population of approximately 310,243 residents. Covering an area of 6,674 square kilometers, Cluj County is bordered by Bihor County to the west, Mureș and Bistrița-Năsăud counties to the east, Sălaj and Maramureș counties to the north, and Alba County to the south. The region's diverse topography includes the Apuseni Mountains in the southwest, featuring peaks exceeding 1,800 meters, and the Someș Plateau and Transylvanian Plain. Major rivers such as the Someșul Mic, Arieș, and Crișul Repede traverse the county, contributing to its varied landscape. Historically, Cluj County has been a melting pot of cultures and civilizations. Archaeological findings in Cluj-Napoca and Gilău reveal remnants from the Neolithic, Iron Age, and Roman periods. The city of Cluj-Napoca, once known as Napoca during Roman times, evolved into a prominent cultural and religious center in Transylvania. In the 16th century, it served as the capital of the autonomous Principality of Transylvania. Over the centuries, the county has been home to various communities, including Romanians, Hungarians, Saxons, and Jews, each contributing to its rich cultural mosaic. Today, Cluj County boasts a plethora of attractions that highlight its historical and natural heritage. The Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) is a stunning example of karst geology, offering hiking trails and breathtaking vistas. The Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden, officially known as the Alexandru Borza Cluj-Napoca University Botanic Garden, spans over 14 hectares and features more than 10,000 plant species from around the world. The Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania provides insights into the traditional lifestyles of the region's rural population, with exhibits showcasing occupations, customs, and artifacts. Additionally, the Hoia-Baciu Forest, located near Cluj-Napoca, is renowned for its mysterious legends and is a popular destination for those intrigued by the paranormal. Cluj County harmoniously blends its historical legacy with modern development, making it a captivating destination for visitors interested in exploring the heart of Transylvania.
Buildings
The Bánffy Palace is a defining building of the main square in Cluj-Napoca. It is located on the eastern side of the square, with its main façade facing west, and features a three-arched gateway entrance.
The Citadel in Cluj-Napoca is a fortress situated on a 405-meter-high hill originally called Kőmál, next to the Little Someș River (Kis-Szamos).
Today’s Ethnographic Museum is located in the former Redut building, in the historical city center of Cluj-Napoca, on Memorandumului Street.
(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.
Cluj’s first pharmacy (1573) became a museum blending medical history and modern art. Reopened in 2024 with a Dalí exhibit, the Mauksch–Hintz House is now a key cultural landmark.
The Mathias Rex Statue honors King Matthias in his birthplace, Cluj. This iconic 1902 monument blends national pride, artistic grandeur, and local heritage in one powerful ensemble.