TRACES OF HERCULES

Banffy Palace

Built between 1774 and 1785 on the sides of a rectangular courtyard by the duke György Banffy, the governor of Transylvania, the palace it’s considŢrŢd the most representative baroque building in Transylvania. The Rococo frontispiece has the Banffy family coat of arms and is adorned with six statues of Greek mythology figures: Hercules, Apollo,

Ares, Athena, Artemis,

Perseus. Since 1951 the building houses The Art

Museum of Cluj-Napoca.

The museum has a greatly valued heritage of Romanian and European art paintings, graphics and decorative art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. “The National

Gallery” is in 21 rooms on the second floor of the building. The museum includes works of art of many important Romanian artists, such as NicolaŢ GrigorŢscu, ŞtŢţan Luchian, Dimitrie Paciurea, Theodor Pallady, Camil Ressu and others.

CLUJ-NAPOCA

Located in the “heart” of Transylvania, on the banks of the Someşul Mic river, Cluj-Napoca is an important cultural centre, defined by the existence of the “BabŢş - Bolyai” University, the largest university in Romania, the National Theatre and Romanian National Opera House, by the Hungarian State Theatre and Opera House, and also by the existence of several museums.

The “Babeș-Bolyai” University of Cluj-Napoca

Founded in 1872, as “Franz Joseph” University of Cluj, the institution of higher education changed its name into the “Babes-Bolyai” University in 1959. The monumental edifice in New Renaissance style was built between 1893 – 1903.

The Romanian National

Theatre

Built in Neo-Baroque- Rococo style, with some inflexions of Secessionism, the building was set up between 1904- 1906, has a capacity of 1000 people and it has three tiers of boxes.

Cluj-Napoca, the 2015 “European Capital of the Youths” offers visitors relaxation areas such as the „Alexandru Borza” Botanical Garden, Central Park, CŢtă uia Hilltop.

MAP OF THE CITY

WHAT’S IN A NAME

The name of the city derives from the ancient Dacian name Napuca and Cluj (clusa-clausa, meaning a narrow, confined place). Its first documentary attestation dates from 1275, as villa Kluswar. The city has been given several names across history: Napoca (in Dacian), Napocensis (in Latin), Kolozsvar (in Hungarian), Klausenburg (in German). Its current name, Cluj Napoca was established in 1974.

HOW TO GET TO?

“Aurel Vlaicu” International Airport 149-151 Traian Vuia street, Cluj-Napoca www.airportcluj.ro

Cluj-Napoca Railway Station 1-3 Railway Station square, www.cfrcalatori.ro TOURIST INFORMATION

Tourist Information Center 6-8 Eroilor blvd, Cluj-Napoca tel. +4 0264 452244 Open: M-F: 8:30 - 20:00 Sat-Sun: 10:00 – 18:00 www.visitcluj.ro www.visitclujnapoca.ro

WHAT´S TYPICAL HERE?

The “Gerovital” brand of cosmetics, well-known and appreciated worldwide are made by “Farmec” factory, founded in our city in 1945. Another local brand is the “Nasal Cheese”, unique in the world lume thanks to the fermentation properties specific to the natural grotto at aga, located near Cluj, where this particular sort of cheese is prepared and stored for maturation.

FOOD AND PRODUCTS

Local traditional food is varied and rich in aromas. To whet your appetite, we could mention “Varza a la Cluj” (Cluj style cooked cabbage), a dish based on layers of cabbage or sauerkraut, minced meat and rice, cooked in an oven and served hot with cream.

Traditional local craţtsmŢn’s products, such as wooden and ceramics kitchenware and decorations (spoons, bowls, pots), homemade clothes (blouses, girdles, pŢasant’s bŢlt) can bŢ admired and bought in MusŢum’s SquarŢ.

Cetăţuia Hilltop – offers tourists a splendid panorama of the city. The city’s imagŢ is also highlighted by the modern multipurpose sports hall, a venue for various sports and cultural events, as well as by Cluj Arena – an international standard stadium.

The “Alexandru Borza” Botanical Gardens

was founded in 1920. At present, it is home to some 10,000 plant species, which makes it one of the most prestigious in the world.

Those who look for moments of introspection and spiritual peace, can retreat into one of the several churches in the city: the Mitropolitan Orthodox Cathedral, Saint MichaŢl’s Catholic Church, the Transfiguration Greek – Catholic Cathedral, the Reformed Church, the Evangelic Lutheran Church, The Neolog Synagogue.

The Orthodox Cathedral

The Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral was built between 1923-1933, in a Romanian Brâncovenesc style, a synthesis of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture.

Saint Michael’s Roman- Catholic Church

is considered one of the majestic Gothic edifices in Romania, being 70 metres long and 80 metres high.

UNUSUAL TIPS

Baciu Forest Located in the western side of the city, Baciu Forest has been declared the fifth most frightening place in the world, owing to some paranormal phenomena which have been witnessed here: various UFO’s sightings, mysterious ghostly sightings, a place considered to be a portal between earth and heaven.

NEXT STOP.

Turda Gorges A natural reserve (on the Hășdate River) situated 6 km west of Turda and about 15 km south-east of Cluj.

Turda Salt Mine is now a veritable history museum of salt mining

Vălul Miresei Waterfall

(The Bride’s Veil Waterfall) The waterfall is over 30 metres high.