Romanian cities: Cluj – Napoca

Named Cluj –Napoca in Romanian, Kolozsvárin in Hungarian, Klausenburg in German, Kluż in Polish, Claudiopolis in Greek and Napoca in Latin, this is among the largest and one of the most visited cities in Romania. Romania-Insider.com takes you on a trip to the city of Cluj – Napoca, a great place to see over an extended week-end- at least. (MAP) By Alina Andriescu Capital of a historical region, Cluj – Napoca is the heart of Transylvania, guarded by the western Carpathians. A city of more than 300,000 people, among which the most educated of them speak very well English, French and Italian, besides the official language – Romanian and besides Hungarian, the commonplace language. Cluj (the short form of the name) is one of the most attractive Romanian cities and a tourist delight for those who seek the experience of the most intense Transylvanian urban lifestyle with its nowadays modern and cultural spirit pulsating between the Gothic walls of the citadel. The Greek geographer Claudius Ptolomeu was the first to write about this Transylvanian realm, believing it to be one of the most important localities for the old Dacia even before the Romans to set foot here. After the Daco-Roman wars which took place between 101-102 AC and 105-106 AC, Cluj became a very distinguished rural form (civitas) on the right bank of the river Semus. Following the Roman steps, travellers can find an old city with a rich cultural sensibility and historical legacy. The Museum of Transylvanian History ( Muzeul de Istorie a Transilvaniei) located on the Constantin Daicoviciu street is a great place to discover all these. To start the day in the time labyrinth of the capital of Transylvania, one should know that the city holds a collection of monasteries and churches, of a timeless beauty. Some of these can be found in Unirii Square: the Franciscan Monastery which is the first Unitarian Church in the world, the Piarist Churches.

The Museum Square, close to Unirii Square, is the home to the Franciscan Monastery, a fusion of the 14th century baroque and gothic architecture. Another nearby landmark is the house of Matthias Corvinus which became in the 15th century a famous luxurious hotel and nowadays is the home of