Cluj-Napoca. Napoca. Clusium. Kolozsvár . Klausenburg
Cluj county is situated in North-Western Romania, stretching out on 6,674 square kilometers and is home to a population of 720,000. It includes part of the Western Carpathians, a popular site for hiking, biking and skiing, but also an unique area for geological explorations. Cluj county holds important natural salt reserves and salt lakes.
The city of Cluj-Napoca is located in the heart of Transylvania at approximately 400m above sea level and is the fourth largest city in Romania. Its nearly 400,000 inhabitants engage in a wide range of activities, making Cluj-Napoca a successful business centre as well as a cultural one. Many Romanian and international banks operate in the city, thus making it the second most important financial centre in Romania.
Situated at the crossroad of some national and international leads of interest, Cluj-Napoca has always been a centre of attraction both for its history and for the precious cultural and scientific life, which is mirrored in inestimable values found in museums and libraries, in dramatic and lyric theatres of national and international resonance.
For over 40 years, the "Transylvania" Philharmonic Orchestra has been enchanting the faithful audience with classical music festivals, like the "Mozart Festival" and the "Musical Autumn in Cluj". "The Night of the Ad Eaters" is a show that offers 6 hours of non-stop action, 500 of the finest, funniest, most creative and most unexpected advertising films from around the world. Less famous than its German counterpart (Oktoberfest), Septemberfest in Cluj-Napoca is the time to enjoy the trendiest bands playing live in open-air concerts.
The Transylvanian International Film Festival turns Cluj for nine days into the Romanian capital of film flashes, cameras, national and international stars, one of the most ambitious cultural events in Romania. It features free screenings, low-priced tickets and movies that take your breath away.
Cluj-Napoca's intense cultural life rests on the bedrock of the city's numerous and prestigious institutions, with a well-established audience, patrons, visitors and enthusiasts. Cluj-Napoca is one of the few cities in Europe that has two State Theatres and Operas, one in Romanian and one in Hungarian, a testimony to the diversity and friendliness that characterize the city’s cultural atmosphere. Every season, they feature international classics as well as local directors, playwrights and actors.
The "Puck" Puppet Theatre is a very interesting cultural presence; its shows are enjoyed by hundreds of young children and also by adults who feel young.
The museums are a cultural universe unto themselves. The Art Museum, located in the former governors’ residence, combines the old and the new in its numerous collections and exhibitions. The National Museum of Transylvanian History, with its collection of Roman sculptures and inscriptions (lapidarium) as well as some of the finest 18th century Baroque furniture and weaponry, is must see. Open-air museums are not very common, but the Transylvanian Ethnographic Museum has reconstructed a genuine traditional Transylvanian village on the Hoia hill, near Cluj-Napoca. The Biology, Geology and Gemmology Museum is also a very important research institution, organizing periodical exhibitions of newly discovered gems, crystals and fossils. Perhaps one of the most fascinating and unusual museums is the Pharmacy Museum. It gives a unique glimpse into the procedures, techniques and, why not, spells that were used to manufacture medicines and treatments during medieval and modern times.
Also, the Botanical Garden represents one of the highlights of the city as it hosts a European valuable botanical museum.
The architecture in the city centre is reminiscent of the old Austro-Hungarian Empire, while elements of modernism have been added to give the city a modern, exciting feel. The multiethnic and multicultural aspect can be traced almost anywhere; it is truly a place to express yourself.
Spiritual and religious life is also very active in Cluj-Napoca. All religious denominations have at least one worship place. The city also has four cathedrals: Orthodox, Greek-Catholic, Roman-Catholic and Unitarian. Religious studies are encouraged through Church-run seminaries or University faculties. Besides their religious activities, all denominations are actively involved in civic life through numerous associations and NGOs. Organ concerts are much appreciated due to the wonderful acoustics of the old churches.
Although an academic and business community, the inhabitants of Cluj-Napoca have not neglected outdoor activities. Cluj-Napoca is gradually becoming one of the top shopping destinations in Romania. There are, of course, large shopping Centers, keeping you well supplied with the essentials and the latest releases. But the true charm of Cluj-Napoca is found in the smaller stores and boutiques. There you can shop for antique books, perfumes and luxury furniture, souvenirs and art pieces, while enjoying a pleasant conversation with the owner.
The official language is Romanian. English, French and Italian are widely spoken. Hungarian and German are also used by native speakers as well as non-native speakers.
Numerous public figures, renowned professors and scientists, artists and athletes as well as businesspersons have started their careers here. Their prized achievements stand proof of the city’s cultural values and intrepid spirit.