Known in history as the Treasure City, Cluj-Napoca’s nickname reflects the beauty and prosperity of the city.
Cluj-Napoca is one of the few European cities to be home to two botanical gardens. The smallest is set up within the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine. The largest and most beautiful expands over an area of 14 hectares and designed by the scientist Alexandru Borza, the garden also includes numerous greenhouses. It houses more than 10,000 plant species and features Japanese and Roman Garden areas. Those who love green spaces can also climb the Cetățuia Hill, erected in the 18th century as a star-shaped Austrian fortress, of which only four buildings are still standing. Belvedere Hotel was erected during the communist period on the hill, then, in 1995, a huge iron cross was added on the hill.
Another green space that hosts many monuments is the Central Park, with a history of nearly two centuries. Its paths lead tourists to Central Lake, where visitors and residents row in summer, and skate in winter. Among the most beautiful park monuments is the Casino Cultural Center, built in the 19th century by Lajos Pakey. The Center hosts many cultural events, such as the Royal Caroling. Another important cultural center is the Tailor’s Bastion, a 17th-century defence tower.
International publications such as USA Today, CNN, Lonely Planet, The Calvert Journal, Vogue or The Economist, recommend Cluj as a tourist destination thanks to its historical heritage, gastronomy, festivals or the Hoia Forest, which is internationally known as a haunted forest.
