Foto: St Michaels Cathedral on the square (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Romania - Cluj-Napoca, often simply referred to as Cluj, is one of Romania’s most important cities and is considered the cultural and economic capital of Transylvania. Located in the northwest of the country and surrounded by the hills of the Apuseni Mountains, Cluj is a dynamic destination that blends tradition and modernity in a unique way. The city’s origins date back to Roman times, when it was known as Napoca. During the Middle Ages, under Hungarian rule, Cluj grew into a significant center of trade and craftsmanship. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it further developed into a cultural hub of Transylvania. Today, Cluj reflects its multicultural heritage through a mix of Romanian, Hungarian, and German influences visible in its architecture, cuisine, and language. The historic center is rich in landmarks. One of the most striking buildings is the Gothic St. Michael’s Church, located on the central Union Square (Piața Unirii), boasting one of the tallest church towers in Romania. Around the square are historic buildings, modern shops, charming cafés, and terraces. Other highlights include the Bánffy Palace, the National Art Museum, the Botanical Garden, and the old city gates. Cluj-Napoca is also a true university town, with the Babeș-Bolyai University being one of the largest and most prestigious in the country. Thanks to the presence of tens of thousands of students, the city has a youthful and innovative spirit. This energy is evident in festivals such as TIFF (Transilvania International Film Festival), Untold, and Electric Castle, which draw international visitors. The city is well connected to the rest of Europe via its international airport and railway network. While the infrastructure is modern, the charm of the old town remains intact. Cluj-Napoca is a blend of history, culture, technology, and creativity – a city in motion that has managed to preserve its character. It is one of Romania’s most attractive destinations for both tourists and entrepreneurs.
Draculas Castle
Romania - After more than two hours of driving, we reach the exit to Bran. Via fifteen sharp hairpin turns, we descend to the lower landscape. Then, a straight road leads to the castle. As we enter the village, we already see the castle on the hillside. Clearly, ...
Old town of Bucharest
Romania - From the hotel, we walk into the city. We’re looking for the Darvari Hermitage Church. This is the first stop on a walking tour from the guidebook. A service is underway in the church. Notably, only women are present. We quietly observe from the back. ...
Sighisoara the Medieval Pearl of Transylvania
Romania - Sighișoara is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and is located in the heart of Transylvania, Romania. The town was founded in the 12th century by Saxon settlers, also known as Transylvanian Saxons, who were invited by the Hungarian king ...
The Alba Carolina Star-Shaped Citadel
Romania - Alba Carolina is an impressive star-shaped citadel located in the city of Alba Iulia. Built between 1715 and 1738 by order of the Habsburg monarchy, it is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Southeastern Europe. The citadel was designed ...
The colossal Palace of the Parliament
Romania - On the opposite side of the Dâmbovița River stands the Parliament building. It is the second-largest building in the world—only the Pentagon in the United States is larger. Dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu ordered the construction of this massive structure ...
The History of Salina Turda
Romania - The history of Salina Turda dates back to Roman times, when the area around Turda was already known for its salt mining. The first written mention of the mine comes from 1271. During the Middle Ages and the Hungarian-Romanian period, the mine produced ...
The monasteries of Bukovina
Romania - In the region of Bukovina, where we’re staying, monks had a stronghold in the 16th century. Due to frequent Ottoman attacks, they built fortified monasteries in the mountains. These also provided shelter to villagers during attacks. The monasteries ...
The Royal Castle of Pele
Romania - Peleș Castle, located in the picturesque town of Sinaia in Romania’s Southern Carpathians, is one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Built between 1873 and 1914 on the orders of King Carol I of Romania, it served as the royal family’s summer ...
The Transfagarasan Highway, Romanias Most Spectacular Road
Romania - The Transfagarasan Highway, also known as DN7C, is one of the most scenic and dramatic roads in Europe. Winding through the rugged Fagaras Mountains in central Romania, it stretches over 90 kilometers and connects the regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. ...