Cluj is a great place! An interesting city perfect for exploring. We really enjoyed sights, sounds, and tastes of this under-appreciated gem. Its size and attractions are such that they can easily be covered in a couple of days, which could be shoehorned into a single day should your free time really be restricted.
Here are some of the attractions which we found of most interest.
The Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral – was built between 1923 and 1933, but feels far older – especially its interior. The building is in the Brancovenesc style (Romanian Renaissance) and dominates the Avran Iancu Square.
Our visit coincided with the main Sunday morning mass, this was full to overflowing. In fact, many worshippers were standing outside listening to the service via loudspeakers. It was humbling to see such devotion to faith and worship. If you venture inside during a service, then do so in a considerate way. You’ll be rewarded by hearing the spinetingling acoustics and seeing a truely crowded congregation. The cathedral is also beautifully decorated inside and has a wonderful iconostasis.
In front of the cathedral is the statue of Avran Iancu, and the Romanian National Opera House. This imposing building, built in a neo-Baroque style, is still actively used. To our minds, it looks best at night with the illumination showing off the main facade really effectively.
To the south of the square lays the Tailor’s Tower. This is one of the last remaining remnants of the previously fortified precinct. This defensive tower and its flanking walls used to guard the south-east corner of this precinct. They are both in an excellent state of repair and are well worth a visit.
The Tailor’s Tower 
A remaining section of city wall
Inside the tower is a cafe, and local history information. It is worth noting that the tower is sometimes used for private receptions/events and can sometimes, therefore, be temporarily closed to visitors.
From here we head west to The Reformed Church and the Statue of St George slaying the dragon. Found in a quiet backstreet the church dates back to the end of the 15th century when construction was supported by Matthias Covin. It is one of the largest Gothic structures in the whole of Transylvania. The statue of St George is smaller than we’d imagined but sits proudly on its pedestal in a grassy area in front of the church’s main entrance.
Further west along the same road brings you to The Babes-Bolyai University, which is the most prestigious educational establishment in Transylvania. With over 20 faculties, the university offers a wide array of courses, and during term time there’s a constant coming and going of students. When not studying these students are well served by a number of coffee shops, cafes, and bars in the area (especially in Strada Universitatii).
Down which street (travelling north) brings you to Piata Unirii, the main square in Cluj. This is dominated by St. Michael’s Roman-Catholic Church. Lofty and cool, inside this church lacks the exquisite decorations of the Orthodox Catherdral, but still has a certain majesty and feeling on calm. It’s currently undergoing extensive renovations, which will protect it long into the future, but does mean that you should expect scaffolding and disruption for a period of time.
Affront the cathedral is the massive statue of Mattias Corvin, who was the pre-eminent ruler of the 15th century.
The main square is surrounded by impressive building, many of which are shops, bars and restaurants with outside seating.
Travelling north from the square you reach the Strada Matei Corvin. This leads to a number of quaint streets containing main bars and restaurants. Whilst attractive in the daylight, it’s all the more so at night, when the streets are bedecked with lights. It makes a great place for a wander and to sample a glass or two!
