Being one of the largest cities in Romania, Cluj-Napoca incorporates a multitude of social, cultural and historical elements in one place. This is why one of the most visited and frequented tourist attractions in the city is the Cluj Napoca Citadel. No wonder, as the construction has a history full of suspense even for the most demanding tourist. Discover in the following lines all the useful information you need to know about this place.
History and presentation
From an architectural point of view, the Cluj Napoca Fortress is built in the form of a Habsburg fortification. According to the existing documentary, it was built between 1715 and 1735, according to the instructions provided by Giovanni M. Visconti, military architect. Based on them, the walls were star-shaped, and the architectural plans included a reduction and a tower. In the end, it was surrounded by bastions, with only a wave of earth on the outside.
The purpose for which the construction was undertaken was a defended one. Moreover, they wanted a checkpoint that Austrian troops could use to guard the city. At first, it was called the Citadel of Clouds, and was also used as a prison. In this place, the Saxon pastor Stephan Ludwig Toth found his end, being founded and executed in 1849. He is still considered a hero of the Revolution.
With the advent of the twentieth century, the Cluj Napoca Citadel became a real place of delight for the city, but attracting the poorest environments. There are many miserable huts and brothels here, which were forgotten only during communism. This is how the Belvedere Hotel, built during the 1970s, modernized in one area. Unfortunately, this strategy also had negative repercussions, as many of the buildings on the southern side of the fortress were demolished. Thus, much of the history of the fortification has been erased from the face of the Earth.
The year 1995 remains significant for the Cluj Napoca Citadel, as it is now that a huge iron cross has been erected. Its role was to replace the one destroyed by the communists, built in memory of those who were founded in the fortification.
Access roads
To get to Cetățuie, there are several options available, respectively:
· Pedestrian access - the departure is made from the city center, from the direction of Mihai Viteazul Square, following to cross the raised bridge over the Someș river. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the Chamber of Commerce of Cluj. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, he will have to climb all 237 to reach the top of the hill;
· Access by car - starts from the area of Mihai Viteazul Square located in the center and involves passing the Chamber of Commerce in Cluj. When you reach the intersection of seven streets, you must reach Cetății Street.
Fortunately, access by car is also possible from Cluj Napoca Station and from the Hoia area, in just a few minutes.
visiting
For the visit of the Cluj Napoca Citadel there is no fee or entrance ticket.