23 ERASMUS+ KA2Searching for the Labours of Hercules

2014-1-TR01-KA201-012990

Romania – Cluj-Napoca

WHAT´S TYPICAL HERE?

The “Gerovital” brand of cosmetics, well-known and appreciated worldwide are made by “Farmec” factory, founded in our city in 1945.

Another local brand is the “Nasal Cheese”, unique in the world lume thanks to the fermentation properties specific to the natural grotto at Ţaga, located near Cluj, where this particular sort of cheese is prepared and stored for maturation.

FOOD AND PRODUCTS

Local traditional food is varied and rich in aromas. To whet your appetite, we could mention “Varza a la Cluj” (Cluj style cooked cabbage), a dish based on layers of cabbage or sauerkraut, minced meat and rice, cooked in an oven and served hot with cream.

Such a food is always accompanied by a steaming slice of “corn bread”, a traditional speciality prepared from corn flour, wheat flour, boiled potatoesand salt, yeast leavened baked in the wood oven

Traditional local craftsmen’s products, such as wooden and ceramics kitchenware and decorations (spoons, bowls, pots), homemade clothes (blouses, girdles, peasant’s belt) can be admired and bought in Museum’s Square.

The “Al. Borza” Botanical Gardens

was founded in 1920. At present, it is home to some 10,000 plant species, which makes it one of the most prestigious in the world. after the Union of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania and has developed along the time both as a tourist attraction and as an important site for didactic and scientific activities

Those who look for moments of introspection and spiritual peace, can retreat into one of the several churches in the city: the Mitropolitan Orthodox Cathedral, Saint Michael’s Catholic Church, the Transfiguration Greek – Catholic Cathedral, the Reformed Church, the Evangelic Lutheran Church, The Neolog Synagogue.

The Orthodox Cathedral

The Metropolitan Orthodox Cathedral was built between 1923-1933, in a Romanian Brâncovenesc style, a synthesis of Renaissance and Byzantine architecture.

Saint Michael’s Roman- Catholic Church

is considered one of the majestic Gothic edifices in Romania, being 70 metres long and 80 metres high.

The Minorites’ Church

The edifice, in Baroque style, was built between 1775-1779 at the order of the Roman-Catholic Friars Minor. In 1924 Pope Pius IX gave the church to the Greek-Catholic Church to serve as the cathedral of the Cluj-Gherla Eparchy.

UNUSUAL TIPS

Baciu Forest Located in the western side of the city, Baciu Forest has been declared the fifth most frightening place in the world, owing to some paranormal phenomena which have been witnessed here: various UFO’s sightings, mysterious ghostly sightings, a place considered to be a portal between earth and heaven.

NEXT STOP.

Turda GorgesA natural reserve (on the Hășdate River) situated 6 km west of Turda and about 15 km south-east of Cluj.

Turda Salt Mine

is now a veritable history museum of salt mining

Vălul Miresei Waterfall

(The Bride’s Veil Waterfall)

The waterfall is over 30 metres high.