Cluj-Napoca: The Heart of Transylvania

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-zahtz mah]
• How are you?Ce faci?
  [cheh fahch?]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too?]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-beetz ehn-gleh-zuh?]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo ehn-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree sah vad meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nuhnk cahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [noh-rohk]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree sah plah-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-zhoo-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sună la Poliție!
  [soo-nuh lah poh-leet-see-eh]
• Call a doctor!Sună un doctor!
  [soo-nuh oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostM-am rătăcit
  [mahm ruh-tuh-cheet]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nahv]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-ree sah koom-puhr]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-ar muh ooit]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kaht kohs-tuh?]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [ehs-teh prah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scadeți prețul?
  [poo-tehts sah skah-dehts prehts-ool]

• What time is it?Cât este ora?
  [kaht ye-steh oh-rah]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [ehs-teh oh-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)Jumătate (zece)
  [zhoo-muh-tah-teh (zeh-che)]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-nyah-tsa]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ahm-yah-zuh]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yehr]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ah-stuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-ee-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Trei
  [treh-ee]
• 4Patru
  [pah-troo]
• 5Cinci
  [cheen-ch]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [ohpt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-wuh]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-che]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/o...
  [oon-deh ye-steh oo-noo/oh...]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [cah-reh ye-steh ah-dreh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-tehts sah-mee ah-ruh-tahts (peh hahr-tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Când este următorul (autobuz)?
  [koon-deh ye-steh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booz)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [oon bee-let (spreh ....)]

The area of Cluj-Napoca was originally settled by the Dacians, an ancient Indo-European people. The settlement was known as Napuca, and it was an important center of the Dacian Kingdom before the Roman conquest.

In 106 AD, the Romans conquered Dacia, and the settlement was re-established as a Roman municipium named Napoca. It grew into an important city in the Roman province of Dacia, complete with typical Roman structures such as amphitheaters, baths, and temples.

By the 12th century, Cluj-Napoca, then known as Kolozsvár, became part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The city received its first urban charter in 1316 from Charles I of Hungary, which allowed it to develop into a significant medieval trade center.

Cluj-Napoca flourished during the Renaissance, becoming a center for culture and education. It is the birthplace of Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary’s most famous kings, who ruled from 1458 to 1490. His reign is noted for significant cultural and academic advancements.

Following the Battle of Mohács in 1526, Cluj came under Habsburg rule and later became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city experienced economic growth and modernization during this period, with the establishment of universities and cultural institutions.

After World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Cluj-Napoca became part of Romania following the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. This period marked significant demographic and administrative changes in the city.

During World War II, Cluj-Napoca was ceded to Hungary by the Second Vienna Award in 1940, only to be retaken by Romania in 1944. The post-war era was marked by heavy industrialization and urbanization under the communist regime.

After the fall of Communism in 1989, Cluj-Napoca transitioned to a market economy. The city has since become one of Romania’s most vibrant economic and cultural hubs, known for its universities, tech industry, and rich historical heritage.

Cluj-Napoca is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The Cluj Avram Iancu International Airport (CLJ) is the main gateway, with regular flights from major European cities. The airport is about 9 kilometers from the city center and is accessible by taxi, bus, or car rental. For those traveling by train, Cluj-Napoca Railway Station offers connections to various Romanian cities and international destinations. Long-distance buses also operate from major cities in Romania and neighboring countries, making it accessible by road.

Cluj-Napoca has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or through mobile apps. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are readily available. For a more local experience, consider renting a bicycle or using the city's bike-sharing program. Walking is also a great way to explore the compact city center.

The official currency is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city. While many establishments accept card payments, it's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or markets.

Cluj-Napoca is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping an eye on personal belongings in crowded places. Areas like Mărăști and Mănăștur are known for higher petty crime rates, so extra caution is advised. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Cluj-Napoca has several hospitals and clinics, including the Cluj County Emergency Hospital. Pharmacies are well-stocked and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do show respect in churches and monasteries; women should cover their heads, and men should remove hats. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket upon boarding. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A polite 'Bună ziua' (Good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Cluj-Napoca like a local, visit the Central Market (Piața Centrală) for fresh produce and local products. Take a stroll in the Central Park (Parcul Central) or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafés. Attend a local festival or cultural event, such as the Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF). Engaging with locals can provide unique insights into the city's culture and history.