St. Mihail Church

The crown jewel of Cluj-Napoca’s central Union Square, St Mihail Church is almost as old as the city itself. In 1316, the first foundations of the church took place days after Cluj became an official city. The church stands as a stark symbol of the determination and loyalty of the public of Cluj. Back then, the funding primarily came from the citizens of the city. Once a site for baptism, St Mihail Church is utterly inviting with its authentic old-world feel.

Stories of Christianity abound in the breathtaking stained-glass windows tucked between clear-cut stone arches. They soar to the ceiling to unite in a star-shaped dome. It is so ravishing that you won’t be able to look away. This is all hidden under the formidable figure of its Gothic Revival-style clocktower. The tower is proudly the highest in all of Transylvania with a height of 76 meters. It is a surprise that the clocktower was a later addition to the main body of the monument. Traces of fresco remains inside the church show that it used to harbor much more of its current trove of artifacts.

The devotees of St Mihail Church, much like the building itself, seem to have survived the test of time. Every week, congenial gatherings are held by its active members. They fill the entire Union Square with laughter and joy. If not for the religious meetings, the church becomes the host of festival-goers looking for a break from the raging parties of the square.