After a long day, in which we visited many interesting places (see here), we arrived in Cluj-Napoca and we searched for accommodation. Everywhere we call on the phone, we hit the same answer: all the
After a long day, in which we visited many interesting places (see here), we arrived in Cluj-Napoca and we searched for accommodation. Everywhere we call on the phone, we hit the same answer: all the rooms are busy. I was starting to think that we will sleep in the car. Of course we could always stay at our friends in Cluj, but I did not want to bother them. I found a very nice accommodation at the Gala Hotel. Very friendly staff and clean rooms.
Past midnight, we went to eat at a non-stop restaurant, the Viking House. We ate very well and the prices are convenient. I ordered Viking’s steack and peasant potatoes. It was absolutely delicious, and if I go back to Cluj-Napoca, I will definitely stop here to order again.
After a nice meal we went back to the hotel and slept. We woke up, we quickly took a shower and got into the car. Turda is quite close and we went to visit the salt mine.
Turda Saltern is listed on the list of historical monuments in Cluj County, elaborated by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage in Romania in 2010. The archaeological evidence of salt mining in Durgau-Turda existed from the pre-Roman period (50 BC-106 AD). Salt exploatation from Turda Saltern was permanently shut down in 1932 due to the primitive technical endowment, low yield and competition of other Transylvanian Saltern.
In 1932 there were the following salt mines (from south to north) at Turda Saltern:
– Iosif mine (1740-1900)
– Rudolf mine (1864-1932)
– Terezia mine (1690-1880)
– Ghizela mine (1857-1932)
– Anton mine (early 18th-1862).
In 1992 Turda Saltern reopened for tourism and curative purposes. Saltern currently has treatment rooms, an amphitheater, sports halls, but the main attraction is the “panoramic wheel”, where you can admire the salt stalactites. Between 2012 and 2014, a tunnel was connected between the Terezia mine and the Iosif mine, 50 m long, in order to include the last one in the touristic circuit, which has not been opened. If you choose to visit Turda Saltern by one thing you can be sure. Here you will not get bored. You can take a boat ride, play minigolf, table tennis, billiards or bowling, you can take a ride with the carousel or play handball, tennis, etc. on the sport ground. You also shoud go to the echo hall.
Entrance program: Monday-Sunday 9.00-18.00
Entrance ticket: Adults: 30 lei / person;
Children, pupils, students: 15 lei / person;
Retired: 15 lei / person.
And if you have arrived in Turda, I propose you to visit the Roman Potaissa Castrum of the 5th Legion of Macedonia. It is the most important historical and archaeological monument in the city of Turda. The beginning of the Marcoman conflicts led Rome to send around the year 168 the Legion V Macedonian of Moesia, Troesmis, Potaissa to strengthen the north-western defensive of Roman Dacia. The resort built here the largest long-standing camp in this Roman province.
Tourist Attractions in Turda and its surroundings:
Turda Municipal Theater;
Tabacarilor House;
Reformed church in Turda Veche;
Lapidary;
History Museum;
The tomb of Mihai Viteazul;
The Sovata Church;
The building of the county, the Town Hall;
Ratestilor Church;
Durgau Lakes.
In the evening we returned to Cluj-Napoca and went to eat at the Dacian Inn. A special, rustic atmosphere and very tasty food.
You shoud visit Romania!
