📍 Starting Point: ClujHub (A) – FEPTO Conference Venue
🚶 Walk to: Hotel Transilvania (B) – A place said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
• Imagine the echoes of Gothic tales in its historic walls.
🚶 Walk to: Karolina Obelisk (C) – in the middle of the Museum Square
• Feel the charm of the square, guarded by the Franciscan church.
🚶 Walk to: St. Michael’s Church (D) – A Gothic masterpiece from the 14th century.
• Look for the unique crucifixion statue where Christ gazes upward, not downward.
🚶 Walk to: Bánffy Palace (E) – A Baroque palace, home to the Art Museum.
• Can you spot the architectural illusion on Iuliu Maniu Street? It’s also a psychodrama technique.
🚶 Walk to: Piarists’ Church (F) – Also known as the Jesuit or University Church.
• Pause to enjoy the powerful sound of its historic organ.
🚶 Walk to: Babeș-Bolyai University (G) – The oldest and largest university in Romania.
• Stop by one of the artists’ cafés along Universității Street.
🚶 Walk to: Statue of St, George (H) – in front of the oldest Reformed church in Romania.
• Observe the statue and the church, at the end of the evocatively named “Wolves’ Street.”
🚶 Walk to: Firemen’s Tower (I) – A surviving piece of the medieval fortifications.
• Take the modern elevator for a 360° panoramic view of Cluj-Napoca.
Optional Extra Hour:
🚶 Walk to: Central Park (J) – A gentle hug from nature in the middle of the busy city.
• Stroll by the lake and visit the exhibition at the elegant Chios Pavilion.
Read more: Discover detailed presentations by the Local Organizing Team:
Simona
Hotel Transilvania, inspiration for ”Dracula” (B)
Hotel Transilvania is located on Ferdinand street, the oldest documented street in Cluj, as “the street of hotels”. According to historians, this is the hotel that inspired Bram Stoker and was described in the beginning of the novel “Dracula”. The main character, Jonathan Harker spends his first night in Transylvania in the “Royal Hotel” in Cluj (Klausenburg). Although Bram Stoker never visited Transylvania, he documented at the British Museum, found a tour guide of Cluj and was inspired by the hotel. In the novel, he talks about the hotel’s restaurant menu which includes “paprikahendl” – chicken fried with lots of hot paprika, and “mămăligă”, typical Transylvania dishes.
Eniko
Karolina Obelisk (C)
Museum Square is one of the oldest parts of the city, where history and the present come together in harmony and offers both a space for contemplation and connection. The Franciscan church, built in the 14th century, is one of the square’s most beautiful gems, guarding the square with the calm and simple dignity of the Gothic, and it is one of the oldest and most important ecclesiastical complexes in the city. At the centre, the Karolina Obelisk quietly commemorates the 1817 visit of King Francis I and Karolina Augusta, its reliefs telling the story of life in Cluj at that time. It does not dominate the square, but is rather a silent witness to everyday life. The square is surrounded by old, colourful civic houses, with a hundred years of history behind their windows. Small galleries, cafés, balconies decorated with plants, all add to the mysterious charm of the square. When I seek a gentle pause — whether with a book or in warm conversation over coffee with someone — this is the place I choose.
Simona
St. Michael’s Catholic Church (D)
This is one of the oldest and most significant monuments in Transylvania. Built in the 14th century, this monumental church offers a unique atmosphere where centuries of human experience—faith, conflict, celebration, and introspection—seem to live on in every detail. Among its many treasures is a rare depiction of Jesus on the cross—unlike most crucifixion statues where Christ gazes downward in sorrow, this one shows Him looking upward. This singular artistic choice invites reflection on hope, suffering, and the human search for meaning.
Iza
Bánffy Palace / Art Museum (E)
The most representative baroque building in Transylvania belonged to the noble family of Duke György Bánffy, the governor of Transylvania. Built in the 18th century (1774-1786) had the opportunity not only to be the home of the governor’s family, but also a status symbol of the city. During the 19th century it also hosted royalties such as Francis II, Holy Emperor and his wife Caroline Augusta of Bavaria and Franz Joseph I of Austria. It has many well-kept secrets and mysteries, one of them being its current ownership. Nowadays it is home to the Art Museum, having an amazing collection of Romanian and international artists’ works, and during summertime welcomes different cultural events in its beautiful courtyard such as palace concerts, book fairs and lively parties, that I truly enjoy. Crossing the street to have a better view of this amazing building, you will glimpse a street on its right side. That street (Iuliu Maniu Street) has something in common with psychodrama. Can you guess what? In psychodrama it is a technique and regarding the street it is an architectural trick
Aura
The Piarists’ Church (F)
The Piarists’ Church (Jesuit Church or University Church), located on Universității Street, no. 5, was built between 1718 and 1724. It is the first Baroque building in Transylvania, initially constructed by the Jesuit order. After its dissolution in 1773, Empress Maria Theresa transferred the church to the Piarist order in 1776. The main façade features two 45-meter towers, decorated with clocks and Ionic columns. The Baroque interior houses an impressive organ, built in 1849, one of the oldest and most valuable in Transylvania, located in the upper gallery and used in religious services and concerts.
Valentina
The Babeș-Bolyai University (G)
The building, built between 1893 and 1902, is one of the most impressive sights in Cluj — and for me, as well as for many of my fellow psychodramatists, it’s where our university journey began. This beautiful building is the heart of Babeș-Bolyai University, the oldest (founded in 1581) and largest university in Romania. If you ever get the chance to visit, you’ll find its full story on the information panels set up right in front, so I’ll save you from a long history lesson here. You’ll find it at the corner of Mihail Kogălniceanu and Universității Streets, both perfect for a leisurely walk. Mihail Kogălniceanu Street is actually one of the oldest streets in Cluj-Napoca, dating back to the 1400s. It used to be called “Wolves’ Lane” because back then, wolves would sometimes wander into the city from the nearby forests. For me, this street feels like a symbol of transformation. What was once a wild path is now one of the city’s key cultural streets, filled with historic buildings and important institutions — starting with the University at one end and ending with the beautiful Central Reformed Church, built between 1486 and 1516, at the other. The walk from the University to the Reformed Church takes no more than 10 minutes, and whichever way you turn afterwards, you’ll easily discover other important places in Cluj. If I can make a suggestion: on your way back, stroll along Universității Street. You’ll pass by many iconic buildings and institutions, plus you’ll find plenty of cozy bookstores, cafés, and restaurants. I especially recommend stopping by “Sisters” or “Insomnia” cafés — two lovely spots where you can enjoy a tea or coffee, and maybe start dreaming and making plans for your next psychodrama projects.
Monika
Saint George Statue (H)
The Tailors’ Bastion and the Saint George Statue in front of the Reformed Church on Farkas Street. In the heart of Cluj, the Tailors’ Bastion — one of the few well-preserved towers of the old city walls — invites you on a journey through time. This pentagonal, three-storey fortress has stood at the city’s southeastern corner since the 15th century, once maintained and defended by the tailors’ guild. Today, the restored bastion hosts a cultural center featuring exhibitions, a library, and a café. Just a short walk away, in front of the Reformed Church on Farkas Street, stands the statue of Saint George slaying the dragon — a faithful replica of the original masterpiece created in 1373 by the Cluj-born brothers, Márton and György. This bronze sculpture showcases exceptional medieval craftsmanship. In the evening, both landmarks are especially atmospheric when illuminated, perfect for a memorable stroll.
Aura
The Firemen’s Tower (I)
The Firemen’s Tower (Turnul Pompierilor) in Cluj-Napoca is a historic monument built in 1574, originally known as the Locksmiths’ Tower. Part of the city’s medieval fortifications, it served as a watchtower for detecting fires. Standing 28.5 meters tall, it offered excellent visibility. Restored in 2023, it now functions as an urban cultural center featuring exhibitions and a 360° panoramic view of the city. Visitors can access multiple levels via a modern elevator, and entrance is free. Access is from Tipografiei Street no. 17, with visiting hours between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Mihaela
Central Park (J)
Just a few minutes’ walk from Unirii Square, Cluj’s Central Park is a green oasis loved by everyone. Created in the 19th century, it has beautiful old trees, charming alleys, and the iconic Chios Lake, where you can rent boats during the warm season. For me, this park is where I reconnect with simplicity and calm. Whether it’s reading a book under a willow tree, watching little ducks swim lazily on the lake, or just laying on the grass and letting the sun warm my face, Central Park feels like a gentle hug from nature in the middle of the busy city.