Alexandru Borza Botanical Garden — Attraction in Cluj Metropolitan Area

Stepping into the enchanting garden, I found myself immersed in a world of captivating beauty and serenity. The garden, a stunning amalgamation of nature's wonders, revealed a harmonious blend of vibrant colors, melodious sounds, and refreshing scents. It was a sanctuary where time seemed to stand still, allowing me to bask in its captivating ambiance.

The first thing that caught my attention were the diverse species of birds gracefully flitting through the verdant foliage. Their melodic songs filled the air, creating a symphony of nature's finest melodies. It was a joy to witness their playful interactions and to observe the intricate patterns of their plumage.

As I continued my exploration, a majestic water tower came into view, standing tall against the clear blue sky. Its rustic charm added a touch of nostalgia to the scene, reminding me of simpler times. The tower served not only as a functional structure but also as a captivating focal point, contributing to the garden's allure.

A small river meandered through the heart of the garden, its gentle flow lending a soothing soundtrack to my wanderings. The sound of water cascading over rocks and the occasional gurgle of a miniature waterfall filled me with tranquility. I couldn't resist dipping my hand into the crystal-clear water, feeling its cool touch against my skin.

Nestled on the bank of a small pond, a tiny reading room beckoned me to unwind and indulge in literary pleasures. The intimate space, adorned with comfortable chairs and shelves filled with books, offered a quiet respite from the outside world. I could feel the stress and worries melt away as I lost myself in the pages of a captivating novel, accompanied by the gentle lapping of the water against the shore.

One of the highlights of the garden was undoubtedly the expansive greenhouse, a haven for tropical plants from around the world. Divided into different sections, it housed a breathtaking array of flora, some of which I recognized from my home country, St. Vincent. The vivid hues, exotic foliage, and intoxicating fragrances transported me back to the lush landscapes of my childhood. Each step through the greenhouse revealed new wonders, and I couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of plant life thriving within its walls.

My visit to this delightful garden was a truly unforgettable experience. The tranquility and natural beauty that enveloped me were unparalleled, leaving a lasting impression on my soul. Two hours seemed to pass by in an instant, and as I reluctantly made my way back, I couldn't help but yearn for more time in this enchanting paradise. I highly recommend this garden to anyone seeking solace, inspiration, and a connection with nature's...

A bit of history: The Cluj-Napoca Botanical Garden, officially Alexandru Borza Cluj-Napoca University Botanic Garden (Romanian: Grădina Botanică Alexandru Borza a Universităţii Cluj-Napoca), is a botanical garden located in the south part of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. It was founded in 1872 by Hungarian linguist Sámuel Brassai, known as the "Last Transylvanian Polymath". Its director in 1905 was Aladár Richter, then Páter Béla, Győrffy István, and then, in 1920, it was taken over by the local university and by Alexandru Borza.

In addition to its role as a tourist destination, the garden also serves as a teaching and research center as part of the Babeș-Bolyai University. In 2010, the Romanian Ministry of Culture and National Patrimony categorized it as a historical monument.

The garden is over 14 hectares in area, with over 10,000 plants found throughout the world. It is divided into ornamental, phytogeographic (geobotanical), systematic (taxonomical), economic, and medicinal sections. Romanian flora and vegetation are represented by plants from the Transylvanian plains, the Carpathian Mountains, Banat, etc.

Among the Botanical Garden's interesting attractions are the Japanese Garden (a garden in Japanese style, with a brook and a Japanese-style house), the Roman Garden with archeological remains from the Roman colony of Napoca, among them a statue of Ceres, goddess of cereals and bread, alongside cultivated plants that dominate contemporary Romanian agriculture. Jablonovszki Elemér[1] was its head gardener for 45 years.

15 Lei entrance for adults, but 9 Lei if you come after the greenhouses close.

Very nice place. The garden is clean and quiet. The diversity of plants is amazing. You can enjoy a relaxing day in the middle of nature. A beautiful place to visit when the flowers are in bloom, recommend visiting the Japanese garden, the Roman garden and the plant house, also check the many waterfalls along the way. Please mind your steps because some times there are small nesting birds in the area and also keep on the trails do not go off trail because you are disturbing the work that the care takers do and also the wildlife. Every time when we go to Cluj-Napoca we take a few hours to enjoy the...

In my experience, if you want to see a lot of color, the best time to visit is either in the fall, or around April (for the tulips) or June (for the roses), but it’s beautiful and peaceful anytime, with something interesting to see whenever you choose to go.

For instance, even though I had just missed the tulips this year, so it happened that the rare Himalayan blue poppy was beginning to bloom.

The Japanese and Roman Gardens are both beautiful. There is a pond with ducks and koi fish. In the fall the little hill (where the water tower is) was full of squirrels, the kids loved them. The top of the hill is especially beautiful when the leaves change color and cover the ground. It may be a bit more modest than some botanical gardens you may have seen (in the movies, if not elsewhere), but it does have its own charm.

You can buy ice cream or something to drink from a small stand in a corner, and souvenirs from the ticket booth right next to the entrance, where in the spring they also sold tulip bulbs.

There are benches to sit down, so you can have a snack, relax, or take a book and spend the day there. Or you can just walk around listening to birdsong (may take a couple of hours to see the entire garden), either way it’s a nice break from the city.

The greenhouses close in the afternoon (around 5PM I think), so if you’ve already seen them before and you go later, then the tickets are a...