St Michael's is the second-largest church in Transylvania by floor area and won a Europa Nostra award in 2024 for its restoration, and the square holds 4.7 on Google from more than 10,000 reviews.
About the place
The church was begun after 1349 and built over almost a century and a half, until the early 16th century. King Matthias Corvinus, born in Cluj, was baptised here, and several princes of Transylvania were elected here. The neo-Gothic tower, more than 80 metres high, was added between 1837 and 1862; inside you can see the Baroque pulpit by Johann Nachtigall and Anton Schuchbauer and medieval wall paintings in the Schleuning Chapel.
In front of the church stands the group of King Matthias on horseback with four of his commanders, by János Fadrusz, unveiled in 1902. From 20 November 2026 to 1 January 2027 the square hosts the Christmas market: the organisers have announced more than 85 wooden huts, a tree over 20 metres tall lit on the opening evening, a Ferris wheel and workshops for children at Santa's House.
Good to know
- The church can be visited daily from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00, outside services; the tower opens only for special events.
- At the market, the workshops at Santa's House run daily from 16:00 to 20:00.
- On the north side of the square, at no. 28, is the Pharmacy Museum, and Matei Corvin Street, with the house where the king was born, starts at the north-west corner.
Opening hours
| Monday | 9–13, 15–18 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9–13, 15–18 |
| Wednesday | 9–13, 15–18 |
| Thursday | 9–13, 15–18 |
| Friday | 9–13, 15–18 |
| Saturday | 9–13, 15–18 |
| Sunday | 9–13, 15–18 |
Hours may change on public holidays. Check before you go.