Gradina Botanica (Botanical Gardens), Cluj-Napoca (must see)

The Cluj-Napoca Botanical Gardens, officially known as the Alexandru Borza Cluj-Napoca University Botanic Garden, is a lush, sprawling oasis that has been a center for botanical research and education since its founding in 1920 by Alexandru Borza. Covering more than 14 hectares, the garden is home to over 10,000 plant species from around the world, making it one of the most diverse and comprehensive botanical collections in Romania. The garden is meticulously organized into several sections, each dedicated to a different aspect of botany, including ornamental, phytogeographic, systematic, economic, and medicinal plants.

A key feature of the Botanical Gardens is its representation of Romania's rich and varied flora. Visitors can explore plant species native to the Transylvanian plains, the Carpathian Mountains, and the Banat region, offering a unique glimpse into the country's natural heritage. The systematic section, organized by taxonomical classifications, provides an educational experience for those interested in the scientific aspects of botany, while the medicinal section highlights the traditional uses of plants in healthcare.

Among the garden's many attractions are two particularly notable areas: the Japanese Garden and the Roman Garden. The Japanese Garden is a serene space designed in traditional Japanese style, complete with a flowing brook and an authentic Japanese-style house, providing a tranquil environment that contrasts with the vibrant diversity of the rest of the garden. The Roman Garden, on the other hand, offers a historical perspective with its archaeological remains from the ancient Roman colony of Napoca, including a statue of Ceres, the goddess of cereals and bread, set amidst plants that have been central to Romanian agriculture for centuries.