PRESS RELEASE:

Cluj-Napoca, March 15, 2024: On the occasion of the rehabilitation works of the IL Caragiale park and the streets in its vicinity, the specialists of the National History Museum of Transylvania (MNIT) have carried out a series of archaeological research. On O. Petrovici str., right in the area behind MNIT, the fence of a former bakery was identified. 

In the open area on the western side of the park, in the area of ​​the former parking lot of the Faculty of Construction, several historical masonry were identified: in the southwestern area of ​​the archaeological section, the wall of a building that stretched over a good part of the park. "The ceramic material in the upper layers can be broadly classified in the 2th-1th centuries. The place where the section was drawn corresponds documentarily to the water gate, one of the first gates of the medieval fortress. It was partially surprised, embedding in it the 2 m wide enclosure wall, as well as a row of tiles from a road that started from this northern point of the enclosure. The renovations are late, most likely from the XNUMXth century. The gate also has a counterpart on the southern side. The two supposedly worked until the opening of the archeologically identified main gate in the post office area (Photos XNUMX and XNUMX)." says Dr. George Cupcea, Scientific Officer and Deputy General Director of MNIT.

In the open area following the removal of a trench for the introduction of electricity cables, the medieval enclosure wall was identified in the first phase. Below it, starting with the depth of 2,70 m from the current treading level, the northern Roman precinct of the city of Napoca was identified. 

The wall that looks like this has several construction phases (Photos 3, 4, 5): 

• 0,60-2,00 m the last phase of the medieval enclosure, relatively well preserved, built of large blocks 0,80 x 0,60 x 0,30, with smaller stones embedded among them. 

• 2,00-2,70 m probably the first phase of the medieval enclosure with stone of smaller dimensions 0,55 x 0 x 30 fixed with building material. 

• 2,70-4,00 Roman enclosure, built in the technique opposite quadratum, with the main blocks of 1,60 x 0,40 x 0,20 as far as can be distinguished from its northern side, towards the Mill canal. From this phase, three assizes can certainly be distinguished, the one in the upper part certainly visible, the stonework being worked much more carefully than the blocks below. The sole of the foundation consists of a row of stones The Roman foundation is identical to the one identified during our research in 2018, on V. Fulicea street, no. 23 (Photo 6).

"Therefore, we are dealing with an overlap of the three historical precincts of the city, which was also confirmed in previous research on the W side (str. V. Fulicea, no. 23). On this occasion, the northern side of the precinct of the Roman city of Napoca was also precisely identified, of which three sides (W, S and N) are known to date (Napoca map 1 and 2)." continued Dr. George Cupcea.

In other researched or researched areas, modern and Roman structures have been identified, dated by archaeological material (Roman tile with the inscription EX(ercitus) D(aciae) P(orolissensis) and a fragment of sealed earth (luxury Roman ceramics) which falls between 170-200 AD). In the main surface, oriented to the middle of the park, in the NS direction, the aim is to identify the enclosure walls and possible adjacent structures (the gate?), with the aim of marking their path on the surface and their possible valorization.

The archaeological research is coordinated by the MNIT team consisting of: Dr. George Cupcea (scientific manager), Dr. Cosmin Onofrei, Dr. Sorin Cociș, Dr. Viorica Rusu-Bolindeț, Dr. Radu Lupescu, Karina Necșe, Raul Todika and Csaby Danel.

"In this way, we remind all Cluj residents, and not only, that the Cluj Histories Exhibition within the MNIT is still open to the general public. The exhibition represents a synthetic and clear presentation of the history of Cluj. Visitors have access to artifacts discovered during the most recent archaeological research in the center, or from previously unpublished lots. This foray into Cluj's past, from the Neolithic to today, is illustrated with goods from the museum's collection, and the themes presented are chosen according to this heritage. We are waiting for you!" concludes Dr. Felix Marcu, MNIT Manager.

For more details:
Adrian B. Gog, PR Representative
adrian.gog@prandmore.ro, 0757355675

PRESS RELEASE:

• In the first month after reopening, the Pharmacy Museum attracted an impressive number of visitors, a notable increase from the 10.000 visitors in the previous 12 months before the renovation.
• The Museum of Pharmacy prepares a diverse range of special events to bring the community closer to the history and importance of health.

Cluj-Napoca, February 15, 2024: Only one month after its reopening, the Pharmacy Museum, a valuable collection of the National History Museum of Transylvania (MNIT), captivated more than 4500 visitors, marking a remarkable interest from the public. Compared to the year before the renovation, when the museum recorded 10.000 visitors in total, this figure underlines the increased interest and relevance of the museum in the current cultural and educational context. "We are deeply impressed by the large number of visitors. It confirms interest and appreciation for our heritage and motivates us to continue to provide quality educational experiences.” says Dr. Felix Marcu, Manager of MNIT.

Located in the historic Hintz House, the Pharmacy Museum offers a window into the pharmaceutical and medical past of Transylvania. After a recent renovation, the building reveals its historical layers, from Roman ruins and medieval foundations, to 7000th century murals and recent interventions, in a space where visitors can explore the evolution of pharmacy and medicine. The museum houses a remarkable collection of over XNUMX original artefacts, ranging from historic medical equipment to various containers and highly valuable manuscripts. These exhibits reveal the history of the development of pharmacy and medical practices in Transylvania. Visitors have the opportunity to browse the museum's galleries, where they can admire not only the medical instruments of yesteryear, but also other valuable objects that reflect the changes in the perception of health and the treatment of diseases over time.

The museum has also lined up a series of special events for the near future aimed at engaging and educating the public about the history of health. “We are delighted to offer a packed calendar of interactive and educational activities this year. In March we will announce the three types of interactive workshops, which are mainly addressed to schools, for the Different School and Green Week programs, but are also open to other visitors, in groups of 10-15 people. Then we have the themed events, starting with the "Elixir of Love" workshop on February 24th, continuing with "International Health Day" on April 7th, "Drug Abuse Prevention Day" on June 26th and culminating in "International Immunization Day" on November 10th . Each of these events is designed to connect the Cluj community with the history and relevance of health." says Ana-Maria Gruia, museographer at the Pharmacy Museum.

Casa Hintz, the location of the Pharmacy Museum, has a fascinating history, being the first public pharmacy in Cluj opened around 1550. This historic building, which housed the Mauksch-Hintz Pharmacy for almost two centuries, has recently been renovated, revealing a special architectural mosaic .

The museum offers a variety of ways to explore, including free virtual guides (in Romanian and English, soon in Hungarian, German and sign language), informative brochures (available in three languages) and the specialized guidance of a museographer. Normal visiting hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00, with last entry at 17:30. The cost of the ticket is 30 lei for adults and 7.5 lei for pupils and students, tickets being available at the entrance to the museum, at Piața Unirii no. 28.