The cities of Cluj-Napoca and Turda lie, respectively, 80 and 100 km east of Moigrad. Cluj-Napoca is the principal city of Transylvania, hosting a population of about 300,000; Turda is a quaint town of about 30,000. Both cities possess a rich history that extends back to the Roman period.

One of the largest Roman fortresses is located at Potaissa (Turda). Founded during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, Potaissa may have served as the capital of Dacia Porolissensis for a period of time. Today visitors can see many portions of the castrum as well as a large bath complex. We were fortunate to have as our guide Dr. Ani Catinas, who has worked at Potaissa for many years.

Dr. Catinas also led us through another attraction near Turda: a vast system of salt mines. Two areas of central and western Transylvania have mountains composed predominantly of salt. Ever since Roman times these mountains have been quarried for this resource. One of the most impressive salt mines is located near Turda with galleries several kilometers long. While there is evidence of Roman quarrying at this salt mine, the main period of activity occurred between the 18th and early 20th centuries. Today the mines are considered to be a health spa. Visitors with respiratory afflictions visit the mines for 2 hours per day for 10 days. In order to pass the time, some visitors play ping-pong or soccer.

Cluj-Napoca is the capital city of Transylvania and is quite cosmopolitan. The city center hosts many important works of architecture and statuary. The archaeology museum is one of the most impressive in all Romania. The city is very animated, in large part due to the Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj, with its 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Some of the highlights of the city are the Gothic church of St. Michael in Piata Unirii; the Orthodox cathedral on Piata Avram Iancu and the Theater on Piata Stefan cel Mare.