The Tailors’ Tower (Baba Novac Street / Stefan cel Mare Square) is part of the second fortified precinct of the walls system and of the fortifications of the city, built in the first half of 15th century and continued until the 17th century. It was built on the South-Eastern corner of the city defense wall, after 1405, following the privileges keyed by King Sigismund of Luxemburg. The first confirmed documents date 1457, from the time of King Matia Corvin.
The administration of the Tower was entrusted to the most powerful guilds of the town – the tailors’ guild. Over time, the Tower was devastated several times (1551-1553, 1601, 1627, and 1707). The actual shape is given by the last big reconstruction from the 1709-1711, made by the Austrians, out of over 150 stone wagons. The Tower was renewed again in 1956-1957, when they attempted the opening of a history museum of the city of Cluj, a project forbidden by the communist authorities in 1959.
In front of the Tower was located the statue of Baba Novac (sculptor Virgil Fulicea), the general of Michael the Brave, killed in 1600.
Starting with 2008, after the restoration made under the aegis of Local Council and the Cluj-Napoca City Hall, the Tower received a new destination: The City Cultural Centre.
Text preluat de pe visitclujnapoca.ro.
