Blaj is a city in Alba County, Transylvania, Romania. It has a population of 17,816 inhabitants as of 2021.
Country
Kingdom of Hungary, Eastern Hungarian Kingdom, Principality of Transylvania, Habsburg monarchy
Website
http://www.primariablaj.ro/
Overview
Blaj (; archaically spelled as Blaș; ; ; Transylvanian Saxon: Blußendref) is a city in Alba County, Transylvania, Romania. It has a population of 17,816 inhabitants (2021).
The city administers eight villages: Deleni-Obârșie (Obursatanya), Flitești, Izvoarele (until 1960 Ciufud; Csufud), Mănărade (Monora), Petrisat (Magyarpéterfalva), Spătac (Szászpatak), Tiur (Tűr), and Veza (Véza).
The landmark of the city is the fact that it was the principal religious and cultural center of the Romanian Greek-Catholic Church in Transylvania.
History
Blaj is first mentioned in 1271 as Villa Herbordi, after the deed of a Count Herbod. In 1313, the domain passed to Herbod's son Blasius Cserei and the town was mentioned as Blasii. Started as a hamlet for the twenty families of servants of the noble's court, it was awarded town status on May 19, 1737.
