FORMER HUNGARIA HOTEL
It was one most representative buildings in the city. It was centrally located, in the City Square, on the west side of the city. Inaugurated in 1887, the hotel hosted, over the years, various political and cultural events (conferences, concerts, recitals, exhibitions) particularly in its drawing room. One of the most important events hosted here was the gathering of the Romanian political leaders in the restaurant of the hotel the day before the National Assembly to conclude the text of the Union Resolution, which was to be voted the following day, 1 December 1918.
Right after the union, the name of the hotel became „Dacia”, which later, in 1968, was changed to „Apulum”. In the first half of the twentieth century, the hotel was a common image on the postcards and photographs of Alba Iulia. Most of these photographs captured the hotel façade facing the city square, while the southern side was more covered with neoclassical elements. Over time, part of the building hosted the „House for Storage” and then „Transilvania Bank” which in 1934 became the owner of the hotel.
Although it was an elegant building that had contributed to the local history significantly, the city fathers decided to demolish it in the 80’s, considering that it stood in the way of town planning for the central area urban renewal.
Scientific consultant: Tudor Roșu, PhD historian
Translation made by: Ciprian Dobra, PR expert
Inaugurated in 1887, the Hungaria Hotel was the most impressive building in the so-called „Lower Town” at that time. Its position was central on the western side of the City Square.
The establishment hosted numerous political and cultural events. On 30 November 1918, it embraced Romania’s history when the articles of the Union Resolution were negotiated and settled in the hotel restaurant, creating the fundamental act of the Union of Transylvania with Romania. The act was officially put to vote and agreed upon the next day in the current Union Hall. Following the Union of 1918, the hotel was named „Dacia”. This changed to „Apulum” in 1968.
In the first half of the 20th century, the hotel was a predominant image of the views and photos of Alba Iulia. Following the Union of 1918, the name of the hotel became „Dacia”, and „Apulum” in 1968.
In the first half of the twentieth century, the hotel featured prominently in photographs of Alba Iulia. Despite its elegant edifice and important history, future government leaders decided to demolish the hotel and replace it with a block of flats in an attempt to reorganise the central area of Alba Iulia.