The city dates back to the roman period when it was named Potaissa. The ruins of a roman military camp, “The V.th Macedonian Legion” can still be seen today on a hilltop. Famous for its salt mines the city was the scene of many important historical events. One of this is the Transylvanian Diet held in 1568 in the Roman-Catholic Church (XV century). Here the freedom of conscious and religious toleration was proclaimed for the first time in the world. 

The city is renowned for its Salt Mine which was known and exploited from the earliest days. The first systematic exploitations (underground mining), where made by the Romans. The Salt Mine was one of the most important salt mines in Transylvania, but in 1840 loses its importance and in 1932 the exploitation where stopped. During the II World War the Salt Mine was used as a bomb shelter by the citizens of Turda.

In the vicinity of Turda there are two spectacular gorges Tureni Gorges and Turzii Gorges.

Turzii Gorges situated 15 km from the city is a complex natural reservation, which contains botanical, geological, zoological, archaeological values and amazing sceneries. Rare butterflies, different bird species (including the rare cliff eagle) and other animals live between the walls of the gorge. Interesting archaeological discoveries were made in the caves of the gorge: tools, bowls, ornaments and primitive burial sites were found.