Transylvanian Astronomical Observatories in the 18th Century

The natural sciences in Transylvania came to the fore in the 18th century. At that time, the teaching of astronomical knowledge became more and more important. The first observatories suitable for astronomical observations were founded in this period in Cluj (Kolozsvar) and Alba Iulia (Gyulafehervar). The famous astronomer Maximillian Hell was one of the Jesuits who contributed substantially to the foundations of these astronomical observatories. This paper offers a short overview of the beginnings of these two observatories, which are important parts of the European astronomical heritage.