Iași

The place of origin of many Romanian personalities

Iași is the municipality of the county with the same name and is rich in historical buildings, art, and culture. Numerous museums, memorial houses, churches and monasteries, cultural centres and relaxation areas are located in the place that for three centuries was the capital of Moldova.

This is the place of origin of many Romanian personalities from various fields.

 

History &

Geography

Iași was first documented during the years 1387-1392 as the “Fair of Iași”. In 1415 it appears mentioned as a city. From 1564 it was the capital of the feudal state of Moldova for 300 years. Its historical course reflects the trials to which it was subjected by the Turkish, Tatar, and Polish peoples. During the First World War, Iasi became the capital of Romania.

The city of Iași is located in the northeastern part of Romania, in the Moldavian plain. Its neighbors are: to the north – Botoșani, Suceava to the northwest, Neamț to the southwest, to the east – the Republic of Moldova, to the south – Vaslui.

Did you know...?

  • That the ”Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi is the first Romanian university? This was built with the support of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

  • Here you can find the first literary memorial museum in the country: the memorial house of the writer Ion Creangă?

  • Iași houses the largest Botanical Garden in Romania, and also the first in the country?

  • Iași was the capital of Romania during the First World War when the Central Powers had occupied Bucharest?

  • Iași is the third largest city in Romania based on the number of inhabitants?

Let's travel and discover

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN IAȘI

Palace of Culture

Palace of Culture – It was modeled after the town halls of Western Europe, merging several architectural styles: neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and neo-Baroque.

It is a symbol of architectural refinement and cultural wealth in Moldova. Built in the early 20th century, this impressive building houses numerous museums, art galleries, and performance halls, providing a bridge between past and present for its visitors. With its ornate facades and lush gardens, the Palace of Culture is a major attraction in Iași, captivating and inspiring those who visit it.

Iasi_Regiune-Iasi

Copou Park

Copou Park – It is the most imposing park in Iași, with stately busts of some of the greatest personalities in national culture lining its main avenue.

This is the perfect place for leisurely walks or enjoying a book in a tranquil setting. Crowned by the statue of Mihai Eminescu and surrounded by historical buildings, Copou Park exudes a special charm and represents an important part of the cultural heritage of the city of Iași.

Iasi_Parcul_Copou

Roznovanu Palace

Roznovanu Palace – It is an architectural gem that combines the elegance of neoclassical style with the richness of local history from the 18th century, housing the City Hall inside.

This palace was the residence of the Rosetti-Roznovanu family, one of the most influential political families in Moldova. Crucial political events took place here, and during the First World War, it served as the headquarters for ministries and governing councils of Romania.

Today, the palace continues to fascinate visitors with its beauty and its role in history, making it an essential option for those wishing to discover the history and culture of Iași.

Iasi_Palatul_Roznovanu

Cetățuia Monastery

Cetățuia Monastery – It was built in the 17th century, and initially, its role was to serve as a stronghold for rulers and nobles.

Cetățuia Monastery in Iași is a place of high spirituality and history, situated on the hills near the city. With an impressive panoramic view of the entire region, the monastery attracts pilgrims and tourists in search of peace and contemplation. This place of worship is a symbol of Orthodox tradition and the cultural heritage of Iași.

Iasi_Mănăstirea Cetățuia

Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden – It is one of the largest in Europe.

Its roots trace back to 1856 when the first Botanical Garden in Romania was established. Initiated by the physician and naturalist Anastasie Fatu, this garden was an important cultural center for the study of botany and an oasis of education and nature contemplation for the inhabitants of Iași. Over time, the garden has had multiple locations and has been reorganized to meet the ever-changing needs of the city and education.

Today, the Botanical Garden in Iași occupies an area of 80 hectares on Copou Hill and continues to attract visitors with its rich collection of exotic and local plants, being an essential attraction for those interested in nature and the history of botany in Romania.

Iasi_Grădina Botanică
Internal and external links

TRANSPORT TO/FROM IAȘI

Iași International Airport is located 8 kilometers away from the city, on Moara de Vânt Street, at no. 34. From here you have both international and domestic flights. BlueAir and WizzAir are the airlines that fly to Spain and most European cities. Domestic routes are provided by Tarom. The destinations in the country are Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara.

 

Another way to access various other domestic destinations is by train. This part of Romania is crossed by the Bucharest – Suceava and Bucharest – Iași railway lines. There are three stations in Iași: Iași Railway Station, Nicolina International Railway Station, and Socola Railway Station. The city has direct connections with the main cities in Romania.

 

If you prefer a faster option, you can choose to travel by bus/minibus. Here you will find all the necessary information to plan your trip: bus stations and stops, departure and arrival times, and destinations.

Festivals and other attractions

If you like music festivals, in Iași you will find one to your taste, regardless of the style of music you prefer. Here you have a list with some of them, but you should know that every weekend there are events for all tastes.

  • Balloon Magic – is an annual hot air balloon festival – a true spectacle of colour and magic. It takes place in Războieni (43 km from Iași), in May. The dates vary so make sure you check beforehand.
  • Ie Festival, Authentic Romania – is a festival dedicated to Romanian crafts and folk traditions, on June 23, on the eve of an important Christian holiday (Birth of St. John the Baptist).
  • Afterhills – a festival whose idea is to merge art and music. Among the musical genres heard at Afterhills we can mention: electronic music, rock, pop, hip-hop, reggae. The festival takes place on the outskirts of the city, at the end of August.

What are you waiting for?

Come and have a good time, enjoy music, nice people, and magical places.

Do you need help organizing your trip?

If you are thinking of traveling to Romania and you don't want to miss the most important places, count on our help. We take care of the logistics while you just have to relax and enjoy this wonderful experience.