Ecclesiastical architecture, green spaces, historic buildings, unique museums – you can find them all in the city on the river Bahlui. If you arrive in Iași and do not want to omit the most beautiful tourist attractions in the city, below you will find a brief overview of some of them:
Palace of Culture
The Palace of Culture is the symbol of the city and was built between 1906 and 1925. In the past on the same spot was the entire royal court was located. Today, we notice a special monument of neo-Gothic architecture. Over the course of two centuries, the palace underwent various modifications to reach its current appearance. The building houses four museum sections, namely: the Museum of History of Moldova, the Museum of Science and Technology “Stefan Procopiu”, the Museum of Art and the Ethnographic Museum of Moldova. To consult the program and the rates, access this site. The building is located in Ștefan cel Mare şi Sfânt Square, at number 1.
Copou Park
The park covers 10 ha and is located on Carol I Boulevard, at number 31. The green space hosts the “Lions’ Obelisk”, a monument that represents the four European powers that have recognised Romania’s independence. Here you will also find Eminescu’s Tilia tree and his bust. Eminescu is the greatest national poet. The “Junimea” alley within the park refers to the cultural association that was founded in Iași in 1863 and is the place where the busts of its members are can be seen.
Metropolitan Cathedral
It is a cathedral that is part of the list of national historical monuments and dates back to the time of ruler Mihail Sturdza, ie around 1833. The building is representative of the Renaissance architectural style, and the decorative symbols are Baroque-inspired.
Botanical Gardens
This is the first botanical garden in Romania and covers almost 100 hectares. The greenhouses are divided into 12 sections and include Mediterranean, tropical plants, ornamental flowers. The ornamental sector contains decorative, herbaceous, woody plants. The rosary sector contains about 600 varieties of roses.
Cetățuia Monastery
This monastery was built in 1672 and has six elements: the Church “St. Apostles Peter and Paul ”, the Gothic hall, the princely house, the body of the cells, the bell tower, the enclosure wall. It is an Orthodox monastery of monks that is surrounded by a wall that has witnessed significant events, including the period of refuge of the rulers and the siege of the Austrians.
„Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre
The building was erected in 1840, under the aegis of big names from the Romanian cultural landscape such as the poet Vasile Alecsandri and the writer Costache Negruzzi. The interior is emblematic made in rococo style.
Golia Monastery
The religious building was erected in 1660 and can be likened to a medieval fortress. To enjoy a beautiful view over the city we suggest you climb the tower of the monastery which is 30 meters high. You will have to make a little effort to climb the 120 steps, but it will not be in vain.
Union Museum
A visit to this museum will give you the opportunity to get acquainted with Romania’s modern history. The building in which the museum is located is representative of the neoclassical style, being a jewel in the architectural landscape of Iași. The museum is located on Lăpușneanu Street, at number 14.
Dosoftei House
Also known as the “Arcade House”, this building dates back to the eighteenth century and it houses a section of the Museum of Romanian Literature. Among the most important objects, all with a unique character, we can mention: manuscripts, icons, a model of a printing house.
