Motto
...Forever the traveller and the wanderer, I always found
Iaşi to be a restful place to stop by (...). I remember its
cheerfulness as being entirely intellectual, presided over
by the icon of my literary friends, gathered in debates and
readings (...). A day spent in Iaşi was for me a discreet
and finely nuanced celebration. In Iaşi I felt closer than
elsewhere to the ideal place where everyone would like to
spend their life. There was, in this royal city, enveloped
in the melancholy of unbearably grand memories, more wit and
more worship of all things intellectual than in any other
Romanian centre..." (Gala Galaction – "Iasii-as
they were")
About Iasi
Iasi is the most important political, economic and cultural
centre of Moldavia and one of the oldest cities in Romania.
Situated in the North-East of Romania, between the Moldavian
Plateau and the Jijia Plain, on the River Bahlui, it used to
be the crossroads place of the commercial routes that passed
through Moldavia coming from Poland, Hungary, Russia and
Constantinopole.
Archaelogical investigations attest the presence of human
communities on the present territory of the city and around it
as far back as the prehistoric age. But the beginnings of
urban life in lasi are to be found in the second half of the
14th century, the name of the city being mentioned for the
first time in a document about commercial privilege granted by
the Moldavian ruler Alexandru cel Bun to the Polish merchants
of Lvov in 1408.
Major events in the political and cultural history of Moldavia
are connected with the name of the city of Iasi. Thus it is
here that we can trace the roots of the Romanian national
historiography. The great scholars of the 17th century - "the
golden age" of Romanian culture - namely Grigore Ureche, Miron
Costin and later Ion Neculce, wrote most of their works in the
city or not far from it and the famous scholar Dimitrie
Cantemir known throughout all Europe also linked his name to
the capital of Moldavia.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the many-sided scholar
Gheorghe Asachi laid the foundation of the national school in
the Romanian language and, in 1829, he published the first
newspaper in Romanian. And it was also here that the first
superior institute in the country was founded in 1835.
This same town was the place where Alexandru loan Cuza was
elected ruler of Moldavia (January 5th, 1859), the first step
in fulfilling the Romanians' desire of forming a single
unified country named Romania.
Iasi continued to be the most important cultural centre of the
country even after Bucharest became the capital of Romania in
1862. It is in Iasi that the first Romanian university was
founded in 1860, during the reign of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, and
in 1867 there appeared the "Convorbiri literare" review in
which Ion Creangă’s "Memories from My Boyhood" and the best
poems by Mihai Eminescu, the "Morning Star" of Romanian
poetry, were published. The reviews "Contemporanul" and "Viata
românească” appeared in 1871, respectively in 1906, and had a
great contribution to promoting our national cultural values.
Many great personalities of Romanian culture are connected to
Iasi: the chronicler Nicolae Milescu, the historian and
political man Mihail Kogălniceanu, the poet Vasile Alecsandri,
the writer Mihail Sadoveanu, the poet George Topârceanu, the
writer Alecu Russo, the writer Ionel Teodoreanu, the literary
critic Titu Maiorescu, the chemist Petru Poni, the historian
A.D. Xenopol, the philosopher Vasile Conta, the sociologist
Dimitrie Gusti, the geographer Emil Racoviţă the philosopher
Petru Andrei, the painter Octav Băncilă and many others.
Iasi, "the city of great loves", represents a symbol of
Romanian history about which Nicolae lorga rightly said "there
should be no Romanian who does not know it".
Called “the city on seven hills”, Iasi enjoys not only a nice
relief and climate, but also a special social ambient: stately
historical monuments, 500-year-old churches and monasteries,
contemporary architecture… all ages have left their spiritual
mark upon the city. With over 350,000 inhabitants, the city of
Iasi is the capital of the County of Iasi and also of the
whole Moldavian region. Characterised by the presence of an
active population, by a high number of students (over 80,000),
the city is equipped with all the facilities and services
inherent to a regional metropolis: an important transportation
network, good administration, hospitals, high quality cultural
and sports centres, restaurants, festivals etc.


Iasi - Cultural Capital of Romania
The city of Iasi is famous as a cultural city, as it hosts
important monuments of the spiritual history of Romania, and
at the same time this is the place where tradition thrives and
is very much alive.
"Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University

It is the first university in Romania and it was founded by
Al.I.Cuza with the help of Mihail Kogalniceanu, in 1860. The
today’s headquarters of the university was inaugurated on 21
October 1897 in the presence of King Carol I and Queen
Elizabeth. The building, a mixture of the Classical and
Baroque styles, houses the famous “Hall of the Lost Footsteps”
where one can admire the works of the painter Sabin Balasa.
Museums
The Palace of Culture
The Palace of Culture was built during 1906-1925 and it is
the most important creation of the Romanian architect I. D.
Berindei. It was inaugurated in 1926 in the presence of King
Ferdinand Hohenzollern. The central tower has a clock with
three frames, each one of 3,25 m diameter and a carillon that
plays the “Hora Unirii”. The building served as headquarters
of the Administrative and Justice Palace until 1955. Today it
houses four museums: the Moldavian History Museum, the Science
and Technology Museum, the Art Museum, the Moldavian
Ethnography Museum.
“Mihai Eminescu” Museum

“Mihai Eminescu” Museum is situated in Copou Park and it is
dedicated to the great poet’s life and creation. The building
has three rooms: the Room of destiny, the Art room and the
Friendship’s room. The book collection includes editions of
Eminescu’s work from the first editions since recent ones,
monographic studies concerning the poet’s life, critical
exegesis and translations of Eminescu’s poems in foreign
languages. The “Mihai Eminescu”photos collection includes
original samples and photocopies of all the photos regarding
the life and activity of Eminescu. The museum’s art collection
includes paintings, graphics and sculpture referring to
Eminescu and his works.
Dosoftei House
Dosoftei House is a building from the second half of the 17th
century in which in 1679, the metropolitan bishop Dosoftei
settled the second typography in Moldavia. With three facades,
arched and right-angled windows, the edifice was restored
between 1966-1969. Here the department of old literature of
the Romanian Literature Museum was opened in 1970. Among the
important pieces of the museum, we can count: a Slavonian
manuscript from the 14th century (1350-1380), a Missal printed
by Macarie in 1508 (the first Romanian printing), the oldest
copies of the Moldavia’s Chronicles written by Grigore Ureche
and Miron Costin, the Homily of the metropolitan bishop
Varlaam (the first printing in Moldavia), the Psalter (1673)
of the metropolitan bishop Dosoftei and a 1682 Gospel of the
same bishop.
The Union Musem
The building in which the Union Museum has its headquarters
was built at the beginning of the 19th century. The palace
served as the royal residence of Prince Al.I.Cuza between
1859-1862. In 1917-1918, during the first World War, here was
the royal residence of king Ferdinand.
The Union Museum was opened in 1959, when they celebrated 100
years since the Union in 1859. The museum’s patrimony includes
original pieces and documents of extraordinary value which
belonged to prince Al.I.Cuza and his family.
Pogor House
It houses the Romanian Literature Museum in Iasi. The edifice
was built in 1850 by the High Steward Vasile Pogor and his
wife, Zoe.
Casa Pogor has a rich history linked to Iasi cultural life,
being a meeting place for the city intellectuals, the
headquarters of Literary Society “Junimea” (1863) and of the
“Literary Interlocutions” magazine (1867).
Memorial Houses
Ion Creanga ”Cottage”
It is the first memorial literature museum in Romania,
inaugurated in April 1918. Here the great writer Ion Creanga
lived between 1872-1889 and here he wrote his entire work. It
has two rooms and a vestibule and contains Creanga’s writing
materials and personal effects. Between 1984-1989, in the
garden, a small amphitheatre was built for the celebration of
traditional customs.
”Mihail Sadoveanu” Memorial House
The building situated on Copou Hill belonged to
M.Kogalniceanu. In this house, between 1919-1947, the great
prose writer Mihail Sadoveanu lived. In 1947 he donated his
Copou property to the Agronomic Institute from Iasi.
On the first Sunday in May, “Lilac’s celebration” is organized
here every year. “Mihail Sadoveanu” museum was inaugurated on
6th November 1980.
Churches & Monasteries
The Metropolitan Cathedral
Bishop
Veniamin Costache is the one who had the idea of building in
Iasi a monumental church. The plan for this church was
designed by the architects Johann Freywald and Bucher. The
works took place first between 1833-1839 and then between
1880-1887, this time following the plans of the Romanian
architect, Alexandru Orascu. The painting of the cathedral was
done by Gheorghe Tattarescu.
It was inaugurated on 23April 1887, at this event also taking
part King Carol I and Bishop Iosif Naniescu.
In 1889 the relics of Saint Paraschiva were brought from Three
Hierarchs Church to the new cathedral.
Barboi Church 
Barboi Church was built between 1841-1844 on the foundation
of an old church dating from 1615. The Byzantine interior was
built from rock and brick. The portico, held by Doric columns,
is created in Classical style, while the spire presents
neo-Gothic Roman elements. Because of its form and dimensions,
Barboi Church is the Moldavian replica of some similar
buildings on Mount Athos.
Writer Alecu Russo and sovereign Ioan Sandu Sturdza were
buried in the church’s court, and in the tower was found the
library of writer Costache Conachi. At this church Ion Creanga
was curate during 1863-1865.
Golia Monastery
Old
foundation from the 16 century of chancellor Ioan Golia, the
church was restored at other dimensions by sovereign Vasile
Lupu between 1650-1653 and finished by his son, Stefanita
Voda.
The monastery is surrounded by a high wall, with spires at the
corners raised in 1667 and a steeple tower restored in 1900.
The tower of Golia is 30 m height. The visitor who wants to
have a panorama of the city has to climb 120 stairs. The tower
is one of city’s symbols.
During 1943-1947 restoration works took place at Golia, the
monastery’s church being reopened after that.
In 1955, in two rooms on the Eastern part of the precinct,
“Creanga” Museum was inaugurated, with documentary materials
regarding the life of the great writer which was curate of
monastery’s church.
Cetatuia Monastery

Cetatuia Monastery was built by sovereign Gheorghe Duca
between 1669-1672. At the beginning, the church was surrounded
by high rock walls, with bulwarks and a guard road, entrance
and corner towers.
What makes Cetatuia unique is that it has maintained the whole
ensemble of monastic architecture. On the Southern part of the
precinct stands the Gothic Room “Doamna Anastasia”. The royal
palace is a fortified building from the 17 century. The
steeple tower and the massiveness of the walls are proving the
fact that the monastery was conceived also as a refuge place,
being in case of need, a real fortress. The monastery’s church
is specific for the religious Moldavian architecture of the
17century. The monastic ensemble which was restored in the
inter-war period at Nicolae Iorga’s request also includes a
museum with numerous religious objects.
"Three Hierarchs" Monastery
“Three
Hierarchs” Monastery is the most beautiful foundation of
sovereign of Vasile Lupu, prince of Moldavia, built between
1637-1639.
During 1882-1904 restoration works took place under the
supervision of the French architect Lecomte de Nouy. The
exterior decorations completely covering the building were
gilded at the beginning, and combine Turkish, Arab, Georgian,
Armenian and Persian elements with Romanian architectural
motives in a wonderful rock lace. Over 30 registers of
decorative motifs can be noticed.
Inside the monastery, members of Vasile Lupu’s family,
Dimitrie Cantemir and Alexandru Ioan Cuza are buried.
Galata Monastery
The church was built between 1579-1584 by prince Petre
Schiopul. The first church of the monastery was ruined after a
short time, this fact determining the founder to build a
second church on the hill dominating Nicolina river valley, in
1583. As regards the name of the monastery, some historians
believe that it comes from the name of Galata neighbourhood in
Constantinople. The interior painting was destroyed in 1762
during a blaze and it was repainted in 1811 by Vasile
Dubrovski. The palace founded by Petru Schiopu was kept in the
monastery’s precinct in a good form after the restoration.
The Great Synagogue
It was built between 1659-1670, is the oldest of Jewish
praying houses in Romania. If in exterior it is very simple,
without any decorations, the interior is as sophisticated as
possible, decorated and gifted with valuable objects:
chandeliers, candlesticks.
Hadambu Monastery 
Situated in Mogosesti, at 30 km south-west from Iasi, it was
founded by Iani Hadimbul in 1959 on a place donated to him by
sovereign Gheorghe Ghica. After a long period of being closed,
the monastery was reopened in 1990.
The Catholic Cathedral
The
building of the old cathedral was first built from wood in
1753, on the place of an older church. Between 1782-1789, the
church was rebuilt from brick and it remained so until these
days. By the time, it suffered some restoration works,
especially after the 1802’s earthquake and the blaze in 1827.
In 1861, at the initiative of bishop Iosif Salandri, some new
works of restoration and extension were made and the interior
of the church was painted by Giuseppe Carta from Palermo.
White marble altars and via cruces icons were also brought.
Today, near the old cathedral, one can see a new church, a
very modern building, circular and which has in its central
part an oblong spire finished by a cross.
The Armenian Church
A true historical monument, this church testifies the
existence of an important Armenian community in these parts of
Romania. Restored in 1803, this halidom lodges an array of
rocks with inscriptions, one of them certifying the beginnings
of the building in 1385 by Macar. In 1451 the church was
endowed with a Gospel written and illustrated in Caffa from
Crimeea, 100 years before.
"Vasile Alecsandri" National Theatre

It was built between 1894-1896 by the well-known Viennese
architects, Fellner and Helmer. In 1956 when they celebrated
140 years since the first performance in Romanian, the theatre
in Iasi received the name of the great poet, playwright and
man of culture Vasile Alecsandri (1821-1890). Today, this
architectural jewel houses also the Romanian Iasi Opera.
The Central University Library "Mihai Eminescu"
The
edifice was built between 1930-1934 by the architect
Constantin Jotzu. Initially the building had to be the
headquarters of the University Foundation Ferdinand I
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, King of Romania between 1914-1927.
On of September 1945 it became the Central The interior of the
building is made by Carrara marble and Venetian mosaic and the
exterior is adorned with Ionic columns.
Parks and gardens
The Botanical Garden
Founded in 1856 by the doctor and naturalist Anastasie Fatu,
great patriot man of culture, it is the first botanical
gardens in Romania. During that time it had several locations,
but in 1963 was moved to its present headquarters, on Copou
Hill.
With 100 hectares surface, the Botanical Gardens in Iasi
include the sector of green-houses (with wonderful collections
of tropical plants, cactuses, orchids and carnivorous plants),
the rose garden (with over 800 species from all over the
world), a recreational park with a lake.
Copou Park
In
1834 Prince Mihail Sturdza decided to build the first public
garden in Iasi, permitting access of all the inhabitants of
the city. The garden was enlarged in 1849 and then in 1852,
and in 1860 street lamps were installed here for the first
time. The oldest monument in Romania, the Obelisk of the
Lions, stands in the middle of the park. It was created by
Mihail Singurov in 1834. On “Junimea” alley, bronze busts of
the members of this well-known cultural organisation in Iasi
can be admired.
Roznovanu Palace (The City Hall)

Roznovanu Palace is the former residence of the
Rosetti-Roznovanu family, built at the initiative of Iordache
Neculai Roznovanu. It was inaugurated cu mare fast on 23rd
April 1832 and at that time it was considered the most
beautiful building in Iasi.
The master of the palace had 3 wives, and the last of them,
Maria, was the one that opened the gates of the palace for
musicians and literates.
Here George Enescu and Haricleea Darcle had concerts, and also
here Mihai Eminescu read his poems, and the balls offered by
lady Marghiolita were renowned in the whole region. In 1891,
Vasile Pogor buys the palace from the Roznovanu family and
establishes the headquarters of the City Hall.
During 1893-1894, the building undergoes several changes (an
additional storey is built and the chapel is demolished) and
it becomes for a short time the residence of the royal family
(Prince Ferdinand and Princess Maria).During World War I,
during 1916 – 1918, the Roznovanu Palace hosted the
headquarters of the ministries and the political leaders
refugees from Bucharest. In 1918, the Romanian War Council met
in the present Conference Hall of the Local Council.
The building was restored after the fire in 1958 which
destroyed almost completely the second floor and most of the
ornaments on the first floor.
The administrative leadership of the city moves to the present
headquarters again in 1969.
Today, in the former ball room of the Roznovanu family the
meetings of the Local Council are held, as well as the great
balls of the City Hall.