Iași

Iași, Romania's second-largest city, is a cultural and academic center in the country's northeast. With Romania's oldest university and over 100 Orthodox churches, Iași captivates visitors with its rich history and architecture. You can admire the grand Palace of Culture, stroll through the historic Copou Park, or examine the intricate stone carvings of the Three Hierarchs Monastery. The city's blend of medieval churches, neoclassical palaces, and modern institutions creates a unique urban landscape.

Exploring the Palace of Culture

The Palace of Culture dominates Iași's skyline with its neo-Gothic architecture. Built in the early 20th century, this massive building contains four museums. You can visit the Moldavia History Museum to learn about the region's past, explore traditional crafts at the Ethnographic Museum, admire Romanian and European art at the Art Museum, or dive into scientific exhibits at the Science and Technology Museum. As you walk through the palace's 365 rooms, you'll be impressed by its ornate interiors and grand design.

Orthodox Churches and Monasteries

With its abundance of Orthodox places of worship, Iași is often called the "City of a Hundred Churches." The Metropolitan Cathedral, Romania's largest Orthodox church, impresses visitors with its Italian Renaissance style and elaborate frescoes. At the Church of the Three Hierarchs, you'll see medieval Moldavian architecture at its finest. Intricate stone carvings cover its exterior walls, while valuable frescoes adorn the interior. For a bird's-eye view of the city, climb the tall tower of the Golia Monastery, surrounded by fortified walls.

Parks and Green Spaces

When you need a break from sightseeing, relax in one of Iași's parks. Copou Park, the oldest public garden in Romania, welcomes you with its tree-lined alleys and monuments. Look for the Eminescu's Linden Tree, associated with Romania's national poet, Mihai Eminescu. The Botanical Garden, founded in 1856, covers 100 hectares and contains thousands of plant species. You can explore its themed areas, including a Japanese garden and a rose garden, which offer different experiences throughout the year.

Academic Iași

Iași's reputation as a center of learning dates back centuries. The Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, founded in 1860, was the first modern university in Romania. Today, you can admire its historic main building on Copou Hill. The university's botanical garden, one of the largest in Europe, serves both as a research facility and a public park. With five public universities and numerous private institutions, you'll feel the active academic atmosphere year-round as you explore the city.

Local Cuisine

To taste traditional Moldavian dishes, visit restaurants serving local specialties. Try sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice), mămăligă (polenta often served with sour cream and cheese), or ciorba (a sour soup that comes in many varieties). For dessert, sample cozonac, a sweet bread similar to Italian panettone. Many restaurants in the city center serve these dishes, often in historic buildings that enhance your dining experience.

Getting Around

Iași is easy to explore on foot, especially in the central areas where many points of interest are located. For longer distances, use the city's extensive public transport network of trams and buses. Taxis are also readily available and affordable. If you're staying for a few days, consider getting an Iași City Card, which includes free public transport and discounts to many sites.

Day Trips from Iași

If you have extra time, take a day trip to explore the surrounding region. The painted monasteries of Bucovina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are about three hours away by car. These 15th and 16th-century monasteries have colorful exterior frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Closer to Iași, you can visit some of Moldova's wineries, where you can tour vineyards and taste local wines.