Iași is regarded as the historic capital of Moldavia, because it is an outstanding cultural centre.
The city was first mentioned in 1408, although it certainly has a longer history.
In the Romanians’ eyes, this city is a true symbol of national unity, since after the election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza in 1859 as ruler of Moldavia and Wallachia, it had the status of capital, alongside Bucharest, until 1862.
As we already know, if we are on holiday in Iași, we should also walk past the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, because this institution is the first university in Romania, founded in 1860.
In the city centre we will also find Piața Unirii (Union Square), a place of great significance for our country, because the union ceremony took place here.
Tourists who come to Union Square will also see the bronze statue of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, set right in the centre of the square.
The atmosphere on the streets of Iași is often compared with that of Paris, given the many buildings with impressive architecture, including the Traian Hotel, built as early as 1882.
In the north we find the Union Museum, right behind the Republica Cinema. The museum is all the more fascinating because it served as a royal residence in the years when the country’s capital was temporarily moved to Iași.
King Ferdinand lived here with his family, so it is no wonder that the building is so highly valued among history lovers.
The museum has numerous collections of documents, as well as some items that belonged to the ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza.
Cultural diversity is the phrase that best defines the city of Iași. Here we can also visit the “Vasile Alecsandri” National Theatre, which was built by very talented Viennese architects, who also designed similar buildings in major European cities, for example Prague, Vienna and Salzburg.
The National Theatre in Iași is among the top architectural buildings in Romania, and every detail is well made.
Tourists travelling for religious reasons can also choose Iași as their next destination, because they can visit the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is an imposing building with Neoclassical influences, built between 1833 and 1839. The Pilgrimage of Saint Parascheva is also held here every year, when thousands of pilgrims pray at the silver casket that holds the Saint’s relics.
Certainly, the Palace of Culture is Iași’s emblematic tourist attraction. Located on the southern side of Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard, the Palace was built in a neo-Gothic style and is one of the most impressive buildings in Romania.
It is worth knowing that construction took 20 years, so that every detail would be unique. The ornaments with heraldic motifs stand out, as does the tower clock, which plays “Hora Unirii” every hour.
The building houses 4 museums, and every visitor can enter the Voivodes’ Hall or walk around outside, as the view is outstanding.
So there are certainly numerous sights in Iași to delight us, and it is time to visit this beautiful place in Moldavia too.
