Iasi (also known as Jassy or Iassy) is one of the oldest cities in Romania. This settlement is situated in the Moldavian Plateau and its seven hills. The area is famous for its fertile soil along the Jijia River. When describing this region back in the past, people often used the name “Small Rome”. Modern Iasi is a symbol of a responsible settlement that successfully develops without getting rid of its architectural landmarks and maintains its antique atmosphere. Besides interesting landmarks, this city has magnificent nature with scenic views. Wine connoisseurs praise Romanian wine for its unusual taste and strong flavor.
Archaeological excavations in the neighborhoods of Iasi proved that the Thracian and Sarmatian tribes lived in this region. During the Roman Empire period, the Romans traded with the Dacians. The building of a royal palace started in this settlement in the 14th century. Until that period, there was an Armenian church in Iasi. It was the first shrine in the area. The first mentions of Iasi date back to 1408. Prince Alexandru IV Lăpușneanu moved the Moldavian capital to Iasi at the end of the 16th century. This made the city the religious center of the country.
The Palace of Culture is a beautiful landmark of Iasi. This is an eye-catching neo-gothic building. Currently, the building is recognized as an important landmark protected by the government. The palace was finished in 1925. Initially, this was a court building, but soldiers lived in it during World War II. Only ten years after the end of the war, the palace was transformed into a museum. This museum is still open in the building.
By visiting the museum in the Palace of Culture, tourists can learn many interesting facts about the history of the Romanian region and see many artworks that Iasi is proud of. The Gheorghe Asachi Library occupies the eastern wing of the palace. Moreover, visitors can see how professionals save precious artifacts in the local center of conservation and restoration that is also open in the same building. Tourists enjoy visiting this place in order to see one of the largest museums in Romania with their own eyes and admire its monumental gothic architecture.
When heading from the Palace of Culture to Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, tourists will surely notice the big and beautiful Trei Ierarhi Monastery. This gorgeous church is a true architectural masterpiece. All walls of the shrine are covered with skillful decorations, and its inner décor is elegant and luxurious at the same time. As all inner walls and the ceiling have gilded ornaments, the building looks truly fabulous and even chic. Many prominent personalities have found their last resort here. Among them are Vasile Lupu, a Voivode of Moldavia, and famous Demetrius Cantemir, whose ashes were brought to the church in the 30s of the 20th century.
It would be a mistake to visit Iasi and fail to attend the Copou Park, a popular local landmark. As local people say, a failure to visit this park is similar to staying in Paris and failing to see the Eiffel Tower. The green oasis in the heart of the Roman city was established in the 30s of the 20th century. Today, the park had many notable attractions and Eminescu's Linden Tree is one of them. The famous poet wrote many of his prominent works under this old tree. It was a kind of a muse of the great poet.
In modern days, the linden tree has become one of the city’s symbols. In order to immortalize the poet, there is a bust of Mihai Eminescu not far from the tree. In the 80s of the 20th century, a museum dedicated to the life and work of the great Romanian poet opened its doors in the park. Visit this museum if you want to get acquainted with the genius works of Eminescu. The park hides one more important landmark – the Obelisk of Lions dedicated to the Law of Organic Rules.
How can tourists get to Iasi? Nowadays, tourists can travel directly to Iasi by trains coming from numerous European cities such as Sofia, Moscow, Chisinau, Bucharest, Varna, Saratov, Dnepr, Lviv, Kyiv, and Burgas. Taking into consideration that the railway station is situated in the city center, the ride will be comfortable and fast.
Sightseeing in Romania: things to see
There are several dozen fortresses and castles in the territory of modern Romania. Bran Castle is worth closest attention because numerous legends about Count Dracula are connected with this castle. In the beginning of the 15th century the castle was an important strategic facility. Bran Castle was built exclusively with the money got as donations from locals. To thank for the donations, the locals were exempt from taxes. Nowadays, halls of the castle are decorated with beautiful old furniture and other items that are considered precious museum artifacts. Several halls were dedicated for the exhibition of the Museum of History and Medieval Art. Here visitors are able to see collections of wonderful paintings, tapestries and sculptures. Several villages, which are located not far away from Bran, are also an interesting place worth visiting as travellers can buy traditional Romanian cheese and beautiful items made of wool there.
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