City of Iași - Moldova region (Eastern Romania)

Iasi Fast Facts

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City of Iasi Info

Iasi is the most important economic and cultural centre in Moldova region (eastern Romania) as well as one of the oldest cities in Romania. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Iasi was for many centuries the crossing point of the most important commercial routes linking Poland, Hungary, Russia and Constantinople.

Deeply rooted in history, Iasi has been the main centre of Moldavian culture, since late 1300s. The city prides itself with being the place in which the first Romanian newspaper has been published. Iasi is also the home of the first Romanian university and is - during the present time - the second-largest university centre in Romania.

Over the past 600 years, history, culture and religious life have molded the city's unique character.
Iasi boasts an impressive number of Orthodox churches, over 100, many of them located in its central area called Golden Plateau (Platoul de Aur). The oldest, Saint Nicholas Princely Church, dates from the time of the region's greatest rulers, prince Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare) who reigned from 1457 until 1504. The most spectacular churches, however, are the 17th century Saint Parascheva Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedrala Mitropolitană Sfânta Parascheva) and the Three Holy Hierarchs Church (Biserica Trei Ierarhi), both very fine examples of Byzantine art. The intricately carved outer walls of Three Hierarchs Church make many visitors think of a stone lace.

The Golden Plateau represents the nucleus of the city, around which the entire settlement developed over the centuries. With the Palace of Culture (Palatul Culturii) at one end and the Union Square (Piata Unirii) at the other, the Golden Plateau features administrative buildings, historic churches, palaces and mansions.
Many other important sites and points of interest can be found in the immediate vicinity of the Golden Plateau.

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Book your 'tips-based'   Iasi Walking Tour.
Tip-based tours do not have a set ‘price’ and no upfront payment is required.
At the end of the tour each participant gives the guide the amount that she/he considers appropriate.

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Iasi Sights and Landmarks

Palace of Culture

Palatul Culturii - Iași
Address: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 1
This true symbol of the city of Iasi was built in the early 1900s (1906-1925), in flamboyant neogothic style. Parts of the palace stand on the site of a medieval fortress erected in 1434. The 365-room palace houses four of the city's museums: the Region of Moldavian History Museum, the Iasi Ethnography Museum, Iasi Museum of Art and the Museum of Science and Technology and "Gheorghe Asachi" Library.
The main lobby of Iasi Palace of Culture, its lavish furnishings and magnificent staircase, can be admired free of charge; tickets are required to visit the museums.
Iasi Palace of Culture Museums Info

"Saint Parascheva" Metropolitan Cathedral
Catedrala Mitropolitană Sfânta Parascheva
Address: Blvd. Stefan cel Mare si Sfant 46
Open: Mon. - Sun.: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Free admission
Built in Italian Renaissance style, the St. Paraschiva Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Romania. Construction began in 1833 and ended in 1839, but its cupolas fell and the church remained in ruins until 1880, when, with the help of the Foundation of King Carol I, work started again, lasting until 1888. The vast interior was painted in 1887 by Gheorghe Tattarescu and the stained glass windows were completed by a Bavarian factory in Munich.

The cathedral still uses one of the original bells in its northeast spire. Inside the bell, an inscription says it was made from four cannons captured from the Turkish army in the War of 1828-1829. Nearby stands the 18th century Old Mitropolitan Church of St. George (Biserica Sfantul Gheorghe).
Every October 14, pilgrims from all corners of Romania and neighboring countries flock to Iasi to kneel before the blue and gold bier containing the relics of Saint Paraschiva, the patron saint of the cathedral.

Monastery of the Three Holly Hierarchs
Mănăstirea Sfinților Trei Ierarhi
Address: Str. Stefan cel Mare 62
Open: Daily 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Admission charge

The Church of the Three Hierarchs (constructed 1637 - 1639) is highlighted as a must-see in every Iasi guidebook.
Nothing can prepare you, though, for its stunning ornate decoration: the entire exterior of the church is covered in delicate and intricate patterns sculpted into the stone and spread over 30 friezes. This "stone embroidery" is a mixture of western gothic, Renaissance and Oriental motifs.

The original interior paintings were completed by Russian artists sent to Iasi by the Tsar of Russia. In 1882, the frescoes were removed when French architect Lecomte de Nouy set about redesigning the interior after several fires and six earthquakes damaged the structure. Original fragments of the frescoes are still preserved in the nearby Gothic Hall museum (Open: Tue.-Sun. 10am - 4pm. Admission charge).

The interior boasts the tombs of a number of famous Romanians, including the founder of this church, Vasile Lupu, Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, and Prince Dimitrie Cantemir. In 1994, the church reopened as a monastery. The three patron saints (Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus and John Crysostom) are celebrated here on January 30.

Roznovanu Palace - Iași City Hall
Palatul Rozvoneanu - Primaria Municipiului Iasi
Address: Blvd. Stefan cel Mare si Sfant 45
This neoclassical Viennese-style palace was built in 1832 to the design of Gustav Frey Wald. Its façade was decorated with marble statues of mythological characters such as Diana and Apollo and it was said to be grander than all other mansions in Iasi. The palace burned down in 1844 and was rebuilt by judge Nicolae Rosetti Rozvaneanu, born in a very wealthy family. In 1891, the building became the City Hall but two years later, was transformed into a royal residence. Today, it once again serves as the City Hall.

Alexandru Balș House - "Moldova" Philharmonic
Casa Alexandru Balș - Filarmonica Moldova
Address: Str. Arcu 13
Commisioned Moldavian boyar Alexandru Balș, this impressive structure was inaugurated in 1815 and became the venue of choice for theatre performances in the city of Iasi. On January 18, 1847, the famous composer, Franz Liszt, played here. In 1868, Monsignor Salandarie founded the Catholic Institute here, enlarging the building and adding a spacious extension, which today, is home of Moldova Philharmonic Orchestra. The old building houses now a music conservatoire (Conservatorul George Enescu.

National Theatre "Vasile Alecsandri"
Teatrul Național Vasile Alecsandri
Address: Str. Agatha Bârsescu 18
Built in the late 19th century on the site of the old City Hall, Iasi national theatre is one of the most elegant buildings in Romania. Richly decorated in French-eclectic style, Iasi National Theatre has one of the most splendid auditoriums in Europe. It can seat 1,000 people and the acoustics are excellent. Iasi National Theatre was designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Feller and Hermann Helmer and named after its founder: poet, playwright, politician and diplomat Vasile Alecsandri (1821-1890).

Traian Hotel
Hotelul Traian - Iași
Address: Piata Unirii 1
Built in neoclassical style in 1879 by an engineer, G. Fragneau, who worked with Gustave Eiffel & Co. in Paris (yes, the Eiffel who designed the Eiffel Tower), the hotel was one of the first in Europe to be molded on a metal frame. Throughout the years, many foreign diplomats and other personalities have stayed at the Traian hotel.

Ticau District

Cartierul Ticau
Location: Opposite to Copou Park and Alexandru Ioan Cuza University
Visitors interested in local architecture and quaint streets will enjoy a stroll in this old residential quarter spread out over the hilly side of Iasi, with vine-choked houses and sleepy roads. Stroll along the peaceful Dimitrie Ralet, Lascar Catargiu and Vasile Conta Streets to reach Piata Mihai Eminescu. From there, take the scenic route along Strada Lapusneanu, Piata Unirii and Strada Cuza Voda.

Banu Church
Biserica Banu
Address: Str. Banu 9
Banu Church (built in 1705; rebuilt in 1799) is an interesting example of urban architecture that combines Baroque and Classicism.

Iasi - cultural breeding ground

The beginnings of higher education in Iasi date from the reign of voivode Vasile Lupu (1634-1653) who, in 1634, founded an academy (Academia Vasiliana) at the Three Hierarchs Monastery.
In 1707, the Academy of the Principate of Moldova was established in one of the buildings attached to the Metropolitan Cathedral. The institution was closed down by the Ottomans after the Greek Revolution of 1821 and, reopened - seven years later - under the name of The Vasilian Gymnasium. In 1835, it was renamed the Mihailean Academy and had three sections: Philosophy, Law and Theology, as well as two special courses, Polytechnic Sciences and Economy.

In 1860, prince Alexander Ioan Cuza founded the University of Iasi. Today, The University of Iasi is comprised of 26 colleges and eight research institutes of the Romanian Academy.

The Old Iasi University

Vechea Universitate a Iașiului
Address: Blvd. Independentei 35
Commissioned in 1760, by prince Ioan Cantacuzino, the Old University Palace was badly damaged during a fire in 1795. Renovated and converted into a royal residence. The stone arch in front of the palace dates from this period. The upper part of the arch features the coat of arms of the principate of Moldova and an inscription (in Cyrillic alphabet) spelling out the words Gate of Hope. In 1860, the building became home to the newly established University of Iasi and to the first public art collection in the country. Today, it houses the Medicine and Pharmacy College.

Iasi University - Copou Hill

Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza
Address: Blvd. Carol I nr. 11
The main university building was built between 1893 and 1897 on the site of the Great Theatre which had burned down. The Hall of the University, known as The Hall of the Lost Footsteps, served as a parliamentary debating chamber between 1917 and 1918. In 1967, Romanian painter Sabin Balasa covered the arcades with a series of strongly romanticized frescoes.

Central University Library

Biblioteca Centrală Universitară Mihai Eminescu
Address: Str. Pacurari 4
Located at the base of Copou Hill, this triangular building with Doric columns and a spectacular cupola was built between 1930 and 1935 to serve as the headquarters of King Ferdinand's Cultural Foundation. The building was decorated with Carrara marble and Venetian mosaics. By 1945, the library of King Ferdinand's Cultural Foundation had become one of the biggest in the country with more than 300,000 volumes. The library is still the largest in Moldavia and home to a great number of manuscripts and old books from the 15th to the 19th centuries.

Historic Churches

Golia Monastery

Mănăstirea Golia
Address: Str. Cuza Voda 51
Open: daily from sunrise to sunset
Free admission

The unusual name of the monastery came from Moldavian Chancellor Ioan Golai who founded it in 1564. The church was rebuilt in 1650 by Vasile Lupu who employed Italian master craftsmen. The compound's walls and towers were added in 1667. While the exterior walls show Renaissance influence, mainly with their Corinthian pilasters, the interior features vibrant Byzantine frescoes and intricately carved doorways. The upper part of the church seems to belong to another edifice. It was built during the rein of Stefanita Lupu, son of Vasile Lupu, who found inspiration in Russian architecture. However, this section collapsed during a 1738 earthquake and was rebuilt in baroque style by the Phanariot ruler, Constantin Mavrocordat. The monastery was visited by Peter the Great, Tsar of Russia, in 1711. It also served for a short period of time as the burial place for the viscera of Prince Grigori Alexandrovich Potemkin, Catherine the Great's favorite. Climbing the 102 steps to the monastery's "Golia Tower" offers visitors a magnificent bird's-eye view of the city.

The Princely Saint Nicholas Church

Biserica Sfântul Nicolae Domnesc
Address: Str. Anastasie Panu 65, Iasi
Open: daily 8 a.m. to sunset
Free admission
The oldest church in Iasi, Saint Nicholas Church was founded by Stefan cel Mare in 1492. Situated near the princely court, the church was for centuries the place where Moldavian rulers were anointed, therefore, gaining its "royal" status. Restored by Prince Antonie Roset in 1677, it was completely renewed (1885 -- 1897) according to plans by the French architect Andre Lecomte du Nouy .

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Jewish Iasi

Jewish merchants from Poland settled in Iasi area beginning the 15th century and their numbers swelled with further waves of Russian-Jewish and Galician-Jewish immigration into Moldova. By 1930, there were over 30,000 Jews in Iasi and some 127 synagogues.
In the 19th century, Iasi was one of the great Eastern European centres of Jewish learning, famous for its scholarly rabbis, intellectuals and skilled craftsmen, as well as for its Jewish schools, hospitals and publications. In 1855, the city became the home of the first-ever Yiddish-language newspaper, Korot Haitim, and the birthplace of the Israeli national anthem. The world's first professional Yiddish-language theatre was opened here in 1876 by Avram Goldfaden, who later founded New York's first Jewish theatre. From 1949 to 1964, Iasi was also home to a second company of the State Jewish Theatre. During the early years of World War II, Iasi was the scene of a pogrom by the Iron Guard, a nationalist Fascist organization. Unfortunately many Jewis were killed or deported then. A monument to the victims of the 1941 pogrom was erected outside the Great Synagogue. Today, only two synagogues remain open.

The Great Synagogue

Sinagoga Mare - Iași
Address: Str. Sinagogilor 7
The Great Synagogue of Iasi is the oldest surviving Jewish prayer house in Romania and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. It was founded in 1670, reportedly at the initiative of Rabbi Nathan (Nata) ben Moses Hannover, religious leader of Iasi's Jewish community in the 1660s and author of Yeven. Mezullah. Located on Synagogues Street (so dubbed because of the many synagogues once found here) in the old Jewish neighborhood of Targu Cucului, the synagogue was built in an eclectic style with strong late baroque influences. Since its foundation in the second half of the 17th century, the Great Synagogue has undergone a number of major renovations.

Although called "the great," the size of the synagogue is actually quite modest. The main floor is located below street level in keeping with a widespread tradition found in many Central and Eastern European synagogues. Jewish religious tradition requires that synagogues should be the highest buildings in their neighborhoods but because Jews were not permitted to build high structures for their prayer houses, lowering the floor of synagogues represented an ingenious compromise between the two demands by creating an interior that is higher than the exterior elevation of the building. It also serves as a reminder of Psalm 130 ("de profundis"): "Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, o Lord". Recognized as a historic monument, today, the Great Synagogue continues to serve the Jewish community of Iasi.
Iasi Great Synagogue more info

Iasi Jewish Cemetery

Cimitirul Evreiesc Iași
Address: Sos. Pacurari
(public transport: bus and trolleybus from Piata Eminescu)
Open daily
Admission charge
Iasi Jewish Cemetery is located just outside the city, on Dealul Munteni (Munteni Hill). Over 100,000 graves, some dating from the early 1800s, stretch across the hillside;
burial records from 1915 to the present day and are kept at the Jewish Community Centre.

Jewish Community of Iasi

Comunitatea Evreiască din Iași
Address: Str. Elena Doamna 15
Tel: (+4) 0232 313.711
E-mail
More Info

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Iasi Museums

Region of Moldavia History Museum

Complexul Muzeal Național Moldova
(housed in the Palace of Culture - Palatul Culturii)
Address: Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt 1
Tel: (+4) 0232 218.383
E-mail
Open:   Wed. – Sun.,   10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission Charge

Moldova Region Ethnography Museum

Muzeul Etnografic al Moldovei
The Moldavian Ethnographic Museum is one of the oldest and largest in the country. Encompassing 16 rooms, the items displayed cover every aspect of traditional Moldavian life, featuring agricultural and hunting tools, woodwork, traditional pottery, painted eggs and a large collection of textiles and dyed carpets embroidered with traditional (birds and plants) motifs. One room exhibits winter customs items, including masks representing the bear, the goat and other characters of traditional New Year's festivities. The collection of wooden machinery is impressive with 19th century tree-size oil and wine presses.

Iasi Museum of Art

Muzeul de Artă - Iași
Several oil paintings purchased at a Parisian auction in 1845 were the first art object of the museum. Official opening of the museum took place in 1860 at the Old University Palace and in 1955, the museum moved to its current location in the Palace of Culture. An excellent collection of Romanian paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries vividly illustrates Moldavian rural life and its landscape. Nicolae Grigorescu's Car cu Boi (Ox Cart), Theodor Amann's Hora de peste Olt (The Village Dance) and Octav Bancila's Batran Croitor (Old Jewish Tailor) are some of the collection's highlights.
In the rooms dedicated to European art, there are paintings by Murillo, Philippe de Champaigne, Paolo Veronese and a Rubens, Cezar Receiving Pompey's Head. Additionally, you'll find works by foreign artists who lived and worked in Iasi such as Schiavonim Livaditii and Stavscki. The sculpture collection includes pieces by national artists such as Oscar Han, Cornel Medrea, Ion Jalea and Ion Irimescu.

Region of Moldova History Museum

Muzeul de Istorie al Moldovei
Opened in 1955, Region of Moldova History Museum exhibits over 35,000 objects spanning the centuries from 70,000 B.C. until late 1940s. Among the items on display are Cucuteni ceramics (a Neolithic–Eneolithic archaeological culture) . The museum also houses the vaulted King's Room (Sala Voievozilor), a gallery of medallion-shaped portraits depicting Moldavian sovereigns from 81 A.D. to the Hohenzollern kings.

Science and Technology Museum - "Stefan Procopiu"

Muzeul Științei și Tehnicii
Radio, television, recording and broadcasting buffs will enjoy the exhibits displayed in this museum. The last section features a superb collection of musical instruments: unique Romanian music boxes, mechanical accordions and an automated orchestra with three violins and a piano.

Natural History Museum
Muzeul de Științe ale Naturii - Casa Roset
Address: Blvd. Independentei 16
Tel: (+4) 0232 201.339
Open: Tue. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Admission charge
The Moldavian Society of Physics and Biology offeres access to their collections, to the public, since 1834. Today, the museum features 50,000 exhibits, illustrating fauna from around the world, and is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. A special section is dedicated to Moldavian geology. Apart from its minerals, the museum also has a collection of prehistoric fossils containing fragments of mammoth, cave bear and rhinoceros.

House of Museums

Casa Muzeelor Iași
Address: Str. Vasile Alecsandri 6
Tel: (+4) 0747 499.400
Open: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tue. - Sun.)
Admission charge
Casa Muzeelor is home to five museums including
Museum of Romanian Literature (Muzeul Literaturii Romane)
and
Museum of the First Jewish Teathre in the World (Muzeul Teatrului Evreiesc).
Iasi Jewish Teathre Museum exhibits costumes worn by well-known actors of the time, original documents, playbills and posters, as well as personal artifacts and memorabilia donated by various artists that built the rich history of theatre in Iasi.

Petru Poni - Chemist, Mineralogist and Politician - Memorial Museum
Muzeul "Poni - Cernătescu"
Address:   Str. Mihail Kogălniceanu 7B
Tel: (+4) 0232 267.759
Open:   Tue. - Sun.,   10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.
Admission charge
Objecys that belonged to scientist Petru Poni - antique furniture books, paintings, sculptures, art objecys, documents, photos, correspondence, mineral samples and scientific works - illustrate the life, work and achievements of the son of a modest peasant family that became university professor, President of the Romanian Academy and mayor of city of Iasi.

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Parks and Public Gardens of Iasi

Copou Park
Grădina Copou
Location: two miles north of Palace of Culture
Open: Mon. - Sun.: 8 a.m. - sunset
Free admission

Copou has been a favorite place in Iasi for late afternoon strolls or morning walks since the second half of the 17th century. In 1834, Copou became the city's first public garden and in 1860, street lamps were installed for the first time.

Allegedly, it was here, under his favorite linden tree, that the Romanian National Poet, Mihai Eminescu (1850-1889), wrote some of his best work. The tree stands to this day and a bronze bust of the poet has been placed next to it.

Iasi Botanical Garden
Grădina Botanică Anastasie Fătu
Address: Str. Dumbrava Rosie 7 - 9
Tel: (+4) 0232 201.373
Open: Daily 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Dating from 1856 and covering over 250 acres, Iasi Botanical Garden is the oldest and largest in Romania.   An educational and scientific laboratory, the garden houses a precious and rich collection of trees and plants. It also offers numerous shady lanes to explore, rose and orchid gardens, a collection of tropical plants, cacti, carnivorous plants, natural springs and a lake.

Palas Public Garden - Iasi
Gradina Publica Palas
Address: Strada Palat 3
A beautiful park in the heart of Iasi - next to Iasi Palace of Culture and Palas Mall. Over 1,000 (exotic) threes, 50,000 shubs and beautiful seasonal flowers make Palas Public Garden one of the most beautiful in Romania.

Parcul Expozitiei
Address: Aleea Grigore Ghica Vodă, Iași
A 14-acres park created in 1923 lays half-mile north of Copou Park and quarter-mile east of Iasi botanical garden.

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Attractions near Iasi

The Hillside Monasteries
Perched on the surrounding hilltops in the Niculina district are three of the city's most serene monasteries: Cetatuia, Frumoasa and Galata. Entry into Iasi, from the south, is through the valley guarded by these three monasteries.

Cetatuia Monastery
Mănăstirea Cetățuia
Address: Str. Cetatuia 2
Open: daily 8 a.m. - sunset
Free admission
Located on a vast plateau, accessible from the city by road or a brave foot climb through the forest, Cetatuia Monastery (cetatuia means small fortress) conceals within its walls an ensemble of white stone buildings with black tops. Construction of the monastery was commisioned by Prince Gheorghe Duca in 1669. he church was laid out to the same plan as the Trei Ierarhi Church; thanks to the many restorations, it has kept its original form. In addition to the church, the monastery has preserved a gothic hall, a museum of medieval art and its wine cellars with wine obtained from its own vineyards.

Galata Monastery
Mănăstirea Galata
Address: Str. Manastirii 4
Open: daily 8 a.m. - sunset
Free admission
Erected in the 16th century by Prince Petru Schiopul, Galata Monastery was named after the quarter in Constantinople where Moldavian princes resided while waiting for confirmation of their reign from Ottoman headquarters.

The only building preserved here in its original form is the church of the Resurrection of the Lord, built in 1594. Combining both traditional Moldavian and Walachian Byzantine architectural elements, Galata's church served as a model for the churches of Trei Ierarhi Monastery and Dragomirna Monastery (1608-1609). The latter is located a few miles north of the Moldavian city of Suceava.

With fortification walls and an impressive entrance tower, Galata has the complex plan of medieval Moldavian churches, comprised of a porch and a tomb room along with the usual pronaos, naos and altar. It also has a special vaulting system for the towers consisting of one square placed diagonally over another. The church's original paintings have not been preserved, having been destroyed by a fire in 1762. Only a few fragments of fresco remain.

Frumoasa Monastery
Mănăstirea Frumoasa
Address: Str. Radu Voda 1
Open: Daily 8 a.m. - sunset
Free admission
Founded in 1726-33 by the ill-fated Grigore II Ghica (a Moldavian prince who ruled at four different intervals and was even exiled for a time), this monastery was left in ruin for decades. Restoration began in the 19th century, when neoclassical elements were added to its architectural style. Frumoasa means "beautiful."

Ruginoasa Palace
Palatul de la Ruginoasa
Location: 40 miles west of Iasi
Address: DN28A / Str. Unirii 34, Ruginoasa
Telephone: (+4) 0232 734.087
Open: Tue. - Sun.: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission charge
Ruginoasa Palace, white with gothic windows and lines, impresses its visitors today with the stories hidden within its walls, stories that point to Ruginoasa as a cursed palace in popular belief. The superstition arose following the deaths, including a suicide, in the palace of several young people. Built in neoclassic style at the beginning of the 19th century by a Moldavian treasurer, Costache Sturdza, to the design of Viennese architect Johan Freiwald, it was later rebuilt in neogothic style. The palace was best known as the summer residence of Prince, and ruler of the United Principalities, Alexandru Ioan Cuza, who bought it in 1862. His wife, Elena Cuza, made Rugionoasa Palace her permanent home and the original furniture ordered from her sketches at the renowned furniture company, Mazaroz, in Paris has been preserved and is on display in the museum. In 1982, the Palace became the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Memorial Museum in commemoration of the first ruling prince of modern Romania.

The museum reconstructs the atmosphere of life on the Ruginoasa estate as it was in the 19th century: the family library with books brought from Paris; the oak desk, the gothic dining room with Sevres china and Baccarat crystal, all bearing the arms of the United Principalities, and the bedroom of Princess Elena Cuza. Amidst the beautiful gardens surrounding the palace sits a neoclassical chapel built by Sandulache Sturdza in 1811.

Sturdza Mansion - Miclauseni
Palatul Miclăușeni
Location: 42 miles west of Iasi
Address: Sat Miclăușeni, Comuna Butea
Erected in late 19th century, in Gothic Revival style, Sturdza Mansion features an interesting mix of architectural elements found in medieval castles, Palace of Culture Iasi and the nearby Ruginoasa palace.
Sturdza is the name of an old Romanian aristocratic family, whose origins can be traced back to the early 1500s.
The interior features a spectacular marble staircase, elaborately carved rosewood furniture, terracotta fireplaces, maple, mahogany, oak and ebony floors as well as painted ceilings and interior walls. Many of the original decorative objects in the mansion, the collection of medieval weapons, jewelries of Sturdza family, oil paintings and marble sculpures and more than three quarters of the 60,000 books once part of the mansion's library have not survied looting by the Soviet army at the end of WWII and neglect during the first years of Communist regime.
The mansion is set in the middle of an 100-acres park with ornamental trees, alleys and flower beds. A small church erected in 1823, home to a beautiful baroque iconostasis and valuable religious objects, can be found on the grounds of Sturdza Mansion.
Open:
Mon. - Fri.: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat. - Sun.: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Admission charge
Telephone: (+4) 0728 880.575

Cotnari Winery / Cotnari Wine Cellars
Podgorile și Crama Cotnari
Location: 32 miles NW of Iasi
Telephone: (+4) 0232 730.296
E-mail
How to get to Cotnari: car or bus
Located in the small village of Cotnari, the Cotnari winery is well-known for its delicious sweet white wines made of grapes rich in sugar and harvested in late autumn following the first frost. The quality of these wines relies on a combination of rich soil, the late harvest and the presence of mold Botritis Cinerea. The winery's most popular wines are obtaine from native varieties of grape and include Francusa (dry), Catalina (semisweet) and the sweet, golden Grasa and Tamaioasa. The best known is "Grasa de Cotnari", an excellent white wine often referred to as the "golden nectar." At the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris Grasa de Cotnari was awarded the gold medal.

One of Cotnari's main attractions are the cellars dating back to the 15th century. Because wine was very important in medieval times the ruler of Moldova Stephen the Great (1457-1504) commissioned bridges and paved roads to facilitate transportation of wine from the Cotnari vinery to his headquarters in Suceava.
Over 6 million liters of wine are being aged, in oak barrels, at Cotnary cellars which are also home to a collection of more than 800,000 bottles of old wine.

Cucuteni Archeological Site
Muzeul Sitului Arheologic Cucuteni
Location: 10 miles southwest of Cotnari.
In 1884, Neolithic artifacts were unearthed near the small village of Cucuteni. Archaeologists named this ancient culture, which flourished ca. 4500 B.C..- 3000 B.C., after the nearby village. The Cucuteni culture is famous for its colored white, red and black ceramics which were discovered here. A collection is on display at the Moldavian History Museum in Iasi.

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Day Trips from Iasi

Neamt Fortress - Targu Neamt
Cetatea Neamțului
Location: 60 miles west of Iasi
Open: Tue. - Sun.: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Admission charge
How to get here: bus from Iasi
Perched high on a rocky hill, overlooking the market town of Targu Neamt for almost six centuries, Neamt Fortress has played a vital role in the defense of the region against predatory raids. Built in the 14th century by Petru I Musat (1374-1391), it was later reinforced by Stephan the Great (1457-1504) who added another precinct with four circular towers and dug a defensive ditch which helped the fortress resist the attack of a Turkish army of 200,000 in 1476. For almost 200 years, the fortress remained invincible, until 1691 when it was besieged by the army of Ian Sobieski, King of Poland.

Neamt Monastery
Mănăstirea Neamțului
Location: 70 miles west of Iasi (9 miles west of Targu Neamt)
How to get here: Bus from Targu Neamt
Founded by Petru Musat in the 12th century, Neamt Monastery stands as one of Romania's oldest and most important religious settlements. Tucked away at the foot of the Ceahlau Mountains and surrounded by old forests, the monastery resembles a fortress with its high walls and one remaining tower (there originally were four).
The church inside the monastic complex was founded by Stephen the Great in 1497 to celebrate a victory over the Poles and represents the pinnacle of Moldavian architecture. The façade features classic Moldavian elements of the time such as gothic windows and friezes with enameled disks, colored in green, yellow and brown.

Monastery Neamt is home to one of the oldest libraries in the country (more then 600 years old) as well as a museum illustrating the vivid cultural life that lasted here for centuries. A school of miniature painting and calligraphy was set up by monk Gavril Uric. One of the most famous manuscripts created by Uric's pupils is a 1429 parchment copy of the Four Gospels, now located in the Bodleian Library in Oxford, England.

Agapia Monastery
Mănăstirea Agapia
Location: 65 miles west of Iasi (2 ½ miles south of Targu Neamt)
Hot to get here: Bus from Targu Neamt and Piatra Neamt
Located in a lovely setting at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, this picturesque nuns' monastery (also known as Agapia in the Valley or Agapia din Vale in Romanian) was built by Hatman Gavril Coci between 1642 and 1644. However, its current neoclassical facade dates from the reconstruction period at the turn of the 19th century. The church's interior, featuring stunningly vivid portraits with eyes that seem to follow the viewer, was painted between 1858 and 1861 by Romanian artist, Nicolae Grigorescu, when he was just 18.

Agapia Monastery is renowned for its carpet and embroidery workshops. To forego closure during the communist period, Agapia's nuns wove carpets for the dictatorship's mega-structure (now the Palace of Parliament) in Bucharest. Today, the textile workshops mainly produce carpets, wall hangings and rugs for religious purposes, but they do have commercial sales and visitors are welcome.
The small museum at Agapia Monastery displays 16th, 17th and 18th century painted icons, gold and silver embroidered garments, cedar and ebony crosses and old manuscripts (the library boasts some 12,000 volumes), as well as traditional motifs carpets woven - over the centuries - by the small community of nuns in the monastery. Visitors can also admire fragments of the original 17th century iconostasis and frescoes by Romanian painter Nicolae Grigorescu, whose self-portrait can be seen in the upper left-hand side of the iconostasis - the face one of the saints (Daniel) depicted.

Varatec Monastery
Mănăstirea Văratec
Location: 68 miles west of Iasi (6 ½ miles south of Targu Neamt)
How to get Varatec: car or bus from Targu Neamt
Monastery Varatec dates from 1785, when a nun, Olimpiada, laid the foundations of this monastic establishment. Set amid a lovely garden shaded by cedars, the whitewashed monastery is home to some 600 nuns today. Throughout the years, many writers, poets and scholars came here to take in the beauty of the environment, the hospitality of the nuns and villagers alike and the propitious atmosphere for rest, meditation and creative work.
Many of the nuns who,in the past, entered Varatec came from noble families, bringing with them valuable art and religious objects, some of which are on display in the monastery's museum. Varatec has active carpet weaving, embroidery and icon painting workshops.

Town of Piatra Neamt
Location: 78 miles southwest of Iasi (25 miles south of Targu Neamt)
How to get here: Train or bus from Iasi
Situated in the forested foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Piatra Neamt is another historic town in the region of Moldova and one of the oldest settlements in Romania, inhabited since Neolithic times.
For a brief period of time, in the 15th century, Piatra Neamt was the home of Moldova's princely court. Although many of the old sections of this picturesque town are long gone, several interesting attractions still stand. Among them are St. John the Baptist Church (dating from 1497) and Stephen's Tower (Turnul lui Stefan) built in 1499. Piatra Neamt History Museum is home to the largest collection of Neolithic artifacts in southeastern Europe (Cucuteni ceramics).
Visitors interested in hiking, rock climbing and wildlife watching can make Piatra Neamt their base for exploring the Ceahlau Mountains National Park.

Town of Suceava
Location: 85 miles northwest of Iasi
Capital of the region of Moldova from late 1300s until mid 1500s, Suceava is best-known for its impressive fortifications and for being a great gateway to the region of Bucovina the Painted Monasteries (UNESCO).
Suceava info

Ceahlau Mts. National Park
Parcul Național Ceahlău
Location: 120 miles west of Iasi and 45 miles west of Piatra Neamt
How to get here: car or bus from Iasi and Piatra Neamt
Surrounded by rivers and lakes, Ceahlau Mountain was long considered the Olympus of Romania, the sacred mountain of Zalmoxis, the god venerated by the Dacians. An incredible concentration of rare species and wildlife call Ceahlau National Park home. Over 2,000 species of wild flowers, fossil limestone, the rock formations Dochia and Cusma Dorobantului, and the Duruitoarea Falls are some of the highlights of the park.

Bicaz Gorges - Hasmas National Park
Parcul Național Cheile Bicazului - Hășmaș
Location: 160 miles west of Iasi and 80 miles southwest of Piatra Neamt
How to get here: car or bus from Iasi and Piatra Neamt
The road that slices through the Bicaz Gorges (Cheile Bicazului) is among Romania's most astonishing. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for three miles, cutting through sheer 1,000-foot limestone cliffs on its journey through the mountains.
For hikers, kayakers and fly-fishing enthusiasts, the Hasmas - Bicaz National Park's main attraction is the Red Lake (Lacul Rosu), created in 1837 after a major natural landslide. Short and long walks provide access to the lake's spectacular scenery and many fishing spots as well as to unique views of Ceahlau Massif.
Bicaz Gorges - Hasmas National Park

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City of Iasi Performing Arts

Symphonic Music

Moldova Philharmonic
Filarmonica Moldova
Address: Str. Cuza Voda 29
Tel: (+4) 0232 212.509

Opera & Ballet

Iasi Opera and Ballet Theatre
Opera Romana - Iasi
Address: Str. Agata Barsescu 18
Tel: (+4) 0232 211.144

Theatre

Iasi National Theatre
Teatrul National "Vasile Alecsandri"
Address: Str. Agata Barsescu 18
Tel: (+4) 0232 316.778

Iasi Theatre for children and Youth
Teatrul pentru copii și tineret „Luceafărul”
Address: Strada Grigore Ureche 5
Tel: (+4) 0232 212.662

Fix Theatre
Teatrul Fix - Iasi
Address: Str. Bucium 34 (MoldoMobila complex)
Tel: (+4) 0724 921.212

Iasi Athenaeum
Ateneul National Iasi
Address: Str. Ion Creangă 14
Tel: (+4) 0374 661.655

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Iasi Festivals and Events

Iasi is one of Romania's most dynamic cities and - without doubt - the Cultural Capital of Moldova region (Eastern Romania).   Events that take place, every year, in Iasi include:

April
Iași 6 Mile (10 km) and Quarter-Marathon Challenge

May
Hangariada AirShow & Non-Conformist Art Exhibition

June
International Fanfare Music Festival
Iași Color Run
RocAnotherWorld - music, contemporary art and gastronomy festival
National Pottery Fair “Cucuteni - 5000”
Wolves’ Racecourse - Enduro Ranch, Bârnova

July
International Music and Traditions Festival “Catalina”

September
International Mechanical Music Festival, Iași (biennial, even years)

October
International Byzantine Music Festival
International Theatre for Young Audiences Festival
Festival of Folklore Trandafir de la Moldova “Roses of Moldova”

November
Festival of Autumn Flowers
Festival of Crafts and Artisans of Moldova region (eastern Romania)
Festival of Traditional Songs and Music

November – January
Iași Winter Fair

December
Iași Festival of Winter Traditions

A compilation of Romania main events is available at Romania Tourism Festivals and Events section.

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IASI TRIP PLANING INFO

Transportation

Iasi is easily accessible from Bucharest (Bucuresti) by plane (50 minutes),
train (approximately 6 hours) and car (approximately 6 ½ hours).

Air transportation to/ from Iasi

Iasi International Airport (IAS)
Aeroportul International Iasi
Location: 5 miles east of Iasi city-centre
Address: Drumul Aeroportului, Iasi
Telephone: (+4) 0232 271.570

Airlines with service to Iasi include:
Tarom,    Austrian Airlines,    HiSky,    RyanAir,    Wizz Air

Reaching Iasi by Train

Iasi Train Station
Gara de Nord Iasi
Address: Str. Garii 1
Tel: (+4) 0232 215.600
Direct train service to/from Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (journey time - 7 hours).
and to/from Bucharest, Oradea, Piatra Neamt, Suceava, and Timisoara as well as several other cities in Romania.

To check train and bus schedules for domestic routes please visit
RomaniaTourism Domestic Transportation section.
Note: For departures from /to Bucharest, please select Bucuresti Nord.

Iasi advance travel train ticket office
Agentia CFR Calatori Iasi
Address: Piata Uniri 9 - 11
Tel: (+4) 0232 410.024
Hours: Mon. - Fri.: 7:30 a.m. -- 8 p.m.

Iasi train ticket office - Iulius Mall
Agentia SNCFR Iasi - Iulius Mall
Address: Bd. Tudor Vladimirescu
Tel: (+4) 0725 504.435
Hours: 10 a.m. -- 10 p.m.

Iasi SNCFR ticket office offers train schedules information and advance ticket sales.
Tickets for same-day travel can only be purchased at the train station.

Train travel time from/to Iasi (direct):
City	Travel Time
Bucharest	6 hr 40 min
Bacau	2 hr 15 min
Brasov	7 hr 35 min
Constanta	8 hr 30 min
Cluj Napoca	8 hr 40 min
Gura Humorului	2 hr 40 min
Galati	4 hr 10 min
Suceava	1 hr 50 min
Timisoara	16 hr 55 min

Iasi Inter_City Bus

Iasi Bus Terminals:

Autogara Iasi - Vest
Address: Soseaua Moara de Foc 15
Telephone: (+4) 0752 014.888

Autogara Transbus Codreanu
Address: Strada Gării 22
Telephone: (+4) 0232 250.985

Bus Companies that operate international routes:

AtlasSib
Address: Str. 14 Decembrie 1989 nr.3 - 5
Tel: (+4) 0232 273.040
Daily bus service to main cities in Europe

Car travel to/ from Iasi

The fastest route from Bucharest to Iasi is via E85- E 581:
Bucharest - Urziceni - Buzau - Tecuci - Vaslui - Iasi

Road distance from Iasi to:
City	Distance: Miles / Km
Bucharest	270 miles / 435 km
Arad	390 miles / 630 km
Brasov	210 miles / 320 km
Constanta	290 miles / 460 km
Cluj Napoca	250 miles / 395 km
Oradea	365 miles / 580 km
Sibiu	265 miles / 420 km
Sighisoara	215 miles / 340 km
Suceava	95 miles / 150 km
Timisoara	415 miles / 660 km
Tulcea	200 miles / 320 km

City of Iasi Public Transportation

Eight tramway and 20 bus routes connect Iasi's main areas and tourist attractions.
Iasi public transport map Iasi public transport routes download PDF .

Iasi taxi

Iasi Taxi Companies:
Name	Telephone #
Taxi Iasi	0232 222.222
Euro Taxi	0232 217.217
Lux Taxi	0232 255.255
Parma Taxi	0232 211.211
Go Taxi	0232 279.444
Taxi For You	0232 222.444

Car rental companies in Iasi

Avis Car Rental - Iasi Airport
Tel: (+4) 0728 228.923

Cliven
Tel: (+4) 0232 258.326

EuroCars Romania - Iasi Airport
Tel: (+4) 0727 373.799

Promotor Services Rent a Car Iasi
Tel: (+4) 0734 403.403

Sixt
Tel: (+4) 021 94.00 (this is valid short phone #)

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Iasi Hotels

Accommodations in Iasi include:

Hotel Name	Class	Location
Pleiada	boutique	2 miles south of Iasi City Centre
Moldova	4 star / upper midscale	Iasi City Centre
Traian	4 star / upper midscale	Iasi City Centre
Unirea	4 star / upper midscale	Iasi City Centre
International	4 star / upper midscale	Iasi City Centre
Grand View	4 star / upscale	5 miles north of Iasi City Centre
Bellaria	4 star / upscale	2.2 miles south of Iasi City Centre
Select	4 star / upscale	0.5 miles south of Iasi City Centre
Ramada	3 star / midscale	Iasi City Centre
Arnia	3 star / midscale	one mile northwest of Iasi City Centre
Ildis	3 star / midscale	1.5 miles northwest of Iasi City Centre
Continental	2 star / economy	Iasi City Centre

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Shopping / Antiques

La Belle Epoque d’Antiquitees
Străpungerea Silvestru 13, Bl. E, Sc. A
Tel: 0740 803.663

Anticariat D. Grumăzescu
Address: Pietonalul Lăpușneanul 24
Tel: (+4) 0232 225 566

Antichitati si Consignatie
Address: Strada Cuza Vodă
Tel: (+4) 0232 256 276

Vovidis
Address: Bulevardul Carol I nr. 26 - 28
Tel: (+4) 0756 464.347

Palas Mall
Address: Strada Palas nr. 7A
Tel: (+4) 0744 531.519

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Iasi Tourist Info

Iasi Tourist Information Centre
Centrul de Informare Turistica Iasi
Address: Piata Unirii 12
Telephone: (+4) 0232 261.990
E-mail

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Health and Emergency

Iasi General Emergency Telephone Number: 112
[Ambulance (Ambulanta) , Police (Politia), Fire Department (Pompieri)]

Iasi pharmacies (farmacie) open 24 hours:

RoPharma
Address: Str. Piata Unirii 3
Telephone: (+4) 0729 500.175

Farmacia DONA 92
Address: Str Vasile Lupu 82A
Telephone: (+4) 0372 407.092

Rosmarin
Address: Bd. Tudor Vladimirescu 44
Telephone: (+4) 0232 263.365

Help Flux Med
Address: Bd. Tudor Vladimirescu 105
Telephone: (+4) 0232 227.220

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Iasi Hospitals

Emergency Clinic Hospital
Spitalul Clinic Judetean de Urgente Iasi
Address: Bd. Independenței 1
Telephone: (+4) 0232 0232 240.822 x 118

Iasi Military Hospital
Spitalul Clinic Militar de Urgență Dr. Iacob Czihac
Address: Str. Berthelor Henri Mathias 7 - 9
Telephone: (+4) 0232 266.268

Railway Workers Clinic Hospital
Spitalul Clinic Cai Ferate Iasi
Address: Str. Garabet Ibrăileanu 1
Telephone: (+4) 0758 095.211

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City of Iasi Local Authorities

Archives of Iasi County
Direcţia Judeţeană Iasi a Arhivelor Naţionale
Address: B-dul Carol I nr. 26
E-mail
Telephone: (+4) 0232 307.902
Hours

Iasi City Hall
Primăria Municipiului Iasi
Address: Bd. Stefan cel Mare si Sfant 11
Telephone: (+4) 0232 267.582
E-mail

Iasi Consumer Protection Agency
Oficiul pentru Protectia Consumatorilor – Iasi
Address: Str. Toma Cozma 11
Telephone: (+4) 0232 278.233

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Postal services & Telephone

Post offices display a postal horn symbol and the word Posta.
Iasi Main Post Office
Oficiul Postal Iasi
Address: Str. Cuza Voda 3
Tel: (+4) 0232 212.222
Hours:
Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. -– 7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Posta-Romana.ro

Telephoning Iasi from Abroad
International Access Code + 4 (country code) + 0232 or 032 (area code) + six-digit telephone number

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Iasi Maps

Iasi City Map   (Harta orasului Iasi)
Map of Romania Main Roads and Tourist Attractions   (Harta Rutiera a Romaniei)