Iași is the cultural capital of the region of Moldova. It is a city popular for its incredible architecture, marvelous scenery, and intriguing history. The second you set foot here, you will realize that this is the place where poetry and spirituality come together. This is why Iași is well-known as a center for pilgrimages.
Do not hold back on the awe that you feel when you discover all the good things about this city. Let yourself be surprised and inspired by all that it has to offer. Continue reading to know all the things that you can do in Iași.
- Be Stunned by the Palace of Culture
The Palace of Culture in the city is considered to be an architectural jewel, which combines the wondrous designs of Romantic, Neo-Baroque, and Neo-Gothic architecture. There is no doubt that this is one of the most iconic buildings in all of Romania and is definitely going to amaze you. The site features no less than 298 rooms, which house art, historical artifacts, science exhibitions, ethnography, as well as technical exhibitions.
When you visit this place, you will also find collections of wonderful hardware, which were made famous due to the efforts of French design companies, such as Mercier, Bagves, and Krieger. Moreover, the Palace of Culture houses beautiful furnishing, which has been manufactured in workshops of Mappel Company in England, and Albert Goumain in Paris.
- Indulge Yourself in Ancient Art
The History Museum of Moldova exhibits beautiful ceramics and works of art from one of the most ancient cultures in the world, known as Cucuteni. The site also displays humongous collections of Dacian, Sarmatian, and Roman treasures, which are bound to catch your eye. These will especially appeal to you if you are a history buff. Furthermore, a mammoth skull, which is 70,000 years old is something that you cannot miss.
- Go for a Stroll on the Elisabeta Esplanade
The Elisabeta Esplanade in the city of Iași is a pedestrian area, which is where the locals and tourists alike, frequently go for walks. This is no ordinary path, but a walkway that is beautiful and has a history behind it. It was erected in the earlier years of the twentieth century and offers you picturesque views of the entire city. Take in your surrounding as you take a pleasant walk on the promenade.
- Read Poetry in Copou Park
Copou Park is a spot where poetry and romance come together. This is the very place where the famous poet, Mihai Eminescu, was inspired to pen down his various impressive poems. He would sit under an old linden tree and spend day and night crafting verses. Little did he know that these would one day be deemed as masterpieces of Romanian literature.
The tree under which the great poet wrote his pieces, still stands tall in Copou Park. It was named after him and therefore, is more than 700 years old. Tourists and locals alike adore this iconic spot in the city. When you visit the park, make sure to take a book containing the works of the poet. Sit down under Emisecu’s linden tree and read them to feel the authenticity.
- Let the Scent of Rose Enchant You
The city of Iași houses the oldest botanical garden in the country. It became operational in the nineteenth century, courtesy of Anastasie Fatu, a naturalist. The place consists of various greenhouses, which boast both international and local plants, along with beautiful lakes. In addition, the Botanical Garden in Iași has small forests, made up of maple, hornbeam, oak, beech, and poplar trees. It is the ideal place for you to be in when spending a hot summer day in the city.
The most enchanting feature of the Botanical Garden is the rose garden, which displays over 600 varieties of the flower. It has a unique array of lovely odors and colors and is a lovely place to spend your afternoon.
- Discover Marvelous Churches
An interesting thing about Iași is that it is known as the ‘City of 100 Churches’. It houses monasteries and Orthodox churches, which represent the religious pilgrimage centers of Romania. One of the most impressive churches in the city is the Church of Three Hierarchs, which features over 30 unique decorative artworks that are a combination of Armenian, Turkish, and Georgian motifs.
Another stunning building is the Moldovian Metropolitan Cathedral. It has superb paintings, which were made by a popular painter in Romania, Gheorghe Tattarescu. The Cathedral, being a site for pilgrimage, brings in numerous believers in October for the celebration of Saint Parascheva.
- Watch a Play at the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre
The city of Iași houses the most beautiful theatre in the country, which is the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre. It has a breathtaking Rococo and Baroque interior design, which visitors cannot help but marvel at. The ceiling is adorned with cupids and nymphs that were painted by Alexander Goltz, a well-known Viennese artist.
A wonderful chandelier hangs in the main auditorium. It is decorated with crystal lamps made in Venetia and adds to the elegant ambiance of the location. Along with the performances held at the National Theatre, you can immerse yourself in plays, such as The Cage by Georges Feydeay, Goldberg Show by George Tabori, and Bald Soprano by Eugene Ionesco.
- Gape at the Heaviest Land Animal in Europe
In close proximity of the city stands the Vanatori-Neamt Natural Park, which is home to a large number of animals, inclusive of the European bison. It is the heaviest wild animal in the continent. The reservation takes up an area of 11,500 hectares and shelters the monumental animal, which currently sits on the list of the most vulnerable species in the world. You can take a stroll through the park and admire all the beautiful animals, especially the European bison.
Now that you are familiar with the best things to do in the city of Iași, do not waste a second to book your ticket to this wonderful and romantic place.
