One of the largest cities in Romania, the second most populous, Iasi is first mentioned in chronicles dated 1408. The city is located between the valley of the Zhizhia River and the Iasi Range, in the area that has long been located at the intersection of busy trade routes.
From the second half of the XVI century, Iasi became the capital of the Principality of Moldova. In this status, he was in the thick of historical events for almost three centuries. After the end of the Russian-Turkish war in the city of Iasi was the Russian consulate. The convenient geographical location attracted Jewish merchants here, who began to populate it in the second half of the 15th century.
After the unification of Wallachia and Moldova in the 19th century, the Romanian government was located here. Iasi quickly gained the status of one of the main settlements of the county of Moldova. Modern Iasi is known as Romania’s first museum city, which houses over 120 attractions.
Sights of Iasi in Romania: Metropolitanate of Bukovina and Moldova
The metropolis, which is a symbol of the city, is located in its very center. The relics of St. Praskovia are stored here. Founded at the end of the XIV century, the metropolis in 1401 was recognized by the Patriarch of Constantinople. Its main temple is the Cathedral of St. Praskovia, which today is undergoing large-scale reconstruction, but tours are conducted daily.
"Ion Creanga's Cabin"
The modest house in which the great writer lived his last years. In 1918, he received the status of a museum. For a century now, in excellent condition, things, furniture, notes of the writer and his books have been stored.
Association Museum
The most important legacy of Romanian Moldova is concentrated in the City Unification Museum. The building itself, in which the museum is located, is its first and most important exhibit. In the past, it was the residence of the ruler Alexander Kuz and King Ferdinand. Numerous documents, ancient maps, rare books, costumes, photographs, objects of masters of decorative and applied art belonging to the royal family are presented here. The tourists are also interested in a large collection of medals and coins.
Palace of Culture
This unique building was designed by architects Xenopol, Cherkess and Birindey. Its construction began in 1906 and continued until 1925. The palace, which was opened by King Ferdinand, is made in the Neo-Gothic style. At first, the district court was located in the building. During the war with fascist Germany, a military hospital was located in it. Only ten years after the end of hostilities, the palace was restored, and a museum was opened in it, which still works today. The palace is included in the list of historical monuments that are under state protection.
Basilica of the Three Hierarchs (Gregory the Theologian, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom)
The magnificent building, which is a masterpiece of architecture, is located in the city of Iasi in Romania. The interior of the shrine is distinguished by luxury and wealth. The walls are decorated with gilded ornaments. Many figures of the country's history found their repose here: Vasile Lupu, who ruled the Principality of Moldova for a long time, the legendary Dmitry Kantemir, whose ashes were transported here in the thirties of the last century.
City University
The oldest educational institution in the country, founded in October 1860. The building of Iasi University was designed by architect Louis Blanc. Its grand opening took place in the presence of Queen Elizabeth and King Karol I. His attraction, which is always visited by visitors to the city, is undoubtedly the “Hall of Lost Steps”, which is decorated with paintings by Sabine Balas.
Park Kopow
The oldest park in Iasi in Romania, which was created in 1834. His attraction is the old linden Mihai Eminescu , which inspired the poet throughout his creative life and is a symbol of the city. A bust of the poet was set next to the legendary tree, and in the eighties of the last century a museum was opened in the park, which was dedicated to the work of the Romanian classic.
There is another monument in Kopou Park - “The Obelisk with Lions”, which is erected in honor of Pavel Kiselyov - the Russian general.
Braunstein Palace
In 1900, on the order of the entrepreneur Adolf Braunstein in the city of Iasi (Romania), construction of the palace began, which later began to bear the name of its first owner. The construction was completed in 1915. The building is made in the style of eclecticism using elements of art nouveau. This trend was very fashionable at the beginning of the XX century. Since then, it has been a hotel, office, headquarters of political parties. Today, the building houses an exhibition hall of artists belonging to the Union of Artists of Romania.
The complex "Palace"
A unique ultramodern complex located in the city center was built in the 21st century. It includes commercial premises, modern hotels, an office, luxury apartments, underground parking for 2.5 thousand places and entertainment venues. In Romania, this complex has no analogues, being the largest private investment, the value of which is estimated at 265 million euros.
Do I need a visa to travel to Romania?
Romania is a member of the EU, and is not yet a member of the Schengen zone. Russians need a visa to Romania, regardless of the purpose of visiting the country. The state issues a national visa, which can be issued at an authorized travel agency, at the consular section of the embassy or at an intermediary company. The most frequently requested document is a tourist visa to Romania. To receive it, you must submit the following documents:
- Application form completed and signed.
- Passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation.
- Photocopies of all pages of the passport.
- Copies of all pages of the passport of the Russian Federation.
- Consular fee receipt.
- Photo size 3.5 x 4.5 cm.
- Originals and copies of round-trip tickets.
- When crossing the border by car, the original and a copy of the vehicle passport or power of attorney are presented.
- The original or a copy of the document confirming the reservation of a hotel room.
- Copy and original health insurance for the period of stay in Romania.
- Documents confirming financial security (at least 50 euros per day).
- Certificate on letterhead from the place of work or study indicating salary and position.
Tourists reviews
The vast majority of tourists consider their trip to the Romanian city of Iasi successful. There are many historical, cultural and architectural attractions. The city leaves a very good impression - there are no problems with housing, experienced guides conduct tours of the city, the locals are friendly and welcoming.