IASI (RO)
Once called ‘the city of a hundred churches,’ Iași is home to several churches and monasteries that are still important religious and cultural centres. The Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral, built between 1833 and 1839, was designed by Alexandru Orăscu, who also designed the University of Bucharest.

IASI’S HISTORY
One of Romania’s oldest cities, Iaşi was the capital of Moldavia for three centuries, from 1564 to 1862. It became a capital after ruler Alexandru Lăpușneanu moved the seat from Suceava. After it became a capital, the city started to develop under its new role. In the 17th century, ruler Vasile Lupu built here the Golia and Trei Ierarhi monasteries, and a school for advanced studies, among others. In 1642, it hosted the Synod of Iași, another important moment in the city’s history. The Treaty of Iași, ending the Russian-Turkish War was signed here in 1792. When the 1848 Revolution broke in in Moldavia,

MY OPINION
Ideal city to spend your weekend well. For leisurely walks in the city center and in the park around the Palace of Culture. There are many options for coffee, food and drink as well as for shopping therapy. You will definitely have a good time and above all relax. Iasi is a very relaxed but active, lively, but also historical. Put it in your travel notebook.

MUST SEE – Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral
The cathedral impresses with its size, considering that it is one of the biggest Orthodox churches in the country. The Moldavian Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedrala Metropolitana a Moldovei) was built in the Neoclassical architectural style and the interiors are decorated with Renaissance sacred images and elements, painted by a renowned Romanian artist, Gheorghe Tattarescu.

PLACES TO VISIT

1. THE THREE HOLY HIERARCHS MONASTERY
The Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery was completed in 1639, during the reign of Prince Vasile Lupu. The reasons why you should never ever consider to skip this sight when in Iasi are numerous. First of all, is the stone facade. From the base and all the way up to the steeples, the white exterior walls have intricate patterns carved on them, combining romanian motifs with Byzantine and Asian elements. The level of detail is so high, that the whole church resembles a filigran. From the moment it was built, the church was meant to be a royal burial ground, which it is until present days. If you step inside you can see the tombs of several Romanian rulers, including Al. I. Cuza. Told you we’d get back to this guy.

2. THE PALACE OF CULTURE
The Palace of Culture is truly a masterpiece, inside and outside. Combining three architectural styles (Romantic, Neo-gothic and Neo-baroque), it’s definitely the most impressive landmark of Iasi. The palace houses not one, but four museums: History Museum, Art Museum, Ethnographic Museum and Science & Technical Museum. Besides the permanent exhibitions, there are many other temporary exhibits brought to the public eye throughout the year.

3. THE NATIONAL THEATRE
The construction of the National Theatre (Teatrul National “Vasile Alecsandri”) started in the late 1800 and its architects were the same that designed numerous theatres across Europe, including the ones in Vienna, Prague, Berlin or Budapest. If you choose to visit its interiors (which I definitely recommend), you’ll get to be amazed by a full display of Rococo and Baroque style ornaments. Also, you know how they say that cultural institutions provide a guiding light for their community? Forget metaphors. Back in the days, this theatre’s power station actually supplied electricity for the city’s first public lighting system. They really took things literally.

4. THE UNION SQUARE
Situated right in the heart of the city, the Union Square (Piata Unirii) was the obvious choice to start this list. It’s a central meeting point for both tourists and locals. This square has a deep historic meaning. On 24 of January 1859, on this very site the Romanian people performed the first dance of unity, symbol of the newly accomplished Union of Wallachia and Moldavia. The square is dominated by the imposing statue of Al. I. Cuza, the first ruler of the United Romanian Principalities. Remember his name, we’re going to visit his residence next, then his tomb a bit later.