Iași

The historic capital of Moldavia and one of Romania's great cultural cities, home to the flamboyant Palace of Culture and a wealth of churches and universities. Visit for its grand architecture, literary heritage and lively student atmosphere.

Things to do

• Palace of Culture — Explore this neo-Gothic landmark housing four museums and its iconic chiming clock tower.
• Metropolitan Cathedral — Visit Romania's largest Orthodox cathedral, home to the relics of Saint Parascheva, patroness of Moldavia.
• Trei Ierarhi Monastery — Admire the intricate stone-carved facade of the Three Hierarchs Church, unique in Orthodox architecture.
• Copou Park and Eminescu's Linden — Stroll through Romania's oldest public park and see the linden tree that inspired poet Mihai Eminescu.
• Golia Monastery — Climb the Golia Tower for panoramic views over the city's rooftops and domes.
• Union Museum — Learn about the 1859 union of Moldavia and Wallachia in this elegant former royal residence.
• Botanical Garden — Wander Romania's oldest and largest botanical garden, founded in 1856 near Copou.

Food to try

• Tochitură moldovenească — A hearty Moldavian pork stew served with mămăligă (polenta), a fried egg, and sheep's cheese.
• Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână — Cornmeal polenta topped with local cheese and sour cream, a staple across Moldavia.
• Cozonac — A sweet braided bread filled with walnuts, cocoa, or Turkish delight, popular for holidays and festivals.
• Sarmale — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced pork and rice, slow-cooked and served with polenta and cream.
• Poale-n brâu — Traditional Moldavian sweet cheese pastries with folded corners, best from a local bakery.
• Wine from Cotnari — Sample the famous sweet white wines from the nearby Cotnari vineyards, one of Romania's oldest wine regions.

Local customs & good to know

• Pilgrimage of Saint Parascheva — Each October huge crowds queue for days at the Metropolitan Cathedral to venerate the saint's relics, so expect crowds and closures.
• Dress modestly in churches — Cover shoulders and knees when entering Orthodox churches and monasteries, and women may be offered a headscarf.
• Student city energy — With several major universities, Iași buzzes with lively cafes and nightlife during term, quieter over summer holidays.
• Literary heritage runs deep — Iași is Romania's cultural cradle, so seek out Junimea literary sites and the many bronze statues of writers around the center.

Nearby

• Cotnari Vineyards — 52 km
• Neamț Citadel — 94 km
• Piatra Neamț — 97 km
• Neamț Monastery — 107 km