The cathedral is one of the most important destinations for pilgrims, who flock to the city every October to honour the relics of Saint Parascheva, the patron saint of Moldova.
Three Holy Hierarchs Monastery
Considered one of the city’s most beautiful churches, it is covered in exquisite stone pattern work that seamlessly blends Georgian, Turkish and Armenian motifs. Due to the originality of the stone lacery, with over 30 non repeating decorative motifs, the monastery was included on the tentative UNESCO world heritage sites.
It was built between 1637 and 1637 by Prince Vasile Lupu and later restored, at beginning 20th century. The church contains the tomb of its founder as well as that of Prince Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the first ruler of the Romanian Principalities.
The Great Synagogue
Located in the city centre, this 17th century synagogue is the oldest in Romania. At the time it was built, religious buildings that did not pertain to the Christian Orthodox religion were not allowed to be taller than the Metropolitan Cathedral. That is why, it is believed the building was placed deeper underground so as to comply with the rule. Currently, the Great Synagogue is the only one still serving the city’s Jewish population, once very numerous. Service is held several times a week, provided that in attendance there are at least 10 men every time.
Iași Botanical Gardens
The Iași Botanical Gardens are both the oldest and the largest in Romania, covering 100 hectares. Located very close to the city centre, they provide a great retreat spot on hot summer days, thanks to the over 20 kilometres of lanes, extensive gardens and lake. The rose garden, in particular, includes over 600 varieties, making it the most valuable collection in the country.
Copou Park
With its old linden trees, Copou Park has a special place in the city’s collective memory. Allegedly, this is where Romania’s favourite poet, Mihai Eminescu, spent his afternoons under a tree writing his most famous poems.
The linden tree known as ‘Eminescu’s linden tree’ still stands tall, near the Obelisk of Lions, considered the oldest monument in modern Romania. The park also has a bust of Mihai Eminescu nearby.
Vânători-Neamț Natural Park
The Vânători-Neamț Natural Park is one of the few places in Europe where you can see the continent’s heaviest wild land animal, the European bison (Bison bonasus). Part of a re-wilding project, the 11.500 hectare reservation is home to a large population of bison, some living in a restricted area, and several in the wild forests.
For the region of Moldavia, the head of the auroch (a now extinct type of large, wild cattle) is a heraldic symbol, also found on its coat of arms. Although bison are not related, the locals treasure this gentle herbivorous animal nonetheless.
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Source link : https://theculturetrip.com/europe/romania/articles/top-10-attractions-to-check-out-in-iasi
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Publish date : 2023-09-19 07:00:00
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