"Sf Nicolae Domnesc" Church : the Dosoftei House was the property of the church in the past. This is one of the oldes and most important churches of Romania, having been built in 1491 - 1492 by Stefan cel Mare, and restored at the end of the 19th century, thus being the oldest religious construction in Iasi, still standing. It played an important role in the history of the city, as it was the place where most of Moldavian rulers were officially accepted on the throne.
The architecture is a beautiful mix of stone, terracotta and brick, strangely placed in forms that strongly resemble circles, all decorated with impressive frescoes. On the inside the decorations are much better preserved, and the inside wall paintings, made by the French artists Boris Bernard, Emilie Mempiot and P. Mauretal are superb. Until the end of the 17th century this was the Cathedral of Iasi.
Barboi Church : built in 1841 - 1844 on the foundations of a much older church, dating from 1615, it is a very interesting example of classical Romanian architecture, in stone and bricks, with beautiful decorations, combining classical and gothic influences. The project was mostly inspired by similar churches in Athos. There you will find the tombs of Alecu Russo and Ioan Sandu Sturdza. It is also the place where Ion Creanga, one of the masters of Romanian literature, worked as a deacon for two years.
Golia Monastery : another important religious place in the history of Iasi, the Golia Monastery was built by Ioan Golia in the 16th century, it's church being rebuilt by Vasile Lupu in 1650 - 1653, later being completed by his son. One of the richest and most interesting, from an architectural point of view, as it combines the Polish, Greek and Romanian influences. It is protected with a tall wall and it also has a bell-tower, th Golia Tower, 30 meters high, a symbol of the city.
Cetatuia Monastery : built by Gheorghe Duca in 1669 - 1672, was at first protected by high and sturdy stone walls, guard towers and a huge gate, while inside the walls the monastery grew to be one of the largest of it's times. It is therefore fortunate for us as the whole complex was wonderfully preserved until today. A special building on the monastery grounds was the small palace prepared for the ruler of the country, a fortified building, with a kitchen and a Turkish bath.
The monastery was both a religious site and a place of refuge and protection, almost a small castle, as the thick walls prove. It's church is not very different from others, built around that time. If you visit the Cetatuia Monastery, you should also visit it's museum, a fascinating place, presenting in detail the history of the place and of the city. For a splendid view, go up the tower known as "The Pilgrim's Supper".
2008-01-10
