The Palace of Culture, built between 1906-1925 according to the plans of the architect I.D. Berindey, is an exceptional example of municipal and administrative architecture in Romania. With remarkable dimensions, its central tower, 55 meters high, made it the tallest building in the city at that time. The palace’s architecture combines several styles, including neo-Gothic, romantic, and neo-Baroque, strongly influencing the appearance of the old Moldavian city.
The building impresses with modern technical installations and equipment imported from Germany, as well as with the ironwork details made by prestigious French firms. The interior furniture, in neo-Gothic style, was designed and made in renowned workshops from Paris and England.
The honor hall, decorated in neo-Gothic style, impresses with its ribbed vault and stained glass windows that create a solemn atmosphere. The decorative elements in the building vary depending on the construction period, with predominantly neoclassical ornaments during the reign of Carol I and baroque ones during the reign of Ferdinand I.
The Voivodes’ Hall, the most monumental room in the palace, houses a gallery of portraits of the Moldavian rulers and an impressive marble fireplace decorated with a bas-relief representing a “Historical Tree.”
The Palace of Culture is also famous for its clock, with three dials and a carillon mechanism that plays the “Hora Unirii” melody every exact hour. The stained glass windows of the dials are decorated with the 12 zodiac signs, and the fresco painting of the clock depicts Dragoș Vodă’s shepherds. Officially inaugurated in 1925 in the presence of the royal family, the palace later became the Palace of Culture, now housing several important cultural institutions, including the Museum of the History of Moldova and the Art Museum.
Iași
Iași is a historic and cultural city in eastern Romania, located in the Moldavia region. It is the second-largest city in the region and the fourth-largest city in Romania, with a population of approximately 320,000 inhabitants. Founded in the 14th century, Iași is one of the oldest urban settlements in Romania and has been over time an important cultural, economic, and academic center. The history of Iași can be traced in its numerous historical buildings, which are considered some of the most impressive in Romania. Among the most important historical buildings are the Moldavian Royal Court, St. Nicholas Church, Trei Ierarhi Church, Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Palace of Culture. All these buildings offer an impressive view of the city’s architecture and history. Additionally, Iași is known for its vibrant cultural and artistic life. Many important artists and writers, such as Mihai Eminescu, Nichita Stănescu, Grigore Vieru, and Ion Creangă, have lived and created here. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events throughout the year, including the International Film Festival and the International Music Festival.
Academic Center
Iași is also an important academic center, with the University of Iași being one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Romania. The University of Iași was founded in 1860 and hosts a wide range of faculties, including medicine, law, engineering, and humanities.