Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Casă Pogor; 0232-410 340; Str Vasile Pogor 4; adult/student 6/3 lei; 10am-5pm
Tue-Sun)
This museum was originally Vasile Pogor's 1850s mansion, from 1871 hosting
literary society meetings. On its grounds stand rows of busts of literary luminaries, includ-
ing dramatist Ion Luca Caragiale (1852-1912) and poet Vasile Alecsandri (1821-90).
Copou Park
(Parcol Copou; B-dul Carol I)
Designed between 1834 and 1848 under Prince Mihail
Sturza, this 10-hectare park is allegedly where poet Mihai Eminescu (1850-89) wrote be-
neath a linden tree. The tree still stands behind the 13m-high
Obelisk of Lions
(sup-
posedly modern Romania's oldest monument), which is opposite the main entrance. A
bronze bust of Eminescu sits in front.
PARK
Mihai Eminescu Museum of Literature
( 0232-144 759; Copou Park; adult/child 4/2 lei; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun)
This museum
documents the writings, life and loves of Eminescu, Romania's favourite writer and poet.
The great love of the married poet, Veronica Micle, was married also. They each outlived
their spouses but never married due to Eminescu's deteriorating health. The busts of
Veronica and Eminescu face each other by his favourite linden tree on Junimea Alea.
MUSEUM
Botanical Gardens
(Grădină Botanică; 0232-201 373; Dumbrava Rosie 7-9, Parcul Exposiţiei; garden/
greenhouse/photos 3/4/25 lei; 9am-8pm)
Iaşi's Botanical Gardens are Romania's first
(1856) and largest (100 hectares). They sprawl across Parcul Exposiţiei's western side,
and offer 21km of shady lanes, 800 rose varieties and orchid gardens, plus greenhouses
with tropical flowers and carnivorous plants. Kids will enjoy the lawns and small lake.
The gardens are popular for strolling and picnicking. They also host Vasile Lupu's
Church of the Living
(1638). The gardens are 3km northwest of the centre, so take a taxi
(4 lei) or walk (20 minutes) up on B-dul Barol I - the gardens become visible about 500m
past Copou Park, on the left.
GARDENS
