Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ŞTEFAN CEL MARE: MOLDAVIA'S GREATEST
PRINCE
It's a rare day when a Romanian doesn't say 'Ştefan cel Mare' (Stephen the Great, r 1457-1504): the name of
Moldavia's greatest prince adorns squares, boulevards, streets, statues and landmarks nationwide. During his
reign, Ştefan beat back Polish, Hungarian and Ottoman forces; his resistance to the latter won him admirers in-
cluding Pope Sixtus IV, who declared Ştefan an
Athleta Christi
(Champion of Christ). Despite allegedly fathering
over 20 illegitimate children, Ştefan's heroic deeds and church building won him canonisation by the Romanian
Orthodox Church, as 'The Right-Believing Voivod Stephen the Great and the Saint'.
Although Ştefan is often overshadowed by his infamous cousin, Wallachian prince Vlad Ţepeş (Dracula), his
battle record (34-2) speaks for itself, and he did erect 44 churches and monasteries - several now Unesco World
Heritage sites. Both in battle and in church building, the prince kept up Romanian spirits and traditions, prevent-
ing the Ottomans from disrupting traditional cultures as they did almost everywhere else in the Balkans. Without
Ştefan, Europe might well have turned out differently.
Sleeping
Iaşi accommodation is business oriented and relatively expensive. Dedicated bargain
hunters can find deals, however.
Advance booking is recommended for October 7 to 14, when both religious pilgrims
and students returning to university (and their parents) occupy town.
HOTEL
Hotel Unirea $$
( 0232-205 006;
www.hotelunirea.ro
; Piaţa Unirii 5; s/d/ste 225/295/395 lei, parking
10 lei; )
Although several contenders around the main square vie for the
title of Iaşi's best hotel, an indoor pool, spa centre and 13th-floor Panoramic Restaurant
(with expansive views) sets the Unirea apart. Rooms are bright and business style, with
comfortable beds and all amenities.
Grand Hotel Traian $$$
( 0232-266 666;
www.grandhoteltraian.ro
;
Piaţa Unirii 1; s/d 315/360 lei; )
Right in the centre, the elegant Traian was designed by Gustave Eiffel himself. The rooms
HOTEL
