Iasi is 393km (244 miles) NE of Bucharest Some of Iasi's most vivid associations are with the country's literary superhero, Mihai Eminescu, who lived, loved, and wrote poetry here for a good part of his highly romanticized life. But the city is much older than Eminescu, of course; founded in the 14th century, it usurped Suceava as Moldavia's capital in 1565. As the seat of power, the city experienced a long-term renaissance in cultural activity and architectural development, culminating in its being declared the first capital of Romania (for a brief spell between 1859-62), and the establishment of the first Romanian university here in 1860. The resultant tide of cosmopolitanism is still evident today, albeit tucked between uglier relics of 20th-century construction, notably in the form of concrete blocks that blight the city's neoclassical center. But Iasi, like so much of Romania, is on the rebound, with plenty of restoration and renovation programs up and running. The city may be Bucharest extra-light, but the pulse is growing. Back to Top Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
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