Biserica Armeneasca (Armenian Church), Iasi

The Armenian Church is the city's oldest church, originally constructed in 1395. This stone-and-brick structure has undergone extensive renovations since 1803, which removed many of its original architectural details. Despite these changes, Armenian stone inscriptions from the 14th century remain visible around the entrance.

Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the church has a complex history. An inscription from 1395 found on an old brick has sparked much debate, as the Armenian community at the time did not use the Julian or Gregorian calendars, suggesting it might be a later addition. Nonetheless, historical records confirm that Armenians built a church in Iasi in the 14th century, which was known to exist between 1583 and 1586.

Traditionally, it is believed that the nearby Saint Sabbas Church was constructed on the site of an earlier Armenian church taken over by the Romanian Orthodox community. Another Armenian church dedicated to Saint Gregory the Great burned down in 1827. Historical documents show that several princes, including Mihai Racovita, Nicholas Mavrocordatos, and Dimitrie Cantemir, provided tax exemptions to the church's clergy.

The Armenian Church also has three bells, one from 1607 with a Latin inscription and another from 1887 inscribed in Old Church Slavonic. The church has seen repairs in 1732, 1803, 1929-1932, and post-World War II in 1946 due to bombardment damage. It is recognized as a historic monument by Romania's Ministry of Culture and Religious Affairs, along with the neighboring Armenian atheneum, built in 1932 and currently used as the parish house. The church is often closed to the public.