Copou Park, Iasi

Located on Copou hill, the Copou Park (or Gardens) is the oldest public park in Iaşi and the first ever public gardens in Romania. It was created in 1834 under the reign of Mihail Sturdza. In the centre of the park stands the Obelisk of Lions, a 13.5 m (44 ft) tall monument, otherwise known as the Monument of the Constitutional Laws (or Regulamentul Organic), the first law on political, administrative and juridical organization of the Romanian Principalities. Rumors say that the document itself is hidden inside the monument. Other local landmarks include Eminescu's Linden Tree and Mihai Eminescu Museum. A series of busts of prominent personalities of the Romanian culture side the main alley of the park, the Junimea Alley. Copou is a popular destination for tourists and locals, and a favourite location for poetry festivals, photography exhibitions and arts & crafts fairs, including the National Ceramics Fair "Cucuteni" which brings together master potters from all over Romania.