Manastirea Galata (Galata Monastery), Iasi

The Galata Monastery, a Romanian Orthodox nunnery, was established at the end of the 16th century by Moldavian Voivode Petru Șchiopul. Situated on Galata Hill in the west of Iași, Romania, the monastery is easily visible from various parts of the city. The monastery resembles a fortress, with its surrounding walls and bell tower at the entrance, often serving as a defensive stronghold and a royal residence. Visitors to the hill can enjoy panoramic views of Iași.

The Galata Monastery, dedicated to the Ascension of God and the Holy Apostle Jacob, has influenced other significant constructions such as the Aroneanu Church, Dragomirna Monastery, and the Three Hierarchs Monastery. The monastery sits on a plateau rising to 186 meters in the Miroslava area, providing a strategic vantage point over the Bahlui plain and the old road along the valley.

Historians suggest the name "Galata" may derive from the Galata neighborhood in Constantinople, reflecting the Turkish word for "gate." The name was likely chosen because Moldavian rulers resided in that area when visiting the Gate for their reign. Architecturally, the Galata Church introduced new elements to Moldavian construction, such as replacing the wall between the nave and nave with arches supported by columns and adding a secondary tower above the pronaos.

First mentioned in the writings of chronicler Grigore Ureche around 1578, the initial construction on swampy land was soon relocated to the nearby hill for strategic observation. Over time, the monastery complex underwent numerous changes, including the addition of a surrounding wall by Abbot Nectarie in 1735 and restoration work by Prince Mihail Sturdza in the 19th century. During the communist era, the monastery's church operated only on Sundays. Since 1990, it has functioned as a nunnery, featuring a liturgical garment tailoring workshop. The church is dedicated to the "Ascension of the Lord."