The National Theatre "Vasile Alecsandri", Iasi (must see)

The National Theatre "Vasile Alecsandri" is one of Romania’s most important cultural institutions. Founded in 1840, it is the oldest national theatre in the country. The present building opened in 1896, after an earlier theatre was destroyed by fire in 1888. It was designed by Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer and named after poet and playwright Vasile Alecsandri.

The building is admired for its richly decorated interior, inspired by late nineteenth-century European theatre design. Craftsmen used around 7 kilograms of gold leaf for the stucco work, balconies, and ornamental details. The main hall also features a Venetian crystal chandelier with 109 bulbs, while the ceiling painting by Alexander Goltz shows allegorical scenes linked to mythology and the arts.

The theatre also reflects strong civic ambition. After the 1888 fire, local leaders cleared the former City Hall site to make room for the new building. Its construction supported the development of electric lighting in the city, illuminating both the auditorium and nearby public lamps. On the opening nights in December 1896, performances of works by Vasile Alecsandri and Costache Negruzzi raised money for poor residents.

Over time, the theatre gained international recognition, including mention in a BBC ranking of beautiful theatre buildings worldwide. Its design also connects it to other Fellner and Helmer theatres across Europe, with related architectural features found in venues in Vienna, Prague, Zurich, and Odessa. The complex later added the modern Theatre at the Cube. Today, visitors can attend performances or explore its rich artistic history.