Three Hierarchs Monastery, Iasi (must see)

Situated in the old centre of Iasi, on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard (previously known as the Princely Street), the Monastery of the Three Holy Hierarchs symbolizes cultural and spiritual legacy of the Moldavia region of Romania. It was built in 1637-1639 by Vasile Lupu, prince of Moldavia, as a manifestation of his sovereignty, and remains under the patronage of Three Holy Hierarchs - St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian and St. John Chrysostom. The "Trisfetite" Church, inside the monastery, was initially intended as a royal burial ground, pursuant to which it holds the remains of the local saint, Paraskeve, and prominent state persons, members of Vasile Lupu's royal family: Princes Dimitrie Cantemir and Alexandru Ioan Cuza. At some point, the monastery also housed a print house and the future Princely Academy known as "Schola Basiliana". In 1970 the monastery was shut down and remained so until 1989 when it was reopened. The complex's architecture represents a combination of Romanian, Turkish, Arab, Georgian, Armenian and Persian elements.