Iași

Iasi is the most important political, economic and cultural centre of the province of Moldavia as well as one of the oldest cities in Romania. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Iasi was for many centuries the crossing point of the most important commercial routes linking Poland, Hungary, Russia and Constantinople.

Deeply rooted in history, Iasi has been the main centre of Moldavian culture, since late 1300s. The city prides itself with being the place in which the first Romanian newspaper has been published. Iasi is also the home of the first Romanian university and is – during the present time – the second-largest university centre in Romania.

Over the past 600 years, history, culture and religious life have molded the city’s unique character.
Iasi boasts an impressive number of Orthodox churches, over 100, many of them located in its central area called Golden Plateau (Platoul de Aur). The oldest, Saint Nicholas Princely Church, dates from the time of the region’s greatest rulers, prince Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare) who reigned from 1457 until 1504. The most spectacular churches, however, are the 17th century Saint Parascheva Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedrala Mitropolitană Sfânta Parascheva) and the Three Holy Hierarchs Church (Biserica Trei Ierarhi), both very fine examples of Byzantine art. The intricately carved outer walls of Three Hierarchs Church make many visitors think of a stone lace.
The Golden Plateau represents the nucleus of the city, around which the entire settlement developed over the centuries. With the Palace of Culture (Palatul Culturii) at one end and the Union Square (Piata Unirii) at the other, the Golden Plateau features administrative buildings, historic churches, palaces and mansions.
Many other important sites and points of interest can be found in the immediate vicinity of the Golden Plateau.
Some must-see attractions worth visiting while taking part in the Exchange Programme:

Palace of Culture (Palatul Culturii – Iași)

This remarkable construction (1906-1925), built in flamboyant neogothic style, stands partly on the ruins of a medieval royal court mentioned in documents dating from 1434. Today, the 365-room palace houses the Gheorghe Asachi Library and four of the city’s museums: the Region of Moldavian History Museum, the Iasi Ethnography Museum, Iasi Museum of Artand the Museum of Science and Technology.
The main lobby of Iasi Palace of Culture, its lavish furnishings and magnificent staircase, can be admired free of charge; tickets are required to visit the museums.

“Saint Parascheva” Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedrala Mitropolitană Sfânta Parascheva)

Built in Italian Renaissance style, the St. Paraschiva Metropolitan Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church in Romania. Construction began in 1833 and ended in 1839, but its cupolas fell and the church remained in ruins until 1880, when, with the help of the Foundation of King Carol I, work started again, lasting until 1888. The vast interior was painted in 1887 by Gheorghe Tattarescu and the stained glass windows were completed by a Bavarian factory in Munich.
In 1639, Prince Vasile Lupu spent the entire budget of the Principate of Moldova for the following year and a half to acquire the relics of St. Parascheva from Constantinopole. The relics have been moved to the Mitropolitan Cathedral in 1889 after a fire damaged the Trei Ierarchi Church where they had originally been placed.
The cathedral still uses one of the original bells in its northeast spire. Inside the bell, an inscription says it was made from four cannons captured from the Turkish army in the War of 1828-1829. Nearby stands the 18th century Old Mitropolitan Church of St. George (Biserica Sfantul Gheorghe).

Roznoveanu Palace – Iași City Hall

This neoclassical Viennese-style palace was built in 1832 to the design of Gustav Frey Wald. Its façade was decorated with marble statues of mythological characters such as Diana and Apollo and it was said to be grander than all other mansions in Iasi. The palace burned down in 1844 and was rebuilt by judge Nicolae Rosetti Rozvaneanu, born in a very wealthy family. In 1891, the building became the City Hall but two years later, was transformed into a royal residence. Today, it once again serves as the City Hall.

Alexandru Balș House – “Moldova” Philharmonic (Casa Alexandru Balș – Filarmonica Moldova)

Commisioned Moldavian boyar Alexandru Balș, this impressive structure was inaugurated in 1815 and became the venue of choice for theatre performances in the city of Iasi. On January 18, 1847, the famous composer, Franz Liszt, played here. In 1868, Monsignor Salandarie founded the Catholic Institute here, enlarging the building and adding a spacious extension, which today, is home of Moldova Philharmonic Orchestra. The old building houses now the George Enescu Conservatoire.

National Theatre (Teatrul Național Vasile Alecsandri)

Built in the late 19th century on the site of the old City Hall, this is one of the most elegant buildings in Romania. The architects were the Viennese Feller and Helmer who later built theatres in Cernauti and Sofia. Richly decorated in French-eclectic style, the theatre has one of the most splendid auditoriums in the country. It can seat 1,000 people and the acoustics are excellent. The theatre bears the name of the company’s founder, Vasile Alecsandri (1821-1890), a renowned Romanian poet, playwright, politician and diplomat.

Botanical Garden (Grădina Botanică Anastasie Fătu)

Dating from 1856 and covering some 250 acres, Iasi’s Botanical Garden is the oldest and largest in Romania An educational and scientific laboratory, the garden houses a precious and rich collection of trees and plants. It also offers numerous shady lanes to explore, rose and orchid gardens, a collection of tropical plants, cacti, carnivorous plants, natural springs and a lake.

1. ADULT PSYCHIATRY PROGRAMME

Programme Name:

Institute of Psychiatry ”Socola” Iași – General Psychiatry

City:

Iași, Romania

Hospital:

Institutul de Psihiatrie „Socola” Iasi

Address:

Șoseaua Bucium 36, Iași 700282

Website

The exchange offers visiting trainee doctors the opportunity to gain experience in General Adult Psychiatry in Iași city. There is a possibility of working in different units or departments, including inpatient wards, outpatient department.
You will be able to see patients with schizophrenia, affective and schizoaffective disorders, personality disorders, chronic addictions and trauma.
You will have the opportunity to see patients with an array of acute psychiatric problems from all over the Moldavian region.

Eligibility and application:

The exchange program is open to psychiatric trainees who are members of EFPT, with a strong interest in cross-cultural collaboration and learning. Participants must have a good command of English, as it will be the working language of the programme.

Interested trainees should submit an application form, which includes a letter of intention, a CV, and a letter of support from their home institution.

The EFPT Exchange Program for Psychiatric Trainees in Romania offers an excellent opportunity for trainees to expand their knowledge and understanding of mental health care in Romania, while also building lasting professional and personal relationships with peers from different backgrounds. We encourage all eligible trainees to apply and join us on this exciting journey of discovery and growth!