Religious pilgrimage

This time the cultural trip will be a bit shorter than the usual. First because I'm in a smaller city, second because I want to balance relax and culture. And the weather is still fugly, so I need to distract myself with something else than churches. Anyway ket's start with the first. Mănăstirea Trei Ierarhi is a seventeenth-century monastery and it's name means Monastery of the Three Hierarchs, because it's dedicated to Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom). It is famous for it's beautifully engraved outer walls, which include motives with over 30 different motives, a mix of Eastern and Western influences (Armenian, Georgian, Persian, Arabian, Ottoman, Gothic and Renaissance).

It was, unfortunately, forbidden to take photos inside, where some Romanian important figures are buried, among which Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the first ruler of the united Romanian principalities. Next was Mănăstirea Golia, so called because it was erected by boyar Ioan Golia in the VI Century. It was then rebuilt (bigger) by Prince Vasile Lupu in the VII Century, and completed by his son Ştefăniţă. Main characteristic is the tall walls that completely surround the monastery, with a tall tower at the main gate.

Here it was possible taking pictures and I'm thankful for this, as the inside is particularly beautiful, with the usual colourful frescoes and elaborate accessories, so typical of Orthodox churches.

Close to the Palace of Culture there is also Biserica Sfântul Nicolae Domnesc (Saint Nicholas Princely Church), which is very important from a historic point of view, being one of the oldest Iași, but inside it wasn't the most interesting. If I have to cite something I don't like of orthodox churches, is the annexed shop at the entrances very often inside the church.

There is also an Armenian church, but apparently it is permanently closed. And it's not like I haven't seen my fair share of them. And this is the end of Churches Ahoy, because I need a goddamn hot coffee right now.