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Parks #7 in Iași

The "Copou" Garden

4.7 · 9,406 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation with historical literary charm
The "Copou" Garden, Bulevardul Carol I nr. 31, Iași 700462, Romania
Interesting facts
1

The Obelisk of Lions is the oldest public monument in Romania.

2

The park was originally a vineyard belonging to the Ghica family before being transformed into a public garden in 1834.

3

Eminescu's Linden Tree was declared a protected natural monument due to its age and historical association.

4

The park contains the bust gallery of prominent Romanian writers and historical figures.

5

The Obelisk of Lions was constructed to honor the 1834 Organic Regulations, the first constitutional document in the Romanian Principalities.

6

The garden is built on a slope, offering varying elevations that provide views over the city of Iași.

7

A small pond and a 'Junimea' fountain are situated within the park, referencing the famous 19th-century literary society.

8

The park was designed with a romantic landscape style, prioritizing meandering paths over geometric symmetry.

Overview

Copou Garden is the oldest public park in Iași, Romania, originally established in the 19th century as a getaway for the local nobility. Its central feature is the Obelisk of Lions, also known as the Organic Regulations Monument, dating back to 1834. The park is most famous for Eminescu's Linden Tree, a silver lime tree estimated to be over 250 years old, which served as a source of inspiration for the Romanian poet Mihai Eminescu. The garden encompasses approximately 10 hectares, featuring winding alleys, decorative statues of cultural figures, and a dedicated Eminescu Museum. It serves as a primary cultural hub for the city, housing an amphitheater used for open-air concerts and poetry readings. The layout preserves a romantic, classical 19th-century aesthetic distinct from modern urban parks. It remains the most significant green space in the Copou district.

Photo spot

Directly in front of the Obelisk of Lions or under the canopy of Eminescu's Linden Tree.

Insider tips

Visit during the blooming season of the linden tree to experience the distinct, sweet fragrance throughout the garden.

Look for the small plaques and markers identifying the various statues to understand the local cultural significance.

What to avoid

Stepping off marked paths, which can damage the preserved turf and sensitive root systems of the historic trees.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early summer, particularly during the evening for a cooler atmosphere.
Address
The "Copou" Garden, Bulevardul Carol I nr. 31, Iași 700462, Romania
47.179, 27.568
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasExtensive tree canopy and numerous wooden benches along historical pathways
Cultural significanceHome to the Eminescu Museum and an outdoor bust gallery of Romanian scholars

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early summer, particularly during the evening for a cooler atmosphere..

Directly in front of the Obelisk of Lions or under the canopy of Eminescu's Linden Tree.

Close by you'll find Eminescu's Linden Tree, Anastasie Fătu Botanical Garden, Exhibition Parc.