ROMANIA : LASI
Lasi is a city (and a county) in
north-eastern region of Moldavia in Romania. During World War I, Lasi
was the capital of Romania for two years, following the German
occupation of Bucharest on 6 December 1916. The status of “capital of
Romania” was returned to Bucharest after its liberation in November
1918.
Because of its impressive buildings, Lasi ranks as the second cultural
town of Romania : the "Trei lerarhi" (The Three Hierarchs) Church where
the bones of rulers Vasile Lupu, Dimitrie Cantemir and Alexandru loan
Cuza are preserved, the National Theatre, The Foundation Library,
University. The Culture Palace is the landmark of Lasi, and the bells of
its central tower ring every hour the Union Dance. The Princely St.
Nicolae Church was built by Stefan del Mare in 1492.
The city lies on the Bahlui River, a tributary of the Prut River. The
surrounding country is one of uplands and woods, among which rise the
monasteries of Cetatuia, Frumoasa, and Galata with its mineral springs,
and the dendrology park of Repedea. Iasi itself stands pleasantly amid
vineyards and gardens, partly on two hills, partly in the hollow
between.
Iasi was for centuries the capital of the Principality of Moldavia,
until 1859 when the Principalities of Moldavia and Walachia merged to
form Romania. Lasi is an outstanding educational centre, and preserves
some beautiful pieces of architecture. Many buildings in the old city
centre, however, were demolished during Communist times, with unsightly
Soviet-style blocks of flats built in their stead.
