retiredmartin

March 2025. Iaşi. Romania.

Let’s get the culture out of the way quickly, so you philistines can read about pubs* next up.

I have to get my culture in where I find it; when you join CAMRA-approved “Pub Research Trip” (ugh) you have to sign a contract agreeing not to nip off to visit Art Galleries in Wolves or whatever.

Here’s the best map showing the sights along Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare, a pretty much traffic-free half mile with all the best churches.

Jassi looked glorious at dusk, particularly the Palace of Culture. Anyone (like us) who’s only been to Bucharest before will be surprised at how clean and smart it all is.

Romania is a country of churches, and coffee, and carnations.

We ticked four churches in an hour, a bit like visiting four Sam Smiths pubs in Rochdale in 60 minutes.

I can’t be bothered to give you history about the Met (above), or the Catholic (below),

(Mrs RM’s head photobombing this one),

or the Monastery of the Three Holy Hierarchs,

which as Duncan mentioned has a chandelier with ostrich eggs in it and the most astonishing ceiling.

Right, tourist trail complete,

let’s find some murk.

*Hey, it’s Romania, I’m using the word “pubs” very loosely.