Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași
About Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași
Piața Unirii, Union Square, is one of the best-known squares of Iași: three historic arteries of the city meet here, Ștefan cel Mare Boulevard (the old Ulița Mare), Alexandru Lăpușneanu Street (Ulița Sârbească) and Cuza Vodă Street (formerly Golia). The place is linked to the Hora Unirii, the Dance of the Union, danced here in January 1859, in the days of the election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as ruler, with music by Alexandru Flechtenmacher and words by Vasile Alecsandri. Even today, every year on 24 January, the Union of the Principalities is celebrated in the square, at the ruler's statue.
The square took its present form in the 20th century. The Traian hotel dates from 1882 and the Braunstein Palace from 1913–1914; after the systematisation plan of 1959 the centre of the square was remade: to the south-west the blocks around the Unirea Hotel, finished in 1969, appeared, and the paving received the mosaics of the 1960s.
What you can see
In the square stands the statue of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the work of the Italian sculptor Raffaello Romanelli, unveiled on 27 May 1912 in the presence of King Carol I. The bronze statue, 3.5 metres high, stands on an Italian granite pedestal, at the foot of which are four life-size bronze figures: Mihail Kogălniceanu, Costache Negri, Nicolae Kretzulescu and General Ioan Emanuel Florescu.
Around it you can see the Braunstein Palace, built in 1913–1914, with its corner cupola, and the Grand Hotel Traian, built in 1882 and listed as a historic monument. Between the buildings stretch the mosaics of the paving and the areas with benches around the statue.
Good to know
Since June 2026 the square has been under rehabilitation works: the paving is being replaced with new stone, the mosaics are being restored and the street furniture is being renewed. The works are carried out in sections, with an announced duration of 12 months, and pedestrians move along marked routes. The Braunstein Palace houses the Cupola Galleries and the German and French cultural centres.
- The statue of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Romanelli's bronze unveiled in 1912.
- The Braunstein Palace, with the cupola on its corner, built in 1913–1914.
- The Grand Hotel Traian, the 1882 building listed as a historic monument.
- The ceremony of 24 January, when the square celebrates the Union of the Principalities.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the square is in the centre of Iași, ~1 km from the railway station (~2 minutes) and ~7.5 km from the airport (~13 minutes). Traffic around it is heavy: the easiest way is to leave the car in a nearby car park and continue on foot.
On foot: from the railway station it is ~1.2 km (~16 minutes), and from the Palace of Culture ~1.2 km (~16 minutes).
- Where to park
In the centre of Iași parking is paid, on the street or in nearby public car parks.
- Fees & discounts
The square is a public space with free access, and there is no charge.
- Rules
The square is a public space: photography is free. The statue of Cuza is a historic monument, so the pedestal and the sculptures must not be climbed. On event days, areas occupied by a stage or fenced off may be closed to access.
- Facilities
Benches along the sides of the square
Frequently asked questions about Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași
How much is a ticket to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași?
Admission to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași is free (public square, free access). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași?
Opening hours at Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași take?
A visit to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași takes about 20 min (the statue and the surrounding buildings).
Can you visit Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași with kids?
Yes, Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași is suitable for children (pedestrian square).
Where can I park at Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași?
There is paid parking at Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași (on the street, in the centre). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași?
Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași is located at Piața Unirii, Iași, Iași County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași?
The best season for Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași: All year round (24 January, Union Day).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Piața Unirii (Union Square) in Iași, sorted by distance.
