Iași Botanical Garden
Northeast Region
Iași Botanical Garden, named after its founder Anastasie Fătu, is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Romania, located in the Copou neighborhood of Iași. Established in 1856, it is maintained by Alexandru Ioan Cuza University and spans over 80 hectares divided into twelve distinct sections. These include the Systematic Section for botanical education, the extensive Romanian Flora and Vegetation Section showcasing regional plant diversity, and the Ornamental Section with greenhouses designed for subtropical and tropical species. The garden also features a Dendrologic Section with diverse trees and shrubs, a World Flora Section representing global plant diversity, and a Useful Plants Section highlighting species used in various industries. Its greenhouses complex houses around 2,500 taxa, and the Rosary Section displays approximately 600 rose varieties. The garden plays a vital role in conserving 85 species listed in Romania's Red Book and participates in international plant conservation networks. It also includes a section dedicated to plants significant to Romanian culture and history. The garden combines scientific research, education, and recreational opportunities, featuring special provisions for visually impaired visitors with Braille explanations. Annual exhibitions and cultural events attract both local and international tourists, making it a unique institution for botanical science and nature appreciation.
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Tip: The best time to visit Iași Botanical Garden is during spring and early summer when most plants are in bloom. Visitors are encouraged to check the official website for seasonal exhibitions and events. Advance ticket purchase is advisable during peak periods or special exhibitions. The garden offers facilities for visually impaired visitors, including Braille signage. Discounts are typically available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours can enhance the experience by providing detailed botanical and historical insights.
Interesting facts
- •Iași Botanical Garden is the oldest and largest botanical garden in Romania, established in 1856.
- •The garden covers over 80 hectares and is divided into twelve specialized sections.
- •It conserves 85 species listed in Romania's Red Book of vascular plants.
- •The greenhouses complex includes 21 greenhouses with around 2,500 plant taxa from subtropical, tropical, and equatorial regions.
- •The garden has a dedicated section with Braille explanations for visually impaired visitors.
- •It participates in international plant conservation programs and the International Plant Exchange Network since 2009.
History
Founded in 1856 by Anastasie Fătu with his own funds, the Iași Botanical Garden is Romania's oldest botanical garden.
It initially started near Râpa Galbenă and underwent several relocations and expansions, including a significant move to its current Copou location in 1964 under Professor Emilian Ţopa.
Throughout its history, the garden has expanded its collections and scientific activities, becoming a center for botanical education and conservation.
Since 2009, it has been a member of the International Plant Exchange Network, emphasizing its role in global plant conservation efforts.
Place Guide
Systematic Section
A 4.5-hectare area designed for students, featuring 700 herbaceous and woody plant taxa arranged by natural similarities into divisions, orders, and families, facilitating botanical education.
Romanian Flora and Vegetation Section
The largest section covering 25 hectares, divided into six geographical sub-sections representing the flora and vegetation of Romanian historical provinces, illustrating vertical and horizontal vegetation diversity.
Ornamental Section
A 4-hectare open-air area plus greenhouses and solariums designed for species requiring warmer climates, including a subsection specially designed for visually impaired visitors with Braille explanations.
Dendrologic Section
A 20-hectare area with collections of trees and shrubs grouped by genus and ecological requirements, located on a western-facing slope.
World Flora Section
A 16-hectare area showcasing plants from different global geographic regions, arranged according to natural and mixed landscape architecture styles.
Biologic Section
A 4.5-hectare area presenting plant evolution, adaptation, and human influence on plant development, emphasizing nature conservation and environmental preservation.
Useful Plants Section
Approximately 1.5 hectares divided into nine subsections displaying plants valuable in pharmaceutical, alimentary, cellulose, paper, and textile industries.
Greenhouses Complex Section
Comprising 21 greenhouses covering about 5,500 square meters, with 11 accessible to visitors, housing around 2,500 taxa mainly from subtropical, tropical, and equatorial zones worldwide.
Rosary Section
A 1.7-hectare rose garden featuring approximately 600 rose varieties grouped by horticultural characteristics such as proportion, form, and color.
Memorial Plants Section
A 3-hectare area presenting plants linked to important human life events and national personalities, reflecting cultural and historical significance.
Contact
Phone: 0232 201 373
