Copou Park – ”Mihai Eminescu” Museum and Linden Tree, The Lion Obelisk

The first public park in Iași was arranged in 1834, as a relaxing place for boyars, the local aristocrats. In the middle of it lies the famous „Eminescu’s Linden”, a tree over 450 years old. The poet Mihai Eminescu often enjoyed its shade and sat next to it, accompanied by his lover, poetess Veronica Micle or by his good friend, writer Ion Creangă. Nearby, the “Mihai Eminescu” Museum opened in 1989, displaying aspects of the poet’s life, his love for Veronica, photocopies of his notebooks, photographs etc. The towers of this edifice symbolise love and friendship. The “Obelisk of Lions” situated in the park was built in 1841 in honour of the Organic Laws, and represents Romania’s oldest public monument. The park also proposes a romantic walk through the alley of busts of the outstanding cultural personalities of Iași. (PHOTO : Cosmin CEUCĂ)