Grand Hotel Traian

This building is a French eclectic masterpiece of the famous architect and engineer Gustave Eiffel. It was built between 1879-1882, replacing the old shops owned by Scarlat Pastia, mayor of Iași. The edifice was built on a cast iron skeleton with iron crosspieces, with elegant ornaments by the windows, and relief Roman amphorae and insets depicting Trajan, the Roman emperor, on the façade. It hosted many personalities, among them the famous Swedish-born actress Greta Garbo, in 1934. The dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu delivered speeches from the hotel’s balcony, followed by doves released from the attic, in order to emphasize his peace-maker image. Scenes from the Romanian movie “Gruber’s Journey” were filmed here. The 68 rooms are furnished with 1900 furniture and art exhibitions are organized in the reception. (PHOTO : Alexandru DRĂGAN)