Iași Botanical Garden
In its own language: Grădina Botanică "Anastasie Fătu"
Romania’s oldest and largest botanical garden, founded in 1856 in Iași
The Iași Botanical Garden, named for its founder Anastasie Fătu, covers over 80 hectares in the Copou area of Iași, Romania. Established in 1856, it features themed sections including native Romanian flora, world plants, a rose garden, greenhouses, and areas for research, education, and recreation.
- Founded in 1856, it is Romania’s oldest botanical garden
- Covers more than 80 hectares with twelve themed sections
- Houses a rose garden with about 600 varieties
- Features 21 greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants
- Active in conservation of rare and endangered Romanian plants
What is Iași Botanical Garden?
The Iași Botanical Garden is a public park and scientific garden spread over 82 hectares. Visitors find twelve themed areas, including a large section for Romanian plants, a rose garden with hundreds of varieties, greenhouses with tropical and subtropical species, and collections of trees and shrubs. There are also ponds, walking paths, and spaces for relaxation and study. The grounds are designed for both public enjoyment and botanical research, with displays arranged by plant family, region, or use.
The history of Iași Botanical Garden
Founded in 1856 by Anastasie Fătu with his own funds, the garden is Romania’s oldest and largest. It began near Râpa Galbenă and moved several times before settling in Copou in 1964. Over the years, it has been shaped by university professors and local societies, and is now managed by Alexandru Ioan Cuza University. The garden has played a key role in botanical education and plant conservation in Romania, and is a member of international plant exchange networks.
What there is to see
The garden is divided into twelve main sections. These include systematic beds for teaching, a vast area for Romanian flora grouped by region, and a dendrological collection of trees and shrubs. The greenhouses, with 21 structures, house about 2,500 plant types from tropical and subtropical regions. There are also areas for ornamental plants, useful plants, memorial plants, and recreation. Each section is arranged to highlight plant relationships, uses, or cultural significance.
When to go
The Iași Botanical Garden is open to the public for walks, study, and relaxation. It is a resource for university students and researchers, with dedicated spaces for practical work and scientific study. The garden is active in plant conservation, especially for rare Romanian species, and collaborates with other gardens and conservation programs. The greenhouses can be visited on most days except Mondays and Wednesdays.
Parts and collections
Within the garden, visitors can explore a rose garden with around 600 varieties, a section for Romanian regional flora, and a world flora area with plants from different continents. The greenhouses display a wide range of tropical and subtropical plants. The memorial plants section highlights species linked to life events and national figures. Each area offers a different perspective on plant diversity and use.
Why Iași Botanical Garden matters
The garden is an important cultural and scientific site in Romania. It conserves rare and endangered plants, some listed in the national Red Book. The grounds reflect Romania’s botanical heritage, with sections dedicated to the country’s regions and historical figures. As a partner in international networks, the garden supports plant exchange and conservation efforts. It is a popular destination for both locals and visitors interested in plants and nature.
Questions people ask about Iași Botanical Garden
Where is the Iași Botanical Garden located?
The garden is in the Copou neighbourhood of Iași, Romania. It is adjacent to the Exhibition Park and covers over 80 hectares.
What can I see at the Iași Botanical Garden?
Visitors can explore themed sections such as Romanian regional flora, a rose garden, greenhouses with tropical plants, collections of trees and shrubs, and areas for research, education, and relaxation.
When was the Iași Botanical Garden established?
It was founded in 1856 by Anastasie Fătu, making it the oldest botanical garden in Romania.
What is special about the garden’s plant collections?
The garden features plants from Romania and around the world, including rare and endangered species, and has a rose garden with hundreds of varieties.
Is the garden involved in plant conservation?
Yes, the garden conserves over 85 rare species listed in the Red Book of Romanian vascular plants and participates in national and international conservation programs.
Good reading and sources
- Iași Botanical Garden on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Iași Botanical Garden", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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