Nicolina

Nicolina is one of the large quarters in the south of Iași, grown around Nicolina station and the roads leading out of the city towards Vaslui. It is a residential area built during the industrialisation period, but it has one sight worth the trip.

What you see

Frumoasa Monastery is a monastic ensemble with a princely palace, part of the ring of fortified monasteries raised around the Moldavian capital in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Unlike Cetățuia or Galata, it sits in a far less trafficked setting — which, for a visitor, is rather an advantage.

The full context of the fortified monasteries is in churches and monasteries.

What it's like, practically

With ten restaurants listed, Nicolina has the city's third-largest food offer after the centre and Palas — and it is a neighbourhood offer, at neighbourhood prices. Three places to stay complete the picture.

The area is well connected to the centre, and its position on the southern exit route makes it practical for anyone arriving by car from Vaslui or Bârlad.

As with all the post-1945 quarters — Alexandru cel Bun, Dacia, Tătărași — the architecture is blocks of flats and the tourist offer is limited. It is not the quarter you come to Iași for, but it is one where life is good and cheap.

Position

Nicolina grew around the station of the same name and the roads leading south out of the city. That position makes it useful for anyone arriving by car from Vaslui or Bârlad: you enter the quarter directly, without crossing the centre.

The area connects to the rest of the city through Podu Roș, the junction across the Bahlui through which almost all southern traffic passes. That also explains the morning congestion — see transport in Iași.

Who it suits

Anyone looking for affordable accommodation outside the central area, with good links. Those combining a city visit with Frumoasa Monastery. And anyone moving to Iași — see the guide for new residents and the neighbourhoods guide.