The Camilli Palace (Palatul Camilli), also known as Orest Tafrali House, is a historic building on Stephen the Great and Saint Boulevard in central Iași, forming the monumental street frontage of the Roman Catholic diocesan complex. Its decorated façade and vaulted entrance lead toward the Old Catholic Cathedral, which stands behind it.
The Roman Catholic Diocese had owned a series of buildings along this part of the boulevard for many years, including shops and an entrance passage into the cathedral courtyard. When the municipality widened and realigned the street in the early 20th century, Archbishop Iosif Camilli negotiated the removal of the older commercial premises and commissioned a new building on the revised frontage. Completed around 1907, the palace provided accommodation for the Catholic bishops of Iași while preserving the passage into the religious complex.
The two-story façade combines classical ornament with decorative details characteristic of early-20th-century architecture. Its central section is particularly elaborate, with the archbishop’s personal coat of arms displayed above the entrance and a statue of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus crowning the building. The coat of arms includes Saint Joseph with the infant Jesus, a lion, and a radiant sun, referring specifically to Archbishop Camilli, who oversaw the reconstruction.
The building subsequently became known as Orest Tafrali House after the historian, archaeologist, and university professor who lived here. Tafrali specialized in Byzantine art and archaeology and played an important role in developing historical and archaeological studies in Iași.
The palace has retained its place within the Catholic diocesan complex, although its spaces have accommodated various functions beyond the original episcopal residence. Its boulevard-facing ground floor is occupied by shops, including the Presa Bună religious bookstore, while other parts of the building have housed the Diocese’s publishing and printing activities.
