Union Square (Piața Unirii) is a major historic square in central Iași, at the meeting point of several important streets and boulevards. Its name and national significance come from the celebrations held here after the 1859 union of Moldavia and Wallachia under Alexandru Ioan Cuza.
The area was already an important gathering place before it developed into the spacious square seen today. In January 1859, crowds gathered near Petre Bacalu’s inn after news arrived that Cuza, already elected Prince of Moldavia, had also been elected Prince of Wallachia. The Hora Unirii, the circle dance that became one of the best-known symbols of the union, was danced here during the celebrations. The square subsequently became one of the principal public places in Iași for commemorating the union.
The space began to open up more substantially during the late 19th century as older buildings were demolished and major new landmarks appeared around it. Grand Hotel Traian was completed on the western side in the early 1880s, followed in the early 20th century by Braunstein Palace. At the center of the square, the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Monument was unveiled in 1912, placing the ruler commemorated by the square’s name directly within its public space.
Wartime destruction in 1944 and extensive redevelopment during the communist period transformed the square much more radically. Buildings including Bacalu’s inn, older houses, and the Sidoli entertainment complex disappeared, while the square was greatly enlarged around 1961 and given much of the open form seen today. New apartment blocks, Cinema Victoria, and later Hotel Unirea changed its scale, while Grand Hotel Traian and Braunstein Palace remained as prominent prewar landmarks around the redesigned space. A large pavement mosaic added in 1962 depicts scenes connected with the legendary foundation of Moldavia and other historical themes, and the Alexandru Ioan Cuza Monument remains at the center of the square, where annual commemorations of the Union of the Principalities are held on January 24.
