About Galati, Romania

Welcome to Galati!

General coordinates

Galați is a city and municipality in Romania, the capital of Galați County. Located in the historical region of Moldavia, in the close vicinity of Brăila, Galați is the largest port and sea port on the Danube River and the second largest Romanian port.

          According to the latest official estimates in 2010, there were 290,593 people living within the city of Galați,  making it the seventh most populous city in Romania.

          One of the largest economic centers in Romania, Galați has an economic life developed around the Naval Shipyard, Arcelor-Mittalsteel plant, Port River and Mineral Port.

A brief history

     The first traces of Galati History date back from the Neolithic when a small town was founded on the ancient land of the Dacians. Once with the beginning of the Roman domination over this land, the inhabitants became more and more dependent on this new organization and lifestyle. Nowadays discoveries have proved that Galati dates before the foundation of Moldavia county.

     Galati History is related to an important figure in the Romanian history, the great ruler Alexandru Ioan Cuza, whose reign over both Moldavia and the Romanian County led to the unifications of these two lands and to the creation of the later country Romania. From this moment on the city went through different periods of evolution and then decade, but the most atrocious period was represented by World War II when the entire historic center of the town was destroyed. The building of the largest steel plant from Eastern Europe turned Galati into an industrial town and helped to its economic, cultural and social evolution.

 Places of Worship

Fortified Monastery of the Holy Virgin

          It is the oldest building in Galați, was consecrated as a place of worship in September 1647 during the reign of Vasile Lupu. The church was dedicated Vatopedi Monastery on Mount Athos. The church was raising the existing materials used on site: stone men, wood from forests Covurluiului platform, brick and lime, sand beaches, etc. Danube. Romanian church architecture and presents some specific elements: bell tower with battlements, which can be used to observe the Danube Valley, and in case of need became defensive fortification. The tower, consisting of two levels, is provided with a room to hide assets, with two ramparts, and an access door, probably to a balcony. The second floor was fitted with windows and battlements. Another defense to "Virgin" is reinforced bridge consisting of two parts, one above the nave and two above the altar.. They say there is a secret tunnel under the Danube from the church to the other side of the river in order to hide assets and escape the attacks of enemies.

Palace of Navigation (River Station)

           Dates of the last decade of the nineteenth century, early twentieth century, was designed by architect Petre Antonescu. Today it is home to several institutions such as the Maritime Danube Ports Administration and Navrom.

University Palace

        Located in central Galați, the former Palace of Justice, the headquarters of the University today occupies the old city's architectural landscape most prominent place, because of its monumentalitații. This building is the work of architects and Virnav Cerchez Gregory. It was built between 1911-1913.

Gardens and parks

Mihai Eminescu Municipal Park

        Designed in 1869, this park keeps a few trees contemporary Mihai Eminescu staying here more often especially in later life. In the park there is a small lake and an artificially-arranged place where the military band played recitals in the past. It is popular because of the presence of the statue of Eminescu.