In a Thursday, the Holy Thursday, I arrived at Galata. I did not know what to expect but I found peace within its thick walls and on the path guarded by old trees. The sunbeams were playing among the grass and the unplastered walls of stone and brick of the church were waiting for me to hear their story.

The monastery is located in the southeast of Iasi, on the hill of Galata. The name comes from a Turkis word meaning "gate" and some historians think that the hill and monastery are named after the Galata district of Constantinople.

"Galata from the hill" was built by Peter Schiopul in his second reign in 1582, after his first church build in the valley collapsed once it was completed. The monastery was built like a fortress, surrounded by a strong wall of stone.

The church is lit by 22 small rectangular windows, and the inside it is rather austere. Inside of the church was never completely covered with paintings, and what was done was made in frescoes style, so that deteriorated rapidly in the over 400 years of the church.

In the monastery there is the Royal House which served as a shelter during epidemics or attacks, or just as a place of recreation for the royal family .

From the church leaves a trail leading to the Heroes Mausoleum.

If like me you will be thirsty feel free to drink a cold and lively water from a fountain in the churchyard.