The city boasts the oldest public university of Romania and still is a popular student town. The older part of the former capital of Moldavia is very inviting with its many museums and churches, such as the 'Saint Nicholas' which is the first church with the unique external walls painted style, applied latter on the famous Bukovina monasteries or 'Trei Ierarhi' dating from the 17th century with its carved-stone facade - Iasi has seven monasteries inside its city limit. Many 19th century style buildings still shape the city flavor, one of them being 'Traian' Hotel designed by Gustave Eiffel. Many museums, old fashion parks and surprisingly an incredible number of statues posted at almost every corner.