The Golia Monastery is a fortified Orthodox monastery in the old town of Iași, enclosed within high walls that give it the appearance of a small citadel. The church at its centre dates from the 17th century and combines Moldavian, Byzantine, and Renaissance elements in a style that is distinctively regional. The bell tower at the gate is one of the tallest in Moldova and offers views over the old town's rooftops if you can arrange access.
The monastery's fortified character is not merely decorative — it served as a place of refuge during the various Ottoman, Tatar, and Cossack raids that troubled Moldavia over the centuries. The courtyard is peaceful and shaded, a good place to pause between the busier sights. The monastery is an active religious community and is open to visitors; the church itself can be entered outside of service times.