Râpa Galbenă
In the 19th century, Râpa Galbenă was the steep coast of a hill grounded every spring by streams of water. It is even said that the inhabitants of the area were worried that they would have to abandon their homes and move due to the frequent landslides. This unstable territory was well known as an area of clay for construction or pottery where the temporary springs descended from Copou on their way to Bahlui River. There was even a potters' neighborhood near today's Unirii Square.
However, the enchanting panorama that opened from the height was one of Mihai Eminescu's favorites, which was often observed "leaning with his elbows on the wooden bar", stretched, at the edges of the steep banks from Cişmeaua Păcurari. Gh. Popa Radu relates this in the work “A memory from Eminescu's life”, “Archive”: no. 5-6, 1900) - << Asked what he does, he would answer: “What to do… I admire nature; Look, Mr. Radu, tell me, who would be able to put on paper this picture that is presented before our eyes. God! he exclaimed, what a beautiful position Iaşi has! If I had money, I would build a bridge from here to Galata Hill. Imagine, when this bridge will exist, standing in the middle of it, what a beautiful view you would have. I think there would be unique in the whole world! ”>>.
The construction of the Elisabeta Esplanade, which became better known as the Râpa Galbenă, began in 1897 at the initiative of the then mayor, Nicolae Gane. The aims of the work were to stop the slipping of the Copou slope and to beautify the area between Copou and the Railway Station. During the period when it was built, the Elisabeta esplanade offered a wonderful view of the Station Palace and the Vama Veche warehouses. It was the favorite promenade area for holidaymakers going to the nearby Jockey Club and Binder Hotel. It had a central viewpoint, balconies, niches and monumental side stairs, bordered by railings for lamps and statues and dominated the entire area - from where, at that time, the buildings were missing. On the wall we find the coat of arms of old Iași made of stone.
On the occasion of this systematization, important arteries were built, a connecting road to Păcurari, one to Copou and another to the Railway Station.
The inauguration took place in 1902, but the pressure of the surrounding hills led to the cracking of the building.
It was rebuilt in 1922 with the support of the regional CFR Iaşi which requested the land for the construction of a modern neighborhood, with "school, library, conference room". In fact, the CFR Club still exists today, right at the base of the monument that has become symbolic for Iași.
The photos are part of the collection of Mr. Eduard Ionescu from Cluj. We thank him for the kindness with which he made them available to us!
