The monument of Ioan Vodă cel Viteaz at Roșcani is the tallest monument in Galați County, an imposing work that commemorates the supreme sacrifice of the Moldavian voivode and his soldiers.
Specifications
| Sculptor | Gheorghe Turcu (Brăila) |
|---|---|
| Inaugurated | 1976 (400th anniversary of his death) |
| Statue height | 4.5 m |
| Pedestal | 6 m |
| Total height | 10.5 m |
| Monumental staircase | 28 steps |
| Terraces | 2–3 |
| Location | Roșcani, Galați County |
| Status | under restoration (2025–2027) |
Location
The monument stands on a plateau near Breana Forest, between the villages of Roșcani and Băneasa, approximately 70 km south of Galați. The site was chosen for its historical significance: it was here that the final moments of Ioan Vodă's resistance took place in June 1574.
Sculptor & inauguration
The monument was created by sculptor Gheorghe Turcu from Brăila and was inaugurated in 1976, on the 400th anniversary of the heroic death of Ioan Vodă cel Viteaz.
Dimensions
With a 4.5-metre statue atop a 6-metre pedestal, the monument reaches a total height of 10.5 metres, making it the tallest in Galați County. The ensemble includes a monumental 28-step staircase and 2–3 terraces.
Post-1989 vandalism
After 1989, the monument suffered severe acts of vandalism: the travertine was stripped from the pedestal, and metal components (including the bronze commemorative plaque) were stolen. Its condition deteriorated significantly due to neglect and theft.
The restoration plan
The "The History That Unites Us" project includes the complete restoration of the monument:
- rebuilding of the structural and decorative elements,
- recreation of the bronze commemorative plaque,
- reconstruction of the travertine pedestal and the 28-step staircase,
- installation of an architectural lighting system,
- landscaping of access roads and visitor parking,
- integration of the monument into the cross-border tourist route.
The inauguration of the restored monument is planned for June 2027.