The city of Iai is the second largest city in Romania after Bucharest in terms of population, and it is the most important economic, cultural and academic center in the Moldova region, as well as one of the oldest cities in Romania. Between Romania and the Republic of Moldova, it has a long cultural tradition with about five universities, including the oldest university in the country; Alexandru Juan Cuza University, which dates back to 1860, is also the site of the establishment of the first Romanian language school and the publication of Moldova's first printed book. The city is located in the northeastern part of the country, and for centuries was a crossing point for the most important trade routes linking Poland, Hungary, Russia and Constantinople. Over the past 500 years, history, culture and religious life have formed a unique character for the city, and today it includes an impressive number of Orthodox churches Most of them are located in the so-called Golden Plateau (Platoul de Aur).