View source for Galați

{{Other uses|Galați (disambiguation)|Galati (disambiguation){{!}}Galati}}
{{Infobox settlement
| official_name      = Galați
| image_blank_emblem = Galati_Logo.png
| blank_emblem_type  =[[Brandmark]]
| settlement_type    = [[Municipiu|County seat and Municipality]]
| subdivision_type   = [[Countries of the world|Country]]
| subdivision_name   = {{ROU}}
| population_demonym = {{lang|ro|gălățean, gălățeancă}} ([[Romanian language|ro]])
| timezone           = [[Eastern European Time|EET]]
| utc_offset         = +2
| timezone_DST       = [[Eastern European Summer Time|EEST]]
| utc_offset_DST     = +3
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
|perrow = 1/3/2/1
|border = infobox
|total_width = 280
|image1 = DunareaSiPalatulNavigatiei.jpg
|alt1 =
|caption1 = The Danube and the Navigation Palace

|image2 = Biblioteca V. A. Urechia Galati.jpg
|alt2 =
|caption2 = V.A Urechia Library

|image3 = Collection33.jpg
|alt3 =
|caption3 = Collections house

|image4 = Administrative Palace of Galati.jpg
|alt4 =
|caption4 = Administrative Palace of Galați

|image5 = Galati Precista Church.jpg
|alt5 =
|caption5 = Precista Fortified Church

|image6 = Greekchurchplaza.jpg
|alt6 =
|caption6 = Greek Church Square

|image7 = Parcul Eminescu - Panoramă.jpg
|alt7 =
|caption7 = Eminescu Park Panorama
}}
| image_shield       = ROU GL Galati CoA.png
| shield_size        = 50px
| nicknames          = ''The city of the linden trees''
| image_map          = Galati jud Galati.png
| map_caption        = Location in Galați County
| mapsize            = 180px
| pushpin_map        = Romania
| pushpin_mapsize    = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of Galați within Romania
| subdivision_type1  = [[Counties of Romania|County]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[Galați County]]
| subdivision_type2  = [[Subdivisions of Romania|Status]]
| subdivision_name2  = {{Autolink|County capital}}
| established_title  = Settled
| established_date   = Before 14th century
| established_title2 = First official record
| established_date2  = 1445
| leader_title       = Mayor {{nobold|(2024&ndash;2028)}}
| leader_name        = Ionuț Pucheanu<ref>{{cite web |url=https://prezenta.roaep.ro/locale09062024v2/ |title=Results of the 2024 local elections |publisher=Central Electoral Bureau |access-date=18 December 2025 |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
| leader_party       = {{Polparty|RO|PSD}}
| area_total_km2     = 246.4
| population_as_of   = [[2021 Romanian census|2021 census]]<ref name="RPL2021">{{cite web|url=https://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Tabel-1.03_1.3.1-si-1.03.2.xls|title=Populaţia rezidentă după grupa de vârstă, pe județe și municipii, orașe, comune, la 1 decembrie 2021|publisher=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INSSE]]|language=ro|date=31 May 2023}}</ref>
| population_total   = 217,851
| population_density_km2 = auto
| pop_est_footnotes  = <ref name="INSSER2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.insse.ro/cms/ro/content/popula%C5%A3ia-rom%C3%A2niei-pe-localitati-la-1-ianuarie-2016|title=Populaţia României pe localitati la 1 ianuarie 2016|date=6 June 2016|access-date=3 November 2017|publisher=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INSSE]]|language=ro|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027131447/http://www.insse.ro/cms/ro/content/popula%C5%A3ia-rom%C3%A2niei-pe-localitati-la-1-ianuarie-2016|archive-date=2017-10-27|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| coordinates        = {{coord|45|25|24|N|28|2|33|E|region:RO|display=inline,title}}
| population_metro   = 322,501<ref>{{cite web | url = http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do?dataset=urb_lpop1&lang=en | title = Population at 1 January 2015 | access-date = 3 November 2017 | publisher = [[Eurostat]] | language = en}}</ref>
| postal_code_type   = Postal Code
| postal_code        = 800xxx
| elevation_m        = 55
| area_code          = +40 x36
| blank_name         = [[Romanian car number plates|Car Plates]]
| blank_info         = GL
| website            = {{URL|https://www.primariagalati.ro/}}
| image_flag         = Galați Flag.png
}}

'''Galați''' ({{IPAc-en|UK|ɡ|æ|ˈ|l|æ|t|s}} {{respell|gal|ATS}}, {{IPAc-en|US|ɡ|ɑː|ˈ|l|ɑː|t|s|(|i|)}} {{respell|gah|LAHTS(|ee)}},<ref>{{Cite American Heritage Dictionary|Galati|access-date=20 May 2019}}</ref><ref>[https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/us/Galaţi "Galaţi"]{{dead link|date=September 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} (US) and {{Cite dictionary |url=http://www.lexico.com/definition/Gala%C5%A3i |title=Galaţi |dictionary=[[Lexico|Oxford Dictionaries]] UK English Dictionary |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] }}{{Dead link|date=May 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{Cite Merriam-Webster|Galaţi|access-date=20 May 2019}}</ref> {{IPA|ro|ɡaˈlatsʲ|lang|Ro-Galați.ogg}}; also known by other [[#Etymology and names|alternative names]]<!-- Please maintain the naming conventions [[WP:PLACE#General_guidelines]]#2.The lead and [[WP:ALTNAME#Separate_section_usage]] and don't add alternative English or unofficial foreign names here-->) is the capital city of [[Galați County]] in the historical region of [[Western Moldavia]], in eastern [[Romania]]. Galați is a port town on the river [[Danube]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://portgalati.com/|title=Port Galati|website=portgalati.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.danube-ports.ro/ports_en.html|title=UNION OF ROMANIAN INLAND PORTS|first=Marlena|last=Apostol|website=www.danube-ports.ro|access-date=2011-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140406130900/http://www.danube-ports.ro/ports_en.html|archive-date=2014-04-06|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the sixth-largest of all [[List of cities and towns on the river Danube|cities on the river Danube]]. According to the [[2021 Romanian census|2021 census]] it is the 8th most populous city in Romania.<ref name="RPL2021"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-26058967-harta-interactiva-populatia-romaniei-fiecare-localitate-din-tara-recensamantul-2021-2011-cele-mai-mari-creseri-cele-mai-drastice-scaderi.htm|title=Populația României în fiecare localitate din țară - Recensământul 2021 vs. 2011|publisher=hotnews.ro|language=ro|date=2 February 2023}}</ref> Galați is an economic centre based around the [[port of Galați]], the [[Galaţi shipyard|naval shipyard]], and the largest steel factory in Romania, [[Galați steel works]].
{{TOC limit}}

==Etymology and names==
The name ''Galați'' is disputed in origin. One theory suggests it is perhaps derived from before the [[Mongol invasion of Rus'|Mongol invasion of Rus']], in which Galați was known as ''Malyi Halych'' ('Little Halych') as part of the [[Kingdom of Galicia–Volhynia]].<ref>Arkas, M. ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=GERpAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA78 Istorii︠a︡ Ukraïny-Rusi]''. [History of Ukraine-Ruthenia]. "Obshchestvennaia Polza" Publishing. 1908.</ref><ref>Paliy, O. ''[http://www.istpravda.com.ua/columns/2013/02/28/114906/ Halychyna from sea to sea or Where have 'vuiky' came from]''. [[Ukrayinska Pravda]]. 28 February 2013</ref> Another prominent theory suggests it is derived from the [[Cuman language|Cuman]] word {{lang|qwm|galat}}, derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] '[[Qila|kala]]', an Arabic borrowing meaning "fortress". Apart from these two, other theorists suggest the root "gal" may have came from an old Slavic word, meaning "muddy", which later underwent a semantic transformation, acquiring the meaning of "black". Thus, the adjective "gal", through the suffix "aț" was substantivized,<ref>I. Bogdan, Diploma Bârlădeana din 1134. Principality of Bârlad, in "Annals of the Romanian Academy. Memoirs of the Historical Section", s. II, tom. XI, Bucharest, 1889, p. 115 .</ref> similar to another theory which suggests a link with Serbian ''galac''. The region of [[Galatia]] in Turkey, has also been used to explain its etymology due to the presence of some historic archaeological findings in the city.

Galați has several [[exonyms]]: {{langx|el|Γαλάτσι|Galátsi}}; {{langx|de|Galatz}} (also an archaic English term); {{langx|hu|Galac}}; {{langx|pl|Gałacz}}; {{langx|tr|Kalas}}; {{langx|bg|Галац|Galac}}; {{langx|uk|Галац|Halac}}; and {{langx|ru|Галац|Galac}}.

==History==
{{Quote box |width=25em |align=right |bgcolor=#B0C4DE
|title=Historical affiliations
|fontsize=85% |quote=<poem>
{{flag|Moldavia}} 1408–1859
{{flagicon image|Flag of the United Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia (1859 - 1862).svg}} [[United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia]] 1859–1862
{{flagicon image|Flag of the United Principalities of Romania (1862–1866).svg}} [[United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia|Romanian United Principalities]] 1862–1866
{{flagicon image|Flag of Romania.svg}} [[United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia|Romania]] 1866–1881
{{flag|Kingdom of Romania}} 1881–1947
{{flag|Romanian People's Republic}} 1947–1965
{{flag|Socialist Republic of Romania}} 1965–1989
{{flag|Romania}} 1989–present</poem>
}}

===Ancient origins===
Archeological evidence points to occupation of the region in the [[Neolithic]] period. For example, northwest of the town of Galați, on the eastern shores of the Malina marshes, fragments of ceramic-type Stoicani Aldeni, stilex and tools made of bone have been found. A stone sceptre, from the late Bronze Age, belonging to the Coslogeni culture was found on the marshes' southern bank. Galați town itself developed from an ancient [[Dacia]]n settlement of the sixth and fifth centuries BCE where there was a ford across the [[Danube]] river. In 101 to 102 and 105 to 106, the [[Dacians]] fought wars against the [[Roman Empire|Romans]] and the area became part of the Roman empire. A [[Castra of Tirighina-Bărboși|strong Roman fortress]] was built at Barboși to defend the ford across Danube. From the 300s a Daco-Roman settlement developed at a ford south of the site of the Church of the Virgin.

===Medieval period===
There is evidence of continuous inhabitation of Galați since the 600s. A treasure hoard consisting of 12 silver coins issued between 613 and 685 was found in a [[Byzantine]] tomb near the Church of the Virgin. Western and Byzantine coins from the time of Emperor Michael IV (1034–1041) were also found. At one time {{when|date=November 2013}}, the city became part of the [[Republic of Genoa|Republic of Genoa Territories]] and was called "Caladda".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/73/Repubblica_di_Genova.png|title=Map of Repubblica di Genova.}}</ref> In 1445, a document signed by [[Stephen II of Moldavia]] mentions Galați. In 1484, [[Kiliya, Ukraine|Chilia]] was conquered by [[Ottoman Empire|Ottomans]]. Galați township remained [[Moldavia|Moldova's]] only port, not only for domestic trade but also for trade with Turkey and Poland. In 1590, the Galați Jewish cemetery was opened.

===18th century===
[[File:Erminy and von Saar - Moldau, Stadt Gallatz 2.jpg|thumb|Galați in 1826]]

====Burial of Hetman Mazeppa====
The Ukrainian folk hero, Ivan Stepanovich [[Ivan Mazepa|Mazeppa]] was a [[Hetmans of Ukrainian Cossacks|Hetman]] who died on 1709 in [[Varniţa, Anenii Noi|Varniţa]], [[Bessarabia]], and was buried in Galați. Hetman Mazeppa was buried in a brick [[burial vault (tomb)|tomb]].

====Battle of Stănilești====
In 1710, Tatars plundered Galați after the Russo-Moldavian failure at the [[Pruth River Campaign|Battle of Stănilești]].

====Russo-Turkish war====
In 1775, Russia established a consulate in Galați. Despite this, the city was nonetheless burned by the armies of the Russian general [[Mikhail Kamensky]] during the [[Russo-Turkish War (1787–92)|Russo-Turkish war]] of 1787–92. 

===19th century===
In 1812, following the [[Treaty of Bucharest (1812)|annexation of half of the principality by Russia]], including all of the sea shore and almost all of Danube, Galați ended up as the principality's only port.

Due to unrest in this part of Europe, Galați port became a site for the construction of large warships. Abbot Boskov, a Romanian traveller, stated:
:"I saw a large boat, the way those who say Turks caravels, which is on site, ready to be launched into the water. He was commissioned by Isaac-aga, big tax collector of Constantinople. The ship was huge, seventeen seventy steps, and loaded with eighty-four bronze cannons."

====Greek Revolution====
As the [[Greek War of Independence|Greek Revolution]] begun in the region, specifically in [[Iași]], Galați was also a significant core of the [[revolutionary]] organization ''[[Filiki Eteria]]'' and led by Vasilios Karavias there were conflicts against the Ottomans in 1821.<ref>{{cite conference |author=Ντίνας, Κ., Σούτσιου, Τσ., Χατζηπαναγιωτίδη, Α. & Χρηστίδης, Γ |date=2011 |title=«Ελληνόγλωσση Πρωτοβάθμια και Δευτεροβάθμια Διαπολιτισμική Εκπαίδευση στη Διασπορά» |chapter=Η Ελληνόγλωσση Εκπαίδευση στη Ρουμανία και τη Βουλγαρία |trans-chapter=Greek-Language Education in Romania and Bulgaria |url=https://users.uowm.gr/kdinas/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/%CE%97-%CE%95%CE%BB%CE%BB%CE%B7%CE%BD%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%BB%CF%89%CF%83%CF%83%CE%B7-%CE%95%CE%BA%CF%80%CE%B1%CE%AF%CE%B4%CE%B5%CF%85%CF%83%CE%B7-%CE%A1%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%BC%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%AF%CE%B1-%CE%92%CE%BF%CF%85%CE%BB%CE%B3%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AF%CE%B1.pdf |work=[[University of Crete]] |pages=73–74 }}</ref>

====Growth through trade====
Despite the wars and unrest, Galați developed based on trade (especially grain exports). In 1805, France and England established vice-consulates. In 1832, the School of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel is founded. Two years later, in 1834, Austrian ships were having scheduled arrivals and in 1837, Galați was declared a free port (this was revoked in 1882). In 1850, [[James Buchanan]], the U.S. president, sent a vice-consul to Galați and the U.S. opened a consulate in 1858. Galați was also a trading port for German lands. When the [[Crimean War]] (1854–1856) finished, Galați became a seat of the [[Commissions of the Danube River|Danube European Commission]]. In 1869, the Mihai Eminescu municipal park opened and by 1870, factories were opening. By, 1908 they numbered 41. On 13 September 1872, the King Charles I railway station and northern city rail tunnel opened. The River station opened shortly after on 24 September 1880. In 1889, the V. A. Urechia library opened.

====Growth through unity====
After the [[United Principalities|union of the Romanian principalities]] in 1859, with [[Alexandru Ioan Cuza]] as [[domnitor|leader]], development in Galați increased. Zeletin wrote,
:"The birth of the modern Romanian state must distinguish two main currents – one exuberant but superficial, based on liberal ideas which depart from Paris to Bucharest and Iași. The other is quieter but deep, leaving from London to Galați and Brăila: English is the current capitalist economy." (''Romanian Bourgeoisie'', Zeletin, Stephen.) {{Page needed|date=December 2022}}

===1900–1947===
[[File:Str. Domneasca.jpg|thumb|left|Domnească Street, 1905]]
Between 1900 and the beginning of [[World War I]], Galați continued its trade in grain and timber with sixteen consulates. Galați was part of [[Counties of Romania|Covurlui County]].

In 1907, social unrest among the peasant classes precipitated intervention by the Romanian army. In 1911, a statue of the poet [[Mihai Eminescu]] was erected.

====World War I====
{{main|Battle of Galați}}
Galați remained under Romanian control during [[Romania during World War I|World War I]]. Romanian soldiers fought alongside those of Russia against the army of the [[Central Powers]].{{citation needed|date=October 2013}} Galați was [[Battle of Galați|bombed by retreating Russian troops]] in January 1918.<ref name=Stoica1>{{cite book|last=Stoica|first=Vasile|title=The Roumanian Question: The Roumanians and their Lands|year=1919|publisher=Pittsburgh Printing Company|location=Pittsburgh|page=88|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/7314/view/1/88/}}</ref>

====Interwar period====
In 1919, a high school for Jewish students opened. A first air race between Galați and Bucharest was held in 1926 following the end of the construction of the [[Galați Airport]]. The 1930 Romanian census recorded 100,000 residents in Galați. After [[Bucharest]], [[Chișinău]], [[Iași]] and [[Chernivtsi|Cernăuți]], Galați was Romania's fifth city. In 1938, the [[Ținutul Dunării|Ținutul Dunării de Jos]] (Lower Danube Land) was established.

====World war II====
During [[Romania in World War II|World War II]], Galați was bombed by the [[Soviet Air Forces]] and [[Luftwaffe]]. The railway station, inaugurated on 13 September 1872, was destroyed as were many other historic buildings and most of the old town. On 27 August 1944, Galați was captured by [[Red Army|Soviet]] troops of the [[3rd Ukrainian Front]] in the course of the [[Second Jassy–Kishinev Offensive|Jassy–Kishinev Offensive]].

====Jewish community====
Before World War II Galați hosted 22 synagogues and in 1926, it was the base for the Zionist Revisionist Organization of Romania. Although Galați's Jewish community suffered persecution by the pro-Nazi authorities during World War II, the community was not destroyed in the Holocaust. Since the 1940s the community has gradually diminished through emigration.

===Communist period (1947–1989)===

====Post war rebuilding====
After World War II, Galați was rebuilt along communist lines. The town's population was about 80,000. In 1956, a proposal to join Brăila and Galați was made and the building of a speed tram pier was proposed with a Swiss company. The plans never materialized. In 1958, the Galați Airport was abolished. Construction of the [[Galați steel works]] began in 1960 and the plant opened in 1966. The population at this time was 151,000. In 1971, the [[Făurei]] – Galați railway capacity was increased, and, in 1982, it was electrified.

====Mogoșoaia boating tragedy====
On September 11, 1989, a Bulgarian ship collided with a cruise ship near Galați. 151 passengers and crew died (all but sixteen).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://jurnalul.ro/campaniile-jurnalul/croaziera-jurnalul/mogosoaia-mormantul-din-dunare-10068.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130416104743/http://www.jurnalul.ro/croaziera-jurnalul/mogosoaia-mormantul-din-dunare-10068.htm|url-status=live|archive-date=April 16, 2013|title="Mogosoaia" - mormantul din Dunare}}</ref><ref>[https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-11-mn-1478-story.html] "Ships crash on Danube" Associated Press. 11 September 1989. Accessed 8 July 2012.</ref>

===Contemporary period===
In 2004, Romania's first information technology park opened in Galați.

====2005 flood====
On 14 July 2005, Galați was affected by widespread flooding. The Siret river reached record levels and across Romania, the death toll reached 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.adrc.asia/latestinfo/View_E.php?lang=en&KEY=852|title=ADRC DisasterReport|website=www.adrc.asia}}</ref> In 2010, broken flood barriers caused flooding of the Valley City area of Galați.

==Geography==
[[File:FerryDanubeGalati20060716.jpg|thumb|Over the Danube]]

===Topography===
Galați is located in southeastern Romania. Its coordinates are latitude 45 ° 27 'north and longitude 28 ° 02' east. Its area is {{convert|246.4|km2|sp=us}}. Galați lies in the southern part of the [[Moldavian Plateau]] on the left (west) bank of the Danube at the junction of the river [[Siret (river)|Siret]] (west) and the [[Prut|Prut River]] (east), near Lake Brates. It is {{convert|80|km|mi|sp=us}} from the [[Black Sea]]. The nearest town is [[Brăila]], {{convert|15|km|mi|sp=us}} to the south. Galați is built on three geological terraces. One lies beneath "Valley City", with elevations between {{convert|5|and|7|m}}. The other two, which make a fan shape, have elevations of {{convert|20|–|25|m|sp=us}} (the site of the old town, now the city centre) and {{convert|40|m|sp=us}} (the site of the modern city) respectively.
The Danube is considered the "life-blood" of Galați. The Danube is the second longest river in Europe {{convert|2850|km|mi|abbr=on|disp=x}}), with an average flow of {{convert|6199|m3|cuft|sp=us}} per second in the Galați section. After the Siret River, the largest tributary in Romania, joins the Danube, the flow is {{convert|210|m3/s|cuft/s|sp=us}}. After the Prut River joins the Danube, the flow becomes {{convert|86|m3/s|cuft/s|sp=us}}. The Danube flows have significant seasonal variation. The maximum flows occur in May; {{convert|18000|–|19000|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on|disp=or}}. The minimum flows occur during the summer; {{convert|2000|–|2450|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on|disp=or}}.

===Climate===
Under the [[Köppen climate classification]], Galați falls within either a [[hot-summer humid continental climate]] (''Dfa'') if the {{convert|0|°C}} isotherm is used or a [[humid subtropical climate]] (''Cfa'') if the {{convert|-3|°C}} isotherm is used. Galați experiences four distinct seasons.

{{Weather box
|location = Galați, Romania (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1901-present)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan record high C = 19.4
|Feb record high C = 22.4
|Mar record high C = 27.8
|Apr record high C = 31.8
|May record high C = 36.2
|Jun record high C = 37.8
|Jul record high C = 40.5
|Aug record high C = 40.4
|Sep record high C = 36.7
|Oct record high C = 33.5
|Nov record high C = 25.6
|Dec record high C = 20.0
|year record high C = 40.5
|Jan avg record high C = 10.5
|Feb avg record high C = 15.1
|Mar avg record high C = 21.7
|Apr avg record high C = 25.5
|May avg record high C = 30.9
|Jun avg record high C = 34.0
|Jul avg record high C = 35.8
|Aug avg record high C = 35.9
|Sep avg record high C = 31.4
|Oct avg record high C = 26.1
|Nov avg record high C = 20.4
|Dec avg record high C = 12.3
|year avg record high C = 36.8
|Jan high C = 2.3
|Feb high C = 5.2
|Mar high C = 11.1
|Apr high C = 17.7
|May high C = 23.8
|Jun high C = 27.8
|Jul high C = 30.1
|Aug high C = 30.0
|Sep high C = 24.3
|Oct high C = 17.2
|Nov high C = 10.0
|Dec high C = 3.8
|year high C = 
|Jan mean C = -1.1
|Feb mean C = 0.9
|Mar mean C = 5.7
|Apr mean C = 11.7
|May mean C = 17.6
|Jun mean C = 21.7
|Jul mean C = 23.9
|Aug mean C = 23.4
|Sep mean C = 17.9
|Oct mean C = 11.9
|Nov mean C = 6.0
|Dec mean C = 0.6
|year mean C = 
|Jan low C = -3.8
|Feb low C = -2.3
|Mar low C = 1.6
|Apr low C = 6.9
|May low C = 12.2
|Jun low C = 16.3
|Jul low C = 18.1
|Aug low C = 17.7
|Sep low C = 13.0
|Oct low C = 7.9
|Nov low C = 3.0
|Dec low C = -2.0
|year low C = 
|Jan avg record low C = -13.5
|Feb avg record low C = -11.6
|Mar avg record low C = -5.1
|Apr avg record low C = 0.8
|May avg record low C = 6.0
|Jun avg record low C = 10.7
|Jul avg record low C = 13.1
|Aug avg record low C = 11.8
|Sep avg record low C = 6.7
|Oct avg record low C = -0.1
|Nov avg record low C = -4.7
|Dec avg record low C = -10.7
|year avg record low C = -15.7
|Jan record low C = -26.5
|Feb record low C = -28.6
|Mar record low C = -17.2
|Apr record low C = -5.2
|May record low C = -0.1
|Jun record low C = 3.8
|Jul record low C = 7.2
|Aug record low C = 2.4
|Sep record low C = -5.7
|Oct record low C = -15.6
|Nov record low C = -21.5
|Dec record low C = -21.5
|year record low C = -28.6
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 33.6
|Feb precipitation mm = 25.9
|Mar precipitation mm = 33.0
|Apr precipitation mm = 40.1
|May precipitation mm = 49.6
|Jun precipitation mm = 62.2
|Jul precipitation mm = 55.2
|Aug precipitation mm = 34.0
|Sep precipitation mm = 44.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 51.3
|Nov precipitation mm = 37.7
|Dec precipitation mm = 41.3
|year precipitation mm = 
| unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 4.9
|Feb precipitation days = 5.3
|Mar precipitation days = 5.0
|Apr precipitation days = 6.2
|May precipitation days = 7.4
|Jun precipitation days = 7.1
|Jul precipitation days = 5.5
|Aug precipitation days = 4.2
|Sep precipitation days = 4.7
|Oct precipitation days = 4.0
|Nov precipitation days = 4.7
|Dec precipitation days = 5.6
|year precipitation days = 
|Jan humidity = 87
|Feb humidity = 85
|Mar humidity = 81
|Apr humidity = 75
|May humidity = 73
|Jun humidity = 73
|Jul humidity = 72
|Aug humidity = 72
|Sep humidity = 74
|Oct humidity = 79
|Nov humidity = 87
|Dec humidity = 89
|year humidity = 79
|Jan sun = 81
|Feb sun = 113
|Mar sun = 161
|Apr sun = 203
|May sun = 255
|Jun sun = 274
|Jul sun = 299
|Aug sun = 282
|Sep sun = 219
|Oct sun = 156
|Nov sun = 86
|Dec sun = 73
|year sun = 
|source 1 = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]<ref name=NOAA9120>{{cite web
| url = https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/archive/arc0216/0253808/1.1/data/0-data/Region-6-WMO-Normals-9120/Romania/CSV/Galati_15310.csv
| title = WMO Normals 91-20 Romania - Galati
| publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]
| access-date = October 20, 2023}}</ref>  
|source 2 = Romanian National Statistic Institute (extremes 1901–2000),<ref name= extremes>{{cite web
| url = http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/pdf/ro/cap1.pdf
| title = AIR TEMPERATURE (monthly and yearly absolute maximum and absolute minimum)
| work = Romanian Statistical Yearbook: Geography, Meteorology, and Environment
| publisher = Romanian National Statistic Institute
| year = 2007
| access-date = March 21, 2015
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927210503/http://www.insse.ro/cms/files/pdf/ro/cap1.pdf
| archive-date = September 27, 2007
| url-status = dead}}</ref> [[Deutscher Wetterdienst]] (humidity 1973–1992)<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dwd.de/DWD/klima/beratung/ak/ak_153100_kt.pdf
| title = Klimatafel von Galatz (Galati) / Donau, Moldau (Bessarabien) / Rumänien
| work = Baseline climate means (1961-1990) from stations all over the world
| publisher = Deutscher Wetterdienst
| language = de
| access-date = November 23, 2016
|date=July 2012 }}</ref> Meteomanz (extremes since 2021)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.meteomanz.com/sy3?l=1&cou=2050&ind=15310&m1=01&y1=2009&m2=09&y2=2025 |title=GALATI - Weather data by month |access-date=19 September 2025 |website=meteomanz}}</ref>
}}

{{Weather box
|collapsed = yes
|location = Galați (1961–1990 normals)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 1.1
|Feb high C = 3.0
|Mar high C = 8.9
|Apr high C = 16.6
|May high C = 22.3
|Jun high C = 25.9
|Jul high C = 27.9
|Aug high C = 27.5
|Sep high C = 23.5
|Oct high C = 16.9
|Nov high C = 9.4
|Dec high C = 3.4
|year high C = 
|Jan mean C = -2.5
|Feb mean C = -0.6
|Mar mean C = 4.0
|Apr mean C = 10.8
|May mean C = 16.6
|Jun mean C = 20.2
|Jul mean C = 22.0
|Aug mean C = 21.4
|Sep mean C = 17.2
|Oct mean C = 11.1
|Nov mean C = 5.3
|Dec mean C = 0.2
|year mean C = 
|Jan low C = -5.3
|Feb low C = -3.5
|Mar low C = 0.2
|Apr low C = 6.0
|May low C = 11.2
|Jun low C = 14.6
|Jul low C = 16.2
|Aug low C = 15.8
|Sep low C = 12.0
|Oct low C = 6.6
|Nov low C = 2.1
|Dec low C = -2.4
|year low C = 
| precipitation colour  =  green
| Jan precipitation mm  =29.0
| Feb precipitation mm  =32.0
| Mar precipitation mm  =27.0
| Apr precipitation mm  =38.0
| May precipitation mm  =51.0
| Jun precipitation mm  =68.0
| Jul precipitation mm  =46.0
| Aug precipitation mm  =46.0
| Sep precipitation mm  =42.0
| Oct precipitation mm  =27.0
| Nov precipitation mm  =36.0
| Dec precipitation mm  =35.0
| year precipitation mm =
| Jan snow cm  = 9.0
| Feb snow cm  = 7.9
| Mar snow cm  = 6.4
| Apr snow cm  = 0.0
| May snow cm  = 0.0
| Jun snow cm  = 0.0
| Jul snow cm  = 0.0
| Aug snow cm  = 0.0
| Sep snow cm  = 0.0
| Oct snow cm  = 0.0
| Nov snow cm  = 10.4
| Dec snow cm  = 7.0
| year snow cm = 
| Jan dew point C =-4.3
| Feb dew point C =-3.2
| Mar dew point C =0.5
| Apr dew point C =5.4
| May dew point C =10.5
| Jun dew point C =14.1
| Jul dew point C =15.2
| Aug dew point C =14.6
| Sep dew point C =11.7
| Oct dew point C =6.9
| Nov dew point C =2.6
| Dec dew point C =-1.1
| unit precipitation days =  1.0 mm
| precip days colour      =  
| Jan precipitation days  =5
| Feb precipitation days  =6
| Mar precipitation days  =5
| Apr precipitation days  =6
| May precipitation days  =7
| Jun precipitation days  =8
| Jul precipitation days  =6
| Aug precipitation days  =5
| Sep precipitation days  =4
| Oct precipitation days  =4
| Nov precipitation days  =5
| Dec precipitation days  =5
| year precipitation days =

| Jan sun  =77
| Feb sun  =87.2
| Mar sun  =142
| Apr sun  =193.7
| May sun  =255
| Jun sun  =286.9
| Jul sun  =306.3
| Aug sun  =296.9
| Sep sun  =233.7
| Oct sun  =187.1
| Nov sun  =86
| Dec sun  =64.7
| year sun =
|source = [[NCEI|NOAA NCEI]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/pub/data/normals/WMO/1961-1990/RA-VI/RO/15310.TXT |title=Galati Climate Normals for 1961-1990 (WMO number:15310) |access-date=2024-02-12 |website=ncei.noaa.gov |publisher=[[NOAA]]}}</ref>
}}
Summers are very warm with temperatures sometimes exceeding {{convert|35|°C|0|abbr=on}} while winters are cold and dry with temperatures at night sometimes dropping below {{convert|-10|°C|0|abbr=on}}. Average monthly precipitation ranges from about {{convert|28|to|68.6|mm|1|abbr=on}} in June.

===Military importance===
Galați is part of the strategic [[Focșani Gate]]. The city was also part of the important defensive Focșani–Nămoloasa–Galați line built in the 19th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newstrategycenter.ro/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Policy-Paper-Focsani-Gate.pdf|title=The Focșani Gate – a key terrain for European security|first1=Mircea|last1=Mîndrescu|first2=Gregory|last2=Melcher|first3=Phillip|last3=Petersen|publisher=New Strategy Center, Centre for the Study of the New Generation Warfare|pages=1–20|year=2019}}</ref>

==Cityscape==

===Urban planning===
In 2005, Galați ranked in the top two cities in Romania for green space per capita. {{citation needed|date=July 2012}} Urban planning and maintenance activities are governed by the "Public Administration Public Domain Galați" (SPADP) Ecosal Prest, SC RER Ecological Service SRL, SC Citadine 98 SA. {{citation needed|date=July 2012}}

===Places of interest===

====Roman camp at Tirighina-Barbosi====
{{Main|Castra of Tirighina-Bărboși}}
From 1959 to 1962, archeological excavations were carried out at the Roman castellum in Barbosi. The site lies north of the Danube, near the mouth of the Siret. A comparison can be made to the fortress at [[Dinogetia]]. The archeologists found clear stratigraphy in the excavation. They located the Tirighina Dacian fortress, reinforced by an earthen bank. Finds included Dacian pottery from an import business. Also found was a silver coin dating the Dacian fortress to the first century BCE. A burning layer suggested damage to the fortress by fire.  Also found were coins dating from the rule of [[Augustus]](63 BCE – 14 AD) through to [[Nero]] (37AD – 68AD).

====Lambrinidi House====
[[File:GL-II-m-B-03014 Casa Lambrinidi.JPG|thumb|left|Lambrinidi House]]
[[File:Navigationpalace1.jpg|thumb|Navigation Palace]]
The Lambrinidi House is located near the university, at 51 Royal Street. It was built by Lambrinidi Epaminonda, a Greek mill owner. He owned a machine shop to repair ships. The Prince Charles stayed at the house on a visit to Galați, in April 1879. It has served as the seat of the Court of Appeals; the Mihail Kogalniceanu High School and, after the earthquake of November 9, 1940, the city hall.

====Robescu House====
The Robescu House was built about 1896. The architect was [[Ion Mincu]]. A Romanian tourist website describes the building: :"Robescu House has an elevated basement, two levels with two turret-balcony on the first floor and another balcony at the ground floor, to the street. The exterior decorations are made in Brancoveanu style, glossy ceramic plates. The glossy ceramic is used to decorate the floral upper register.
Today it serves as the "Children's Palace".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.romguide.net/Visit/Robescu-House_vt12e|title=Robescu House, Galati, Romguide tourism Romania|website=www.romguide.net|access-date=2019-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235243/http://www.romguide.net/Visit/Robescu-House_vt12e|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====Palace of Navigation (River Station)====
The {{ill|Galați Palace of Navigation|ro|Palatul Navigației}} was designed by [[Petre Antonescu]]. It dates to the late 19th century. It is the office of "Maritime Danube Ports Administration" and Navrom, which controls Romania's navigable waterways.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navrom.ro/|title=NAVROM - Compania de navigatie fluviala romana|last=|website=www.navrom.ro}}</ref>
[[File:Palatul Administrativ Galati.JPG|thumb|left|Administrative Palace]]

====University Palace====
[[File:Univ11.jpg|thumb|The entrance of the University of Galați]]
The former "Palace of Justice" is a prominent architectural monument in the Galați old town. It was built between 1911 and 1913. Now, it is the [[University of Galați]] headquarters.

====Lupa Capitolina====
Meaning "Capitoline Wolf", this statue was erected in 1995 and reflects Roman influence in Galați.

====Administrative Palace====
This building was erected in 1904 and 1905 and opened on 27 April 1906. Like Robescu House, it was designed by Ion Mincu. Frederick Storck contributed white marble sculptures of "industry" and "agriculture" at the top of the main façade.  Other features are two bronze flags and a large clock which plays the waltz, "Danube Waves" by Joseph Ivanovich (1845–1902).

===Places of worship===
[[File:Galati cathedral.jpg|thumb|St. Andrew and St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral of the archbishop of the Lower Danube]]

====Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Lower Danube====
The cornerstone of the {{ill|Galați Orthodox Cathedral|ro|Catedrala arhiepiscopală din Galați}} was placed on 27 April 1906 by the [[Ferdinand I of Romania|Crown Prince Ferdinand]] and [[Marie of Romania|Princess Marie]]. Also present was the Bishop of the Lower Danube, {{ill|Pimen Georgescu|ro}}. Construction continued from 1906 to 1917. The architects were Petre Antonescu and {{ill|Ștefan Burcuș|ro}}. The church has one dome and no side isles. From 1989, restoration work has been underway at the church. This includes cleaning of the 1957 paint work, paving around the cathedral and the construction of the St John Cassian centre, a building for cultural, pastoral and missionary work. At the church's centennial in 2006, the relics of [[Nectarios of Aegina|St. Nectarios of Aegina]] were brought to Galați.

====[[Church of the Virgin Mary, Galați|Fortified Monastery of the Holy Virgin]]====
[[File:Biserica Fortificata Precista Galati.jpg|thumb|left|Precista fortified church]]
This is the oldest building in Galați. It was consecrated as a place of worship in September 1647 during the reign of [[Vasile Lupu]]. The church was dedicated to the [[Vatopedi Monastery]] on [[Mount Athos]]. It was built from local materials including stone, forest wood, brick and lime, sand from the beaches of the Danube and so on. As well as its typical Romanian church architecture, the monastery has some specific elements of interest such as a bell tower with battlements for observation of the Danube valley and for defense. The tower has two levels and a room to hide assets. There are two ramparts and a door to a balcony. The second floor is fitted with windows and battlements. Another of the church's defences is a reinforced bridge consisting of two parts, one above the nave and one above the altar. The bridge has 28 battlements. The church survived the turbulent periods of Galați's history and was rebuilt and restored in 1829 and again in 1859. From 1953 to 1957, the church was used as a museum. It was restored in the period 1991–1994. There may be a tunnel from the church beneath the Danube.

====Bulgarian Church====
[[File:Bulgarian church Galati.jpg|thumbnail|The Bulgarian Church in Galați]]
Construction of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church of [[Saint Pantaleon]] began in 1861 under the guidance of [[Bulgarian National Revival]] figure Archimandrite [[Maxim Raykovich]] (1801–1874) of [[Dryanovo]]. However, the lack of funds prolonged the construction works and the church was only consecrated in 1887. The Bulgarian Church of Saint Pantaleon features a [[Neo-Byzantine]] design with Slavic influences.<ref name="cilinca">{{cite web|url=http://www.viata-libera.ro/vlg-cultura/68475-comori-de-patrimoniu-biserica-sf-pantelimon-,-o-atlantida-bulgareasca-pe-o-insula-a-libertatii|title="Comori de patrimoniu": Biserica "Sf. Pantelimon", o Atlantidă bulgărească pe o insulă a libertăţii|last=Cilincă|first=Victor|date=11 July 2015|work=Viaţa Liberă|language=ro|access-date=10 January 2016}}</ref>

Along with the church, Raykovich also founded a Bulgarian school which occupied an adjacent house. The same house would become a hub for Bulgarian revolutionaries persecuted by the Ottoman authorities. In 1871–72, Bulgaria's national poet [[Hristo Botev]] lived in the house during a part of his exile, as a commemorative plaque still reminds.<ref name="cilinca"/>

Raykovich died in Galați in 1874 and was buried in the courtyard of the Bulgarian Church, where his tombstone still stands.<ref name="cilinca"/>

====Greek Church====
The cornerstone of the Greek Church was laid on 6 August 1866. The church was dedicated to the "Transfiguration" on 17 September 1872 by the Bishop [[Melchisedec Ștefănescu|Melchizedek]] and the [[Archimandrite]] Eughenie Xiropotamo. In the nave is a marble plaque with the names of the founders and two marble plates with the names of the founders and major benefactors. The church is a cruciform tower with two bell towers on the west side. Papadopoulos of Adrianople was the artist. There are large icons representing the holy virgin Mary with child, the resurrection, St. Gerasimos, St. Sophia, St. Gregory and St. Basil the great. There are eight stained glass church windows containing the holy apostles Peter, Andrew, Mark, Thomas, Bartholomew and Luke on the northern side and Paul Simon, John, James, Philip, on the southern side.

====St. Paraskeva Cathedral====
[[Parascheva of the Balkans|This church]] is located together with the Cătușa cemetery in the southern part of Galați. Its general construction was completed but the interior layout is not. The basement of the cathedral is a very small space, which will serve as a mortuary chapel. The official opening of the interior was planned for 2012.

====Church Mavromol====
Mavromol is a former monastery. Its name means "black rock" in Greek. It was built in 1669 and dedicated to the Assumption by [[George Ducas]] (died 1685) and his son. There was rebuilding between 1700 and 1703. During the revolution of 1821 the church was burned by the Turks. The current building dates from 1858 to 1861 and respects the original plan. Interior murals and other valuable elements were restored between 1973 and 1975.
The monks of the church taught at Galați's first school in 1765. They taught in Greek. (In 1803, teaching was conducted in Romanian under the orders of Constantin Moruz). During the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774), and the Russo-Austrian-Turkish War (1787–1792), Mavromol church was damaged and teaching ceased until 1803.
The church is constructed in the style of a [[basilica]] with [[apse]]s beyond the main walls. The church has a carved wooden icon of the "Virgin Mary" from the church of [[Saint Sava National College|St. Sava Monastery]] in Bucharest. The ceiling is composed of three parts separated by double arches. The entrance is on the south side through a door marked by an icon and heraldic symbols: a bull's head and two lions. Also on the south side is the coat of arms of Moldova, carved in a stone medallion. During communist rule, the church, as a sacred place, was improperly appropriated.

====The Church of St. Spyridon====
Built in 1817, this church has four buttresses, three towers and a dome supported by crossed arches. Although its murals are not maintained, it contains valuable icons.

====Synagogue of Galați====
There is only one remaining [[synagogue]] in Galați (near the Museum of History on Domnească street).

====Masonic Temple====
The temple was built in 1896 on the site of a synagogue dating from 1806.

====Schitul Vovidenia====
This church was built in 1790. It is the site of the burial tomb of Smaranda Cuza, the mother of Alexandru Ioan Cuza.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crestinortodox.ro/biserici-manastiri/schitul-vovidenia-neamt-97861.html|title=Schitul Vovidenia - Neamt|first=Developed by|last=ActiveSoft|website=www.crestinortodox.ro}}</ref>
The original church was burned in the unrest of 1821 then renovated in 1851. Above the nave, a dome is supported by arches crossed in the traditional Moldovan style. There is a bell tower above the main dome, a smaller one above the altar and another above the porch added in 1901.

====Roman Catholic Church====
Galați's Roman Catholic church was built in 1844 and expanded in 1873. It contains objects of artistic as well as sacred value including a high altar made of marble; a painting of "St. John the Baptist preaching"; a "Most Holy Heart" statue of Jesus Christ; [[Pietà]] statues and a statue of Saint [[Francis of Assisi]]. The church was strengthened and renovated to its current state between 1985 and 1988.

===Gardens, parks and recreation areas===
[[File:GradinaPublicaGalati.JPG|thumb|Public Garden]]

====Mihai Eminescu Municipal Park====
This park was designed in 1869 in honour of [[Mihai Eminescu]], who visited the area, particularly in his later life. some of the trees are from the time of Eminescu. There is a small lake and a place for recitals once used, for example, by military bands. People visit the park to see [[Statue of Mihai Eminescu, Galați|a statue of Eminescu]].

====Galați Public Gardens====
This park is located near the student complex. It looks over Lake Brates, the railway station and train depot.

====C.F.R. (Romanian State Railways) Park====
The railway park is located north of the railway, near the railway tunnel, the terminus of the local public transport lines (102 and 104) and a nursing home.

====Botanical Garden====
[[File:Gradina Botanica Galati.JPG|thumb|Botanical Garden]]
The Botanical Garden dominates the left bank of the Danube at Galați. Its southern slope is the site of the Museum of Natural History in Galați. The museum has collections of tropical and subtropical plants (cactuses, euphorbias, palms, crotons, geraniums, begonias, etc.) rosary chic, over 200 varieties of roses, flora and vegetation. There are over 3000 specimens of tree species and shrubs, an oak area with more than 50 examples of birch and conifers, and a replica Japanese garden.

====Garboavele Zoo and Reserve====
Both are located at the northern exit of town. Garboavele Forest Zoo is included in the Natural Sciences Museum Complex. The zoo keeps various exotic species. Riding enthusiasts can practice their sport at the zoo. The zoo theme was developed together with experts from European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and aims to preserve rare animals and provide conservation education.

===Hunters Lake===
Hunters Lake is located in Galați's far north-east. It covers 28 hectares of land including an 11 hectare natural lake; a 10 hectare forest of acacia; and 10 hectares of developed parkland for recreation.

===Danube leisure complex===
This park is located outside Galați proper on the road to Brăila. The complex has three swimming pools, houses, camping sites and a restaurant. There is also a [[Western (genre)|western]] club that is equipped with a pool, restaurant, bar and cafe.

====Waterfront====
The waterfront is a green recreational area for walking, sports competitions and recitals. Boats moored on the shores of the Danube are converted into restaurants. Also, there are many original iron relics and a statue of [[Nicolae Balcescu]].

====Danube Waves Beach====
The beach is located in south-west Galați. Popular in the summer, it has two large pools and three smaller pools for children, each with a slide. There is a beach, some restaurants and shower facilities.

====Brateș beach====
This is a private beach with clean sand situated on the left bank of Lake Brates. Nearby is the Galați–Bereștiul Barlad railway line.
{{wide image|Galati - zona portului vechi.jpg|440px|View from the old port}}

===Neighborhoods===

{{Columns-start|num=3}}
* Port
* Centru
** Gară<ref name="anunturigalati.ro">{{cite web|url=http://anunturigalati.ro/harti-galati.php|title=Harti Din Galati, Harta Galati Blocuri, Strazi - Tiglina 1, 2, 3 - Mazepa 1, 2 - Micro 13, 39, 40, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 38, Zona Port|website=anunturigalati.ro}}</ref>
** Parc Rizer<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
** Campus Universitar<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
* Mazepa 1
* Mazepa 2<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
* Țiglina 1
* Țiglina 2<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
* Țiglina 3 (Micro 16)
* Țiglina 4 (Micro 17 and Micro 18)
* Bariera Traian
* Traian Nord
{{Column}}
* Barboși
* [[I.C. Frimu]]
** Siderurgiștilor Est<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
** Siderurgiștilor Vest<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
* [[Danube]]
** Micro 13a
** Micro 13b
** Micro 14
** Micro 19
** Micro 20
** Micro 21
{{Column}}
* [[Aurel Vlaicu|Patinoar]]
* [[Airport|Aviației]]
** Micro 38
** Micro 39a<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
** Micro 39b<ref name="anunturigalati.ro"/>
** Micro 39c
** Micro 40
* [[Filești]]
* Bădălan
* Lozoveni
* Dimitrie Cantemir
{{Columns-end}}

==Cultural life==

===Theatres===
[[File:GL-II-m-B-03018 Societatea Culturala VAUrechia azi Teatrul Dramatic.JPG|thumb|Fani Tardini Drama Theatre]]
[[File:Teatrul Național de Operă și Operetă „Nae Leonard”.jpg|thumb|Nae Leonard National Theatre of Opera and Operetta]]

====Fani Tardini Drama Theatre====
This theatre was opened in 1955. It is named after the actress {{ill|Fani Tardini|ro}} (1823–1908). The theatre supports a yearly comedy festival, "Festingal".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.med.ugal.ro/site%20final%20ati/TURISM%20GALATZ.html|title=Galati tourism website.}}</ref>

====Nae Leonard National Theatre of Opera and Operetta====
[[Nicolae Leonard|Nae Leonard]] was known locally as "the prince of the operetta". Opened in 1956, the Nae Leonard National Theatre of Opera and Operetta was originally called "The Theatre of Operetta and Variety Art of Galați County".

====Gulliver Theatre====
The Gulliver Theatre was opened on 1 October 1952. It is devoted to children's theatre such as [[puppetry]], for example.

===Museums===
[[File:Muzeul de Istorie Galati.jpg|thumb|Galați History Museum]]
[[File:MuzeulArteiVizualeGalati.JPG|thumb|Visual Arts Museum]]

====Natural Sciences Museum Complex====
The Botanical Gardens on the south bank, hosts a {{convert|7|m|ft|adj=on|sp=us}} planetarium. There is also an aquarium displaying rare species of the Danube basin and the [[Mediterranean Sea]] as well as exotic fish.

====Galați History Museum====
The museum was inaugurated on 24 January 1939. This was the 80th anniversary of the union of the Romanian principalities. It is housed in the residence of Cuza, Galați's chief magistrate. In 1951, after World War II, scientific activity resumed at the museum. In 1956, some items were donated to the Natural History museum and the museum of art.  The finds from Tirighina-Bărboși are housed in this museum.

====Alexandru Ioan Cuza Memorial House====
Cuza's former residence houses a retrospective display of his life.

====Visual Arts Museum====
When the Galați visual arts museum opened in 1967, it was the first contemporary arts museum in Romania. It has halls and outdoor exhibit spaces. There are also spaces for artists' workshops. The heritage section exhibits Romanian art in the second half of the nineteenth and avant-garde art from the twentieth century.

====Galați Village Museum====
This museum at the entrance to the Garboavele forest has small village buildings to display the traditional Romanian life in the Lower Danube.

====House of Collections====
This museum has philatelic and numismatic collections. It is situated near the Memorial House of Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

===Rivalry with Brăila===
Galați has a deep rivalry with neighbouring Brăila. This conflict has a long history and has reached the point of being studied by academics. In fact, a group of Romanian researchers have already published the book ''Galați - Brăila. Trecut. Actualitate. Perspective'' ("Galați - Brăila. Past. Present. Perspectives").<ref>{{cite news|url=https://adevarul.ro/locale/galati/cum-ajuns-rivalitatea-proverbiala-galati-braila-subiect-cercetare-academica-1_5e944c885163ec4271addd9c/index.html|title=Cum a ajuns rivalitatea proverbială dintre Galați și Brăila subiect de cercetare academică|first=Costel|last=Crangan|newspaper=[[Adevărul]]|date=13 April 2020|language=ro}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://evidentacercetare.univ-danubius.ro/Surse/Set_012/ca4rDSxJNC.pdf |title=Galați - Brăila. Trecut. Actualitate. Perspective |access-date=2021-02-02 |archive-date=2021-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206145351/http://evidentacercetare.univ-danubius.ro/Surse/Set_012/ca4rDSxJNC.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:MittalSteelGalati200607.jpg|thumb|left|[[Galați steel works]] in 2006.]]
Galați has the largest iron and steel plant in Romania, the [[Galați steel works]], which was state-owned until 2001, now owned by [[Liberty House Group]]. It is still commonly referred to as "Sidex", its old name.

Romania's [[Galați shipyard|largest shipyard]] is located in Galați. It benefits from easy access to the [[Black Sea]] and from its co-location with the [[Galați steel works|Liberty Galați]] steel works.

Galați is also a [[List of Moldova–Romania border crossings|border checkpoint to Moldova]].

==Demographics==
{{Historical populations
|source = Census data, 1930–1948.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://sas.unibuc.ro/storage/downloads/analize-regionale-9/AG48a.RECENSAMANT48.pdf |title=Populatia RPR la 25 ianuarie 1948, p. 14 |access-date=2020-04-11 |archive-date=2020-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410172753/https://sas.unibuc.ro/storage/downloads/analize-regionale-9/AG48a.RECENSAMANT48.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|1859 |26050
|1900 |62678
|1912 |71641
|1930 |100611
|1941 |95545
|1948 |80411
|1956 |95646
|1966 |151412
|1977 |238292
|1992 |326141
|2002 |298861
|2011 |249432
|2021 |217851
}}

===City proper===
As of [[Demographic history of Romania|2021 census]] data, 217,851 inhabitants live within the city limits,<ref name="RPL2021"/> a decrease from the figure recorded at the 2011 census.<ref name="INSSER">{{cite web|url=http://www.recensamantromania.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/sR_TAB_3.xlsx |title=Population at 20 October 2011 |date=5 July 2013 |access-date=5 July 2013 |publisher=[[National Institute of Statistics (Romania)|INSSE]] |language=ro }}{{dead link|date=December 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Ethnography===
The largest ethnic group in Galați are [[Romanians]] (98.54%). The second largest but less than 1% of the total are the [[Romani people|Roma]] (0.78%). In smaller numbers are [[Lipovans]] (0.07%),  [[Greeks]] (0.07%) and [[Hungarians]] (0.09%). Other groups number 0.27% in all.

===Metropolitan area===
{{main|Lower Danube metropolitan area}}
The metropolitan area is proposed to be formed from the cities of Galați and [[Brăila]].

==Education==
[[File:Universitatea „Dunărea de Jos”.jpg|thumb|left|The main building of the [[University of Galați]]]]
Galați has educational facilities catering to all ages and scholastic levels. School Nr. 24 (Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel) is the oldest school in the county. It was founded in 1832. In 1896 it was located inside the Mitoc Monastery. On 26 October 1896 the current school building was inaugurated.

The [[University of Galați]], founded in 1974, includes 11 faculties (with two unique faculties in Romania: ''The Faculty of Naval Architecture'' and ''Department of Food Science and Engineering'') and 3 colleges.

The "Danubius University" is a private institution with departments in legal, economic and social studies fields.

Galați also hosts several specialized research institutes. Four are unique within Romania: [[Icepronav]] (Research and Design Institute for Shipbuilding), Uzinsider Engineering (Institute for Research and Design for flat metal products), the Research Institute of Fish and the Wine Research Station Targu Bujor.

In February 2013, Galați was the host city of the general meeting of the [[:ro:Consiliul Județean al Elevilor|National Student Association]], a forum of the Romanian Ministry of Education.

===Libraries===

==== V. A. Urechia Library ====
In 1889, the V. A. Urechia Library was founded through the benevolence of [[Vasile Alexandrescu Urechia]]. In 1991, the library moved to a new purpose-built site. The library maintains its own local history collection as well as a rare book collection.

====LCMHF====
This library was established in 1939. It is associated with teacher training and hosts an active literary circle.

==Transportation==

===Public transport===
Public transport in Galați is provided by a combination of [[tram]]s, [[trolleybus]]es and [[bus]]es (all of which are operated by Transurb, an agency of the municipality).

===Rail===
[[Galați railway station]] has direct train services to cities such as [[Bucharest]], [[Cluj-Napoca]], [[Brașov]] and [[Iași]] all year and in the summer to [[Constanța]].

===Road===

==Galați in popular culture==

===''Explosion''===
[[Explosion (1973 film)|Explosion]] (1973) is a communist film made entirely in Galați. It is based on a true incident involving a Panamanian vessel, loaded with ammonium nitrate, which threatened to explode and destroy Galați and Brăila.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0123829/|title=The Poseidon Explosion|date=24 August 1973|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref>

===''Dracula''===
In [[Bram Stoker]]'s novel ''[[Dracula]]'', Galați ("Galatz") is the port at which [[Count Dracula]] disembarked from the ''Czarina Catherine'' on his way back to [[Transylvania]].

===''Meta Tempesta''===
This is a film about tunnels built in the ruins of Tirighina being used to protect Germans in World War II. It was based on a play called ''The road to Constanta''.

===''Danube Waves''===
This is a film made in [[Bucharest]], in the "Film Production Center", Buftea. It was directed by Liviu Ciulei, from a screenplay by Dumitru Munteanu Caraba and Francis. It stars Irina Petrescu, who makes her debut as the wife of a barge driver. Lazarus Vrabie plays an undercover officer. Ciulei is the barge driver. Lucian Pintilie played the part of a German soldier.

===Other===
Video of Galați is seen in tourist documentaries, documentaries about World War II and clips of Lautars singers.

==International relations==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Romania}}

===Twin towns – Sister cities===
Galați has a number of [[Twin towns and sister cities]]:
{|class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[Coventry]], [[United Kingdom]]; (1963).<ref name="Coventry twins">{{cite web|url=http://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory/25/twin_towns_and_cities|title=Coventry - Twin towns and cities|access-date = 2013-08-06|work=Coventry City Council.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412062545/http://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory/25/twin_towns_and_cities|archive-date=2013-04-12 }}</ref><ref name="Coventry twinnings">{{cite web|url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/what-point-coventrys-twin-towns-3038605 |title=Coventry's twin towns |access-date=2013-08-06 |last=Griffin |first=Mary |date=2011-08-02 |work=Coventry Telegraph |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130806032050/http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/what-point-coventrys-twin-towns-3038605 |archive-date=2013-08-06 }}</ref>
*{{flagicon|GRE}} [[Piraeus]], [[Greece]] (1985).
*{{flagicon|PRC}} [[Wuhan]], [[China]] (1987).
*{{flagicon|FRA}} [[Pessac]], [[France]]; (1991).
*{{flagicon|CRC}} [[Limón]], [[Costa Rica]]; (1992).
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Hammond, Indiana|Hammond]], [[United States]] (1997).
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Mykolaiv]], [[Ukraine]]; (2002).
||
*{{flagicon|UKR}}  [[Sevastopol]], [[Ukraine]]; (2014).
*{{flagicon|UKR}}  [[Yalta]], [[Ukraine]]; (2014).
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Ancona]], [[Italy]].
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Jesi]], Italy; (2003).
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Scottsbluff, Nebraska|Scottsbluff]], [[United States]]; (2007)
*{{flagicon|IND}} [[Mumbai]], [[India]];  (2007).
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Brindisi]], Italy; (2007).
|}

==Notable people==
{{main|List of people from Galați}}

==Bibliography==
* Paul Paltanea, History of Galați, Ed Porto Franco, Galați, 1994
* [[Neagu Djuvara]], between West and East – Romanian Countries in the early modern era, Humanitas, Bucharest, 2007
* [[Ștefan Zeletin]], Romanian bourgeoisie, Bucharest, 1991
* Galați City Hall about the city's geography and history
* Galați Prefecture, the official site
* Manual of Romania, 2008, NeswIn & The Money Channel, No.1

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Galați}}
* {{in lang|ro}} {{Official website|https://www.primariagalati.ro/}}

{{Galați County}}
{{Cities in Romania}}
{{RoJudCapitals}}
{{Lower Danube metropolitan area}}
{{Danube}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Galati}}
[[Category:Galați| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in Galați County]]
[[Category:Localities in Western Moldavia]]
[[Category:Populated places on the Danube]]
[[Category:Populated places on the Prut]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Romania]]
[[Category:Cities in Romania]]
[[Category:Capitals of Romanian counties]]
[[Category:Moldova–Romania border crossings]]
[[Category:1445 establishments in Europe]]
[[Category:Territories of the Republic of Genoa]]
[[Category:Jewish communities in Romania]]