Botosani, city in northeastern Romania, capital of Botosani County. The city lies in a rich farming area of the northern Moldavia region and has long been known as a market center for agricultural produce and wines. More recently it has become an industrial center, particularly for textiles. Tourist attractions include the Popauti Church (1496), built by Stephen the Great, a Moldavian national hero; and a local museum with paintings by Romanian artist Octavian Bancila, who was born in Botosani. South of the city are a number of monasteries built in the Middle Ages, including Cosula and Vorona. Botosani was first documented as a settlement in 1439. Population (1997 estimate) 129,285.
