Tourist Attractions And Visit In Chisinau, Moldova
Chisinau is the capital of the Republic of Moldova. This small, fun and lively city has a Soviet feel. Its population is 3.5 million. There are plenty of places to visit in the city. Whether you’re interested in history, art, shopping, restaurants, or nightlife, you’ll find it here.
Moldova’s national museum is a great place to learn about the country’s history. You can see a variety of exhibits, including books and artifacts. The museum is also open year-round.
Another must-see is the Victory Memorial and Eternal Flame. This is dedicated to the thousands of Moldovans who died during World War II. Originally built in Belarus, the memorial was transported to Moldova. It is guarded by an honor guard.
If you’re looking for a place to relax, there are a number of green spaces in the city. A popular one is the Valea Morilor Park. This park is surrounded by a lake and has walking paths, playgrounds, and recreational equipment.
In addition to museums and monuments, Chisinau is home to many places to eat. Some are chain restaurants, while others are more unique businesses.
The National Museum of Moldova has over 250,000 exhibits. They include a wide range of artifacts from the region. It also shares events from throughout the years.
One of the most interesting parts of the museum is its white interior. The first agricultural expo in Bessarabia was held here. Chisinau has a wide range of hostels. Most offer wi-fi in common areas.
Orheiul Vechi #1
Orheiul Vechi is a medieval fortress that was built in the 14th century by Mongolian Tatars. During this time, Orhei was a centre of trade and trade goods, but it was also a fortification. It became an important Christian outpost on the border with the Islamic world.
The town of Orhei is situated on the Răut River. It was once home to a Moldavian fort, an Orthodox monastery, and a Golden Horde fort. Besides that, the remnants of a fortified church and the remains of a church from the medieval period are also found.
A short walk from the town is the Orheiul Vechi complex. This place is a religious center for the Eastern Orthodox Church. You will find the main church on the top of a hill.
Despite its remote location, the Cave Monastery of Orheiul Vechi is a must-see attraction. Located in limestone rock caves, this monastery was inhabited from the 13th to the 18th centuries. As you walk inside, you can explore the cave and take a look at old places of worship.
Moreover, there are candlelights and jagged windows chiseled into the cliff face. Unlike most tourist sites in Moldova, Orheiul Vechi is not overcrowded. To get there, you need to be prepared to make some effort. Alternatively, you can use public transport.
But it requires a bit of luck. If you do not wish to use public transportation, you can hire a private car. Driving from Chisinau to Orheiul Vechi takes approximately three hours.
Manastirea Curchi #2
Manastirea Curchi is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Moldova. This complex is made of several monastic buildings. It includes an orchard and a stone pool. The buildings are surrounded by red and white walls.
Besides the monastery, there are numerous auxiliary rooms. One of the most interesting features of the monastery is its landscape. Various rare species of trees and flowers are present here.
Moreover, you will be able to enjoy the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the place. You will also be impressed by the cultural and religious history of the monastery.
A private tour to the Old Orhei and the Curchi Monastery is an excellent idea for you. The excursion will include a traditional Moldovan dinner. Your guide will explain the secrets of these attractions. If the weather is bad, the tour operators can change the program.
During your visit to the monastery you will be able to see the orchard, the archondaric, the stone pool, the lacuri plin with pesti, the wooden chapel, and a number of other important features. Currently, the monastery is undergoing renovation and restoration.
In 2002, the monastic complex of Curchi was transferred to the Ortodoxe. Previously, the monastery was considered the most important monastery in Bessarabia. However, the Soviet power destroyed a lot of the icons and artifacts. Currently, the monastery is working on restoring the last damaged buildings.
Manastirea Curchi is a must-see in Moldova. This complex is composed of five churches and various auxiliary buildings. With its close moldovenesc style and the beautiful landscaping, this place is a great attraction for tourists.
Transdniestr #3
There is an unrecognized breakaway territory in Moldova called Transdniestr. It is a landlocked, narrow sliver of territory that borders Ukraine to the east and Bessarabia to the west.
During the Cold War, Transnistria was part of the Soviet Union. However, after the August 1991 coup, the Transnistrians rushed to set up their own state. The new republic was proclaimed on 2 September 1990.
Despite the political crisis, Russia continued to provide political support to the region. In the early 2000s, half of the Transnistrian exports went to the CIS countries. Imports were predominantly non-precious metals and food products.
During the Orange Revolution, the Russian government saw a change in its external alignments. Moscow hoped the new Ukrainian government would change its politics.
As a result, the Moldovan-Ukrainian border agreement was signed. This forced Moscow to take radical steps. A new customs regime was imposed on the Transnistrian-Ukrainian border. All goods had to be processed by Moldovan customs officials.
Russia, on the other hand, viewed the agreement as an economic blockade. As a consequence, Moscow began to play economic retaliation against Moldova.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Chisinau and Tiraspol made efforts to find a solution to the Transnistrian question. These include a “memorandum” and the creation of a state commission in 2000. But the last plan for resolving Transnistria was rejected by the Moldovan leadership.
Since 2004, Russia has been concerned about the situation in Ukraine. Moscow hopes that the upcoming Ukrainian elections will bring about a change in politics.
Cricova Winery #4
The Cricova Winery is one of the most luxurious underground wine cellars in the world. Located in Moldova, it has been producing high-quality elite wines for many years.
The winery is situated at a depth of 50-80 meters. It offers tasting and tours. To find out more about the winery, you can visit its website. There you can also get more information about the tours.
The winery’s underground city of wine contains warehouses and tasting rooms. A small museum is located in the cellars.
Cricova winery has a vast collection of vintage and special bottles. It includes French, Spanish and Italian wines, as well as a selection of wines from South America.
Wine culture dates back to 5,000 years. During the Nazi occupation, the cellars of Cricova hid Jewish people from the German authorities. Today, the winery’s walls are adorned with ancient Greek and Roman period reliefs.
Cricova winery is considered a pearl of Moldovan winemaking. Known for its innovative technology and outstanding wines, it satisfies the most refined tastes.
Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has been storing his own collection of wine in the cellars of Cricova since 2002. Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, and US Vice President Joe Biden have visited the winery.
Cricova winery organizes daily tours. Visitors can book a tour in advance. Tours include a guided tour of the underground wine cellar and sparkling wine production. Besides tasting, guests can enjoy lunch or snacks.
Aside from sparkling wine, Cricova winery also produces a vin spumant. This sparkling wine is made with the same technology used in champagne.
Bendery Military Museum #5
If you are planning a trip to Moldova, you may want to spend a few hours in Bendery. This town, located on the left bank of the Dniester river, is the only place in the region under the control of Transnistria.
You can learn about the conflict between Moldova and Transnistria, and the history of the area at the Bendery Military Museum. Located just to the right of the main train station, the Military Museum offers rare Soviet militaria.
It is curated by a team of middle-aged women who speak Russian. Several of the exhibits are on display in three carriages of a decommissioned Soviet steam train. The curators are friendly and accommodating to photographers.
A memorial museum is also located in Bendery. Visitors can take a tour of the building and see pictures and artifacts that have been recovered from the time of the conflict.
While in Bendery, you can enjoy a meal at a local Uzbek restaurant, which is located near the bus terminal. There are other eateries in the town, including Andy’s Pizza, a western style place that is also located on the left side of the train station.
The Bendery Fortress is an architectural masterpiece. Built by the Genovese in the mid-16th century, it is one of the oldest fortifications in the Pridnestrovie region.
On June 19, 1991, armed units from Moldova attacked the city of Bendery. Known as Tighina in the past, the town was under Romanian rule for a few years between World Wars I and II.
Capriana #6
Capriana is a small town in the Valley of Fiemme. It is located about 15 kilometers from Alpe Cermis and 15 kilometers from the vineyards of Trentino. The village has 600 inhabitants.
Capriana is located on a hilltop in the south-western part of the valley. It is considered a privileged destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy the meadows and the larch forests.
One of the oldest monasteries in Moldova, the Capriana monastery is located in the massif of Codru, a forest that provides a backdrop for the picturesque monastery. There are three churches in the complex, including St. Nicholas Church, which was built in 1840.
Capriana is known for its rich history and its culture. The Capriana Museum contains valuable manuscripts donated by country rulers. Moreover, the Capriana Library is one of the largest in the country.
Capriana is the hometown of Maria Domenica Lazzeri, better known as Beata Meneghina. She was born in the town on March 16, 1815. During her youth, she suffered terrible suffering and became a victim of stigmata.
Her affliction was severe enough that her contemporaries called her “the Meneghina.” After her death, the story of the martyred woman attracted attention of famous universities, causing a controversy between Catholic groups and Protestant associations in Europe.
As a result, the Archbishop of Trento opened a process for her beatification. On April 4, 1995, the Archbishop of Trento, Maria Giovanni Sartori, celebrated Mass in the church. This was the first official act of her beatification.
Codru Natural Reservation #7
If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure in Moldova, you’ll want to check out the Codru Natural Reservation. It’s one of the country’s oldest and most popular reserves, and its flora and fauna are sure to make you feel at peace.
The enigmatic region is home to an estimated 450-year-old oak tree, so if you’re into nature, this is a good place to spend a few hours. Another intriguing thing about the Codru Natural Reserve is that it’s not just a forest.
It also contains a natural history museum, which you can explore by yourself or with a guide. There are over a thousand species of protected plants, so you’ll certainly see some interesting sights.
The park also has a few other impressive attractions. One of the most interesting is the country’s oldest stand of an old-growth oak tree. This tree is so old that it’s reputed to be the largest in the world.
Another notable feature of the Codru Natural Reservation is the Minimalist Trail. This trail features a series of short, minimalist paths that allow you to view the entire reservation. You’ll see plenty of flowers, and even insects.
While you’re here, take a look at the Capriana Monastery. It’s Moldova’s oldest monastery, and it was built by Alexander the Great in the 15th century. In addition to the main monastic complex, you’ll also find five chapels, a stable, and two buildings with cells.
Finally, you should visit the natural history museum inside the reservation. Here you can learn all about the country’s history and wildlife.
Taul Park and Pommer Manor #8
The biggest park in Moldova is located in the town of Taul. The park is a perfect place for family outings. It is also a great destination for tourists who want to explore the country’s history.
In the park, there are more than 100 species of plants. Two-thirds of the varieties are exotic, while the rest are domestic. There is a Japanese cherry that can be found here as well.
This park is divided into two parts, the upper and the lower. The lower part is more of a forest, where a lot of different plants and trees are planted. This park is an ancient one, and it stretches over seven hectares.
Here, visitors will find a peaceful environment, plenty of birds, and a waterfall. People visit the park for many reasons, but the most common is to relax. In addition to the park, the village of Taul has a manor house designed by Ivan Pommer.
Visitors can get a nice view of the Dniester River as they stroll through the woods. Another attraction is the national museum of history of Moldova, which offers a vast collection of ancient remains.
Visitors can also see weapons, ceramics, and World War II artifacts. If you’re interested in the country’s 14th-century history, you’ll love visiting the museum.
Located in northern Moldova, the park is about 200 kilometers from Chisinau. It is the second largest city in the country. A lot of people visit this site to escape the bustling life of the city.
FAQs about Chisinau, Moldova
What is Chisinau known for?
Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is known for its vibrant culture, ancient churches, and unique cuisine. It is home to many historical sites, including the National Museum of History and the National Opera and Ballet Theater. The city’s main square, Piata Marii Adunari Nationale, is a popular destination for tourists, as it is surrounded by many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Chisinau is also known for its many parks and gardens, including the Stefan cel Mare Park, which features a beautiful lake and a park with many sculptures.
What makes Moldova special?
Moldova is a small, landlocked country located in Eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine. It is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique traditions, as well as its stunning natural beauty. Moldova is home to various ethnic groups, including Ukrainians, Russians, Bulgarians, and Gagauzians, and is the only nation in Europe that has a majority population of Eastern Orthodox Christians. Its cultural diversity and unique history make it an interesting and exciting place to visit.
