The Best Places to Visit in Moldova
Moldova is one of the least visited countries in Europe, wedged away and forgotten between Romania and Ukraine. It became an independent country in 1991, after being tied to the Soviet Union. It’s a country taken over by hilly plains and vineyards as the landscape, and culturally it is pretty similar to Romania. The economy heavily relies on agriculture, and is famous for its red and white wine selection. Inside Moldova is also the independent breakaway state of Transnistria, which declared independence from the Moldovan SSR state in 1990. It currently doesn’t really have much international recognition, but it still offers a different side to Moldova.
Capital: Chisinau
Currency: Moldovan Leu
Language: Romanian
When to visit: April to October
1) Chișinău
Chișinău is the capital and most important city of Moldova. The city has an interesting mix of cultural elements thanks to it’s history under different rulings. You’ll find heavy Soviet-era influence, alongside more recent Moldovan/Romanian developments and character. It’s estimated that around 550,000 people live here, and it’s most peoples starting base when entering Moldova.
Things to do:
Start by visiting the Piața Marii Adunări Naționale, the central square in the city’s core. Right there, you’ll find Cathedral Park, which contains the Navity Cathedral and the Triumphal Arch. Walk around the long boulevards and check out the city’s architecture. You can visit the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, if you want to learn all about Moldova and it’s traditions. You’ll find a lot of statues and landmarks as you walk around. It doesn’t take long to see everything the city has to offer.
How to get there:
Chișinău International Airport (RMO) may have flights from different cities around Europe.
There is also bus options from Bucharest, in Romania.
2) Cricova
The town of Cricova is only 15km from Chisinau, but the main attraction is the Cricova Wine Cellars. It's renowned worldwide for its vast underground city of wine. The cellars extend for over a whopping 120km, and are about 80 meters underground. It’s an incredible labyrinth of limestone tunnels which is a must visit, and can be done as a day trip from Chisinau.
What you’ll see:
The tunnels in the cellar are labeled like roads, and you’ll see rows upon rows off massive wine collections of all types. There are many historic and rare bottles dating back decades. You usually have a tour guide with you, an it’s often done via an electric mini train or car so you can cover all the highlights.
How to get there:
Book a half or full day tour from Chisinau, including transportation.
3) Old Orhei
Old Orhei is one of Moldova’s picturesque historical and archaeological sites. The site lies along the dramatic gorge of the lower Răut River, near the villages of Trebujeni and Butuceni. There are many amazing sites you can visit here which date back centuries, and have so much history attached to them.
Things to do:
We will start with the Cave Monastery, the highlight of the area. The cave monastery is hewn straight into the limestone cliffs overlooking the Răut River gorge. It dates to the 15th century, when Orthodox monks painstakingly excavated the church and living cells by hand. Right above is The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God, a stunning 20th century church you have to see. Inside of Butuceni Village is the Ethnographic Museum, which is small but set up as a Moldovan house. Lastly, by the river you can see remains of of Old Orhei’s Tatar Baths.
How to get there:
Most people visit Orheiul Vechi on a pre-booked tour, but you can take a minibus from Chinisau to Orhei town.
4) Transnistria (Tiraspol)
Transnistria is the breakaway region in Moldova, with its own government, president, parliament, and currency. Tiraspol is the capital of Transistria, home to about 130,000 people. The city resembles what it was like in the late Soviet era, and overall is pretty clean and quiet. It’s a destination off the beaten path and can be accessed from Moldova.
Things to do:
The main central square is called Suvorov Square, and it features a large statue of Russian general Alexander Suvorov (who founded the city in 1792). The central pedestrian street is called Lenin Street, and it’s lined with Soviet style buildings giving it that old eerie urban feel. You can see the city’s largest Russian Orthodox Cathedral, called Tiraspol Cathedral. Lastly, end your day in Tiraspol City Park, where you’l see statues and monuments.
How to get there:
Minibuses from Chisinau run direct to Tiraspol, there is a brief border crossing though.
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