Tourism offer
If you happen to be in the heart of the Moldovan capital, you won’t miss the Arch of Triumph, a monument with a timepiece dedicated to the victory of the Russian armies over the Turks. Although the Arch’s bells keep silence for a while and the timepiece has lost its relevance in the era of tablets and smartphones, this building remains one of the popular places for meetings and a landmark reference for foreigners visiting the city.
This classical-style structure is not there by chance, if you analyze its position. The Arch of Triumph’s location reflects a mixed cultural heritage of Moldovans: in the north-east towards Moscow we can see the country’s main Christian Orthodox Cathedral, while in the south-west towards Bucharest there’s the headquarters of the Moldovan Government. A dramatic reminder about the historical relationships with the east and the west, and about the place the residents of this republic identify themselves with.
And yet you can hear bell ringings all the time, at the Lord’s Birth Cathedral during religious holidays and from the Chisinau City Hall’s tower every exact hour.
The capital between the past and the future
The capital is a blend of styles and currents from the architectural point of view too. The buildings that host public institutions reflect most often a Soviet neo-classicism, the malls and supermarkets hang on a glass-and-concrete modernism, and the new residential blocks convey a sentiment of comfort and practicability. The historical center of the city is studded with old houses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The past and the future in one place, co-existing in harmony.
The city brings together the largest number of monuments and commemorative structures compared to the rest of the country - following the removal of the statues to the Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin from the district centers. The central park, for example, has an alley with the busts of the most classics of Romanian literature. Ironically, the central granite figure in that park is the Russian writer Alexander Pushkin.
The number of cafes, restaurants and bars has grown like mushrooms after the rain, with national to European, Asian, and even exotic cuisines, with waiters and waitresses switching easily from Russian to English, and free wi-fi.
Rural Moldova
Although it is by far an area with many attractions, the capital is not the only place to stop. The provinces abound in picturesque landscapes, worthy of the brushes of great painters, given the fact that the Republic of Moldova is a land with hundreds of hills and valleys. Some of these hills hide real tourist gems that you can't find anywhere in the world. Such as, for example, the famous Cellars of Cricova and Milestii Mici - wine-tourist complexes with underground tunnels of hundreds of kilometers.
Or the Soroca Fortress - the only Moldovan fortress that survived the Molotov-Ribentrop Pact (two others were ceded to Ukraine, and Tighina is under the control of the Transnistrian enclave). If you reach the south of the country, do not miss to touch a part of the ancient history of the country - Trajan's Wall, built more than 2,000 years ago to protect the borders of the Roman Empire.
Rural Moldova is, to a large extent, a country of churches and monasteries, with locals welcoming all foreigners, carts pulled by animals, storks nestling on power lines pillars, agricultural plantations and sweet fruits. Or superb monasteries - some carved in rocks or caves - are museums with incredible stories, or village churches - some quite luxurious - that preserve the memory of itineraries and the history of local families: baptism, wedding, burial. If you have the opportunity to attend a wedding party, you will certainly not regret it!
The Republic of Moldova is a fascinating land, waiting for tourists and investors who will appreciate the hospitality and diligence of the people, but also the economic potential and business opportunities.
Tourist sightseeing
We’d like to share a few sightseeing venues and public events worth visiting.
WINE TOURS
- Cricova and Mileștii Mici cellars
If you have not yet had the opportunity to drive into an underground city and travel tens of kilometers on the streets where instead of houses there are cellars full of wine, rustic restaurants and luxurious banquet halls, do not miss a visit to Cricova ( www.cricova.md) or Milestii Mici (www.milestii-mici.md). While Cricova has a huge network of labyrinths (over 120 km), Milestii Mici is known for the world’s largest collection of wines (over 1.5 million bottles).
- Castle Mimi, Chateau Vartely, wineries of Purcari, Asconi, Cojușna, Et Cetera
Moldovan wineries are not only factories for wine-making but also genuine museums of architecture, design and art. Some of them boast that they keep the traditions of ancient Greek colonists and Roman expansionists, but in fact they rely exclusively on the latest wine-making technologies. Excursions to these places of wine worship are accompanied by incredible stories, folk music and fine wine.
NATURE
- Natural reservations: Pădurea Domnească, Orheiul Vechi, and Codrii
Forests have played an important role in the history of Moldova, serving as a hiding place and regrouping ground for war-defeated rulers, a refuge for fugitives and rebels, and a source of inspiration for poets and troubadours. In addition to 4 splendid natural reservations, protected by the state, there are over 30 protected forest areas in the country, some being open to the public and others with restricted access.
In Padurea Domneasca (Royal Forest) you are expected to visit the Valley with 100 Mounds. In reality, the area has over 3,500 mounds, each 3-5 meters high, giving the impression of a huge cemetery of old warriors. The mystery of mound formation has not been solved until now.
- Grots in Duruitoarea Veche and Butești
The grot in Duruitoarea Veche, Rîșcani District, is a stone age settlement once serving as a home for communities of prehistoric people. It has three rooms with a total length of about 50 meters. The grot in Butești, Glodeni District, resembles an elephant lying on grass and used to be a home for our ancestors.
- Caves Cenușăreasa and Bechir
The Gothic style cave Cenușăreasa (Cinderella) is the largest cave in the Republic of Moldova and the third largest gypsum cave in Europe. Inside the 11-meter-high cave there are over 20 lakes and a few wells with drinking water. It is located near the intersection of the borders of the Republic of Moldova, Romania and Ukraine. The Bechir Cave is also a paleontological monument, a cavern that is supposed to have served religious purposes, mimicking the shape of a church carved in stone.
- Chișinău parks
In the capital, there are well-cared green spaces for the public to rest. The Dendrarium Park is home to a colony of fluttering squirrels; the Valea Morilor Park is an area for entertainment; the Botanical Garden preserves an exceptional collection of plants; the Public Garden in the city center is the favorite place of families; and the Cathedral Park houses the country's main religious building.
FORTRESSES
- Soroca Fortress and Tighina Fortress
The atmosphere of medieval Moldova is best represented by the fortifications built by the Moldavian rulers on the borders of the old principality. The Soroca Fortress is located 160 kilometers north of the capital, and the Tighina Fortress is 60 kilometers southeast of the capital. Both fortresses are located on the Dniester River and are featured on the 20-leu and 100-leu banknotes, respectively.
- Trajan Wall
Trajan's Wall is a complex of fortifications that stretches over the territories of Romania, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The Romans built these earth walls to protect themselves from tribal incursions north of the Danube. On the territory of Moldova there are two fragments of the wall. Although the name is attributed to Emperor Trajan, in reality the fortifications were built by the Byzantines in the times of Constantine the Great.
MONASTERIES AND CHURCHES
The Ţîpova Orthodox Monastery is located entirely in a stone rock, being considered one of the largest cave monasteries in Europe. Another old monastery is located at Saharna, surrounded by forests, not far from the Dniester bank. Part of the monastery is also dug into the rock.
In total, there are more than 50 monasteries in the Republic of Moldova, many of them being true masterpieces of architecture - for example Noul Neamț, Japca, Hâncu or Căpriana strike by the solemnity of their buildings and the strict schedule of religious services. The Călărași District claims merit for the largest number of monasteries in a single territorial-administrative unit - exactly 5. Visitors who stop overnight are accommodated in special bald spots for guests.
The Cathedral of Lord’s Birth and Theodora de la Sihla Church, both located in the center of the capital, are the most famous churches.
MUSEUMS
The capital holds the record for the number of museums - the Museum of Archeology and History, the Army Museum, the Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, the Museum of Arts, and others.
The Museum of Archeology and History, for example, houses the diorama "Operation Iasi-Chisinau", which includes a canvas measuring 45x11 meters and a natural plan with the details of a battle near the village of Leuseni in World War II. The total area of the painting and the plan is about 800 square meters.
The Museum of Ethnography and Natural History too has dioramas, though smaller, in addition to the exhibits representing different eras. One of the rooms has a permanent exhibition of malformed animals, preserved in glass cylinders.
If you have never seen what an NKVD officer used to wear, hurry to visit the Army Museum, inside which you will find military uniforms of all the troops who put a foot on Moldovan territory. Soviet combat machines are exposed in the open air - artillery batteries, aircraft, armored vehicles.
Another museum is the Soviet bunker in Olișcani, Soldanesti District. Abandoned after the dissolution of the USSR, this military bunker has a diameter of 32 meters and a depth of 60 meters. Its purpose is still a true enigma even for military experts.
Among the rural museums worth visiting are the Mansion of Manuc Bei - an Armenian diplomat and merchant from the 19th century - in the Hâncești District, and the house of fabulist Alexandru Donici in the Orhei District.
MONUMENTS
- Statue of Stephen the Great
Erected in the center of the capital, the Statue of Stephen the Great is the main monument of the Republic of Moldova, and the square around it is the place of public gatherings of citizens. The ruler of medieval Moldova is commemorated for his devotion to the people.
- Candle of Gratitude
This lighthouse-shaped monument in the Soroca District stands on a rock overlooking the Dniester River. It symbolizes the gratitude of contemporary generations for the suffering endured by their ancestors. To get from the river bank to the place where the structure is located, visitors must walk 600 steps.
Public events
The Republic of Moldova holds many public events, music festivals, official and religious holidays, which attract a large number of tourists. Some of the days when these events take place are non-working days and people fill in the streets - but especially the central square of the capital - as well as cafes, restaurants, parks and rural guesthouses to communicate and have fun. We present the calendar of events for 2020:
| Data | Eveniment | Activitati |
|---|---|---|
| 9 februarie | Mileștii Mici Wine Run Mileștii Mici, Ialoveni |
Competiții la alergări prin beciurile subterane ale vinăriei Mileștii Mici |
| 1-10 martie | Festivalul Primăverii Mărțișor Chișinău, centrele raionale |
Muzică și dansuri populare, jazz, clasica |
| 27 aprilie | Paștele Ortodox Național |
Reuniuni de familii și prieteni, slujbe religioase în toate localitățile, noaptea de sfințire a mâncărurilor |
| 30 aprilie | Vernisajul Vinului Chișinău |
Degustare de vinuri moldovenești |
| aprilie | Festivalul Internațional al Școlilor de Teatru și Film ”Class Fest” Chișinău |
Spectacole montate de absolvenții instituțiilor teatrale din regiune |
| aprilie | Festivalul Național de Performance Coral ”La Izvoare” Chișinău |
Spectacole corale cu participarea studenților din școlile muzicale din Moldova |
| 1 mai | Mai Vin Puhoi, Ialoveni |
Picnic la vinăria Asconi |
| 2 mai | Maratonul Montan la Ciclism Trebujeni, Orhei |
Competiții la ciclism în zone cu teren denivelat și accidentat |
| 6 mai | Herdelez Ceadîr-Lunga, Gagauzia |
Cursa de cai și jocuri populare tradiționale |
| 13 mai | Dulce Floare de Salcâm Văleni, Cahul |
Festival etno-folcloric regional |
| 6-18 mai | Noaptea Muzeelor Chișinău |
Acces liber la expozițiile muzeelor din Moldova, concursuri de artă și port, spectacole medievale |
| 23 mai | Festivalul Urban Vibes Chișinău |
Celebrarea culturii urbane |
| 23-24 mai | Street Food & Wine Festival Chișinău |
Sărbătoare gastronomică |
| 24 mai | ArtVin Purcari, Ștefan Vodă |
Degustare de vinuri Purcari și prezentarea de artă contemporană |
| 30 mai | VeloHora Chișinău |
Curse de ciclism pentru amatori |
| 30 mai | Sparkling Party Cricova |
Degustare de vinuri spumante Cricova |
| 31 mai | Mai Dulce Chișinău |
Târgul de dulciuri |
| 31 mai | iProsop Șelemet, Cimișlia |
Prezentarea costumelor populare tradiționale, muzică și dansuri populare |
| mai | Aerobis Balloon Fiesta Ivancea, Orhei |
Zboruri cu baloane cu aer cald pentru pasionații de aventuri |
| mai | Bienala Internațională a Teatrului Eugene Ioneco Chișinău |
Spectacole la teatrele din capitală |
| mai | Festivalul Internațional de Film Documentar ”Cronograf” Chișinău |
Vizionarea de filme documentare admise la concurs |
| mai | Festivalul de Muzică Ușoară ”Steaua Chișinăului” Chișinău |
Concerte de muzică ușoară |
| mai sau iunie | Festivalul Medieval Vatra, Strășeni |
Lupte simulate în costumație de epocă, concerte în aer liber |
| 7 iunie | Festivalul Mierii și Căpșunii / Festivalul Căpșunii și Vinului Chateau Vartely |
Târgul de căpșuni cultivate și mierii produse în Moldova / a vinurilor autohtone |
| 7 iunie | Duminica Mare Domulgeni, Florești |
Prezentarea tradițiilor moldovenilor |
| 13 iunie | Ziua Rose Bulboaca, Anenii Noi |
Degustarea vinurilor Mimi |
| 13 iunie | Gagauz Gergefi Comrat |
Prezentarea costumelor populare găgăuze |
| 14 iunie | Frumos Covor Basarabean Clișova Nouă, Orhei |
Târg de covoare tradiționale |
| 17 iunie | Festivalul Lavandei Cobușca Nouă, Anenii Noi |
Vizite în câmpurile cu lavandă, picnic și muzică de cameră |
| 19-21 iunie | DescOPERA Butuceni, Orhei |
Muzică clasică în aer liber |
| 28 iunie | Ziua Portului Popular Chișinău |
Festival etno-folcloric |
| iunie | Festivalul Internațional de Muzică Simfonică ”Zilele Muzicii Noi” Chișinău |
Concerte de muzică simfonică |
| iunie | DeVin, DeGust Vatra |
Festival de vinuri și gastronomie |
| 5 iulie | La Mania Holercani, Dubăsari |
Festivalul artelor tradiționale |
| iulie | Hats&Wines Chateau Vartely, Orhei |
Festivalul de vară al vinurilor |
| 9 august | La Vatra olarului Vasile Gonciar Hoginești, Călărași |
Târg internațional de vase din ceramică |
| 15-16 august | Hodina Pohrebea, Dubăsari |
Picnic și activități în aer liber |
| 15 august - 15 octombrie | Bătălia Producătorilor de Vinuri Purcari, Ștefan Vodă |
Concursuri în perioada recoltării strugurilor |
| 18-19 august | Festivalul Gustar Rezervația Orheiul Vechi |
Muzică etno-balcanică în aer liber |
| 27 august | Ziua Independenței Național |
Concerte, concursuri de artă, competiții sportive, expoziții în aer liber |
| 27 august | Dor Călător Ulmu, Ialoveni |
Festival de muzică la vinăria Poiana |
| 31 august | Ziua Limbii Național |
Concerte, concursuri literare, expoziții în aer liber |
| 4 septembrie | Vinopera Bulboaca, Anenii Noi |
Muzică clasică la Castelul Mimi |
| 4-16 septembrie | Festivalul Internațional de Operă și Balet ”Maria Bieșu” Chișinău |
Concerte de operă și performance de balet |
| 5 septembrie | Cursa de Vinuri Purcari Purcari, Ștefan Vodă |
Competiții la alergări prin plantații de vie |
| 12 septembrie | Festivalul Mustului Cricova |
Degustarea vinurilor tinere |
| 13 septembrie | Festivalul Osier Lozova, Strășeni |
Meșteșuguri populare în zona de pădure |
| 19-20 septembrie | Bostaniada Bălăbănești, Criuleni |
Târg de dovleci cultivați în Moldova, degustarea bucatelor cu dovleac |
| 25-27 septembrie | Maratonul Internațional Chișinău Chișinău |
Cursa de alergări |
| 25-27 septembrie | Festivalul Etno-Jazz Chișinău |
Muzică internațională etno și jazz |
| septembrie | Concursul Internațional la Dirijat Simfonic Chișinău |
Concurs cu participarea dirijorilor de muzică simfonică din toată lumea |
| 3-4 octombrie | Ziua Națională a Vinului Chișinău, centrele raionale |
Concursuri și degustare de vinuri produse în Moldova |
| 14 octombrie | Hramul capitalei Chișinău |
Concerte în aer liber, concursuri de artă și competiții sportive |
| 1 noiembrie | Gagauz Șarap Yourtusu Comrat |
Festivalul vinurilor găgăuze |
| 28 noiembrie | Festivalul Vinului și Muzicii Underground Mileștii Mici |
Concerte și degustare de vinuri la vinăria Mileștii Mici |
| 12 decembrie | Covorul Dorului Chișinău |
Târgul național de covoare |
| 18 decembrie | Vernisajul Vinului Chișinău |
Degustare de vinuri moldovenești |
| 25 decembrie 7 ianuarie |
Crăciunul Național |
Colinde, concerte, expoziții, distracții de iarnă, acțiuni de caritate, vânzări cu reduceri |