Moldova: Top 15 attractions in the country

Wine cellars in Milestii Mici

Not far from Chisinau, in the town of Milestii Mici, there are famous wine cellars, which in 2005 were listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in Europe.

The underground gallery, which stores about 1.5 million bottles of locally produced wine, is 200 km long. Here you can taste, learn about the history, and then buy the wine you like.

Chisinau Botanical Garden

For the residents of Chisinau, this area of land planted with shrubs, flowers, and trees is one of the main attractions and a favorite place to relax.

Today, the area of more than 100 hectares is divided into sectors. Some contain only arboretums and shrubs, while others contain plants of tropical and subtropical origin. Many areas of the garden are reserved exclusively for experiments, and there is also a hybridization sector. Here, you can not only admire the beauty of unique plants, but also escape the noise of the metropolis for a moment.

Capriana Monastery

Founded in the 15th century, Capriana Monastery is one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Moldova. It served as the residence of the Metropolitan of Moldova and is a striking example of Moldovan Orthodox architecture. The monastery is surrounded by picturesque forests and is a place of pilgrimage for believers.

The shrine has undergone several periods of destruction and reconstruction, especially in the 19th century, when its architectural appearance was significantly altered.

Old Orhei

A historical and archaeological complex with a rich history, unique beautiful landscape, and many legends.

The powerful energy and high limestone hills of Orhei, which are 14 million years old, are simply mesmerizing. There is also an ancient rock monastery here, where monks still live in several caves and hold services.

National Museum of History of Moldova

Since 1987, the former building of the Regional Lyceum has housed the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The museum's exhibition area covers 1,700 m2, and the number of exhibits is estimated at 300,000 items illustrating the history of Moldova since ancient times. Documents, photographs, archaeological finds, as well as household items and works of art are presented here.

The center of the capital

The central street of Chisinau, Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.

In the area around the square where the regional government is located, you will see the Triumphal Arch, erected in 1846; the National Art Museum with a collection of exhibits from the Middle Ages to the present day; Stefan the Great Park, the oldest park in the capital, laid out in 1818; and the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, an architectural monument of the 19th century.

Krikova Winery

The Krikovo Winery was founded in 1952 and gained popularity thanks to its production of sparkling wines using the classic champagne method.

It also produces vintage and ordinary wines, which you can taste or buy during your visit to the factory. The oldest wine sample stored in the local cellars dates back to 1902.

Museum of Ethnography and Natural History

This museum is the largest, oldest, and most amazingly beautiful in the entire country.

It has been located in Chisinau since 1889. Today, this Moldovan landmark is considered an important scientific and cultural center of the historical region in southeastern Europe. Its fame extends far beyond the country's borders. The museum consists of two large halls, one dedicated to flora and fauna, the other to historically important events, culture, and customs of Moldova.

Bender Fortress

Bender Fortress – "a castle on the lands of the Ottoman Empire." It was designed by Mimar Sinan, one of the most famous Turkish engineers of the time.

Construction of the fortress began in 1538. It was built in the style of European bastion-type structures and was one of the most powerful in the region.

Today, the fortress is in good condition and open to visitors. There is a museum on the premises.

Emil Rakovica Cave

Emil Racovite Cave is one of the largest and most famous caves in Europe. It is located in the Curva area and is famous for its striking stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was named after the famous Romanian speleologist and explorer Emil Racovite.

This unique natural attraction was opened to the scientific community in 1959 and is still being studied by speleologists from all over the world.

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Chisinau Railway Station

The capital's main station was built after the war in 1948. It was constructed by German prisoners of war, which was not unusual at the time. Alexei Shchusev, a renowned architect and native of Chisinau, served as the chief consultant.

The Chisinau station building is designed in an interesting eclectic style that is not typical for the Moldovan capital. Although many elements have been replaced, such as the windows, doors, and tiles inside, the building itself has been preserved almost in its original form and is of unique architectural and historical value.

Manuk Bey Palace

When visiting this most beautiful palace, you will learn the unusual story of a man whose fame was ambiguous. A brilliant financier and the richest man in Moldova, Osman's gray cardinal or a Russian spy — who was he really?

The palace was built in 1817 by Bernardazzi, a famous architect of the time. The ceilings were painted by the brilliant Aivazovsky himself!

The palace, built in the authentic French classicist style, is included in the list of Moldova's national treasures. Recently, its reconstruction was completed, and now the palace is open to the public in all its beauty. By the way, the collection of ancient artifacts in the museum next to the palace numbers about 20,000 items.

Codru Reserve

Codru is one of Moldova's oldest nature reserves, covering an area of 5,177 hectares. It is an ancient forest that is home to rare species of animals and plants. The reserve is an excellent place for eco-tourism and wildlife observation.

The Codru forests are home to over 100 species of birds and many rare mammals, including red deer and wildcats.

Butucheni Village

Butuceni is a small village in the Orhei district, located directly on the territory of the Orhei Veche historical and natural complex.

Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the local buildings have retained their authentic rural style of the 19th and early 20th centuries: stone houses, narrow streets, and courtyards with vegetable gardens. Unlike many "tourist villages," Butucheni has not been turned into an open-air museum — people here live their normal lives, and tourists can stay in several guest houses, taste the local cuisine, and learn about traditional crafts.

Sugar

Sugar is a complex on the right bank of the Dniester River, about 110 km from Chisinau, combining natural and historical attractions. Its most notable feature is a cascade of several waterfalls, the largest of which is about 10 meters high.

A trail runs along the river, leading to rock cells and an old monastery complex. These cells were carved out of stone in the Middle Ages and were used by monks as places of seclusion. In addition, Sakharnaia is known for its rare plants and birds, which is why it is often included in ecological routes. You can take a day trip here or plan a short hiking route with an overnight stay in nature, and photographers especially appreciate the picturesque views of the rocks and waterfalls at sunrise and sunset.