Snigdha TiwariMoldova is an Eastern European country and former Soviet republic that has varied terrain including forests, rocky hills, and vineyards which are mysterious and quaintly charismatic with plenty of Russian influence making it feel decidedly different from other European countries.
Its wine regions include Nistreana, known for reds, and Codru, home to some of the world’s largest cellars whose capital Chisinau has Soviet-style architecture and the National Museum of History, exhibiting art and ethnographic collections that reflect cultural links with neighboring Romania.
Now, let’s find out some of the breathtaking places to explore in Moldova.
Here are the 5 Beautiful Places To Visit In Moldova.
1. Old Orhei
Located in Trebujeni which is approximately 60 km north-east of Chisinau on the Raut River in the Republic of Moldova, Old Orhei is a Moldovan historical and archaeological complex that organically combines the natural landscape and vestiges of ancient civilizations.
As a result of enormous archaeological excavations here, there were discovered the cultural layers of different epochs such as – the Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age.
Old Orhei is one of the most popular places of interest in Moldova that has many historical monuments and scenic natural landscapes.
The rocky formation of irregular shapes follows the land’s vibration and encloses fascinating attractions such as underground galleries, small fortresses, and caves that look out to the river that makes it one of the must-visit place while you’re in Moldova.
2. Soroca
Across the Nistru River from Ukraine sits the Moldovan town of Soroca that is known as the country’s Gypsy Capital. Its well-preserved stronghold, established by the Moldovan Prince Stephen the Great in 1499, and the Soroca fortress is an important attraction in Soroca, having preserved cultures and kept the old Soroca in the present day.
Soroca is located on the Nistru River where this part of the river creates many beautiful turns. Moreover, Nistru’s right side is a high one and mostly formed by rocks that are nice to hike around or to travel by boat.
3. Saharna Monastery
The “Holy Trinity” Monastery of Saharna, situated about 110 km north of Chisinau on the right side of the Nistru, is considered to be one of the biggest centres for religious pilgrimages in Moldova where you can find the unique relicts of St. Cuvios Macarie, and on the top of the high cliff, according to a legend, there is a footprint of St. Maria.
Founded in 1495, the church standing today dates from the 19th century where the valley has several walking trails, offering picturesque views of the monastery complex, and one leading to the Virgin Mary’s footprint in the rock that is protected by a glass covering. Nearby is a charming waterfall tumbling off an overhanging cliff.
4. Bender
Located on the western bank of the river Dniester in the historical region of Bessarabia, Bender is a city within the internationally recognized borders of Moldova under de facto control of the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic since 1992.
Bendery is Moldova’s fourth-largest city and features an impressive 16th-century Ottoman fortress complete with red-tiled turrets and thick stone walls.
Formerly known as Tighina, Bender has long been disputed territory and a trip to the memorial park will leave you in no uncertain terms as to how raw the effect still feels to this day.
5. Thanksgiving Candle
The Thanksgiving Candle is one of the best monuments in Moldova. The monument is built on the rocks over the Nistru River that is also considered a very special work of art for another reason.
The Thanksgiving Candle monument is dedicated to all the destroyed cultural monuments of Moldova and is a tribute to the anonymous heroes who helped preserve the culture.
It is a 29,5 meters high chapel in the shape of a candle, located in Soroca, on a hill above the Nistru river bank. To reach it, you must climb 600 steps that start at the Nistru River.
Once there, you will be rewarded with picturesque and unforgettable views.
The trip to Moldova remains incomplete if this national monument is not visited.
If you liked this article, then please subscribe to my YouTube Channel for Travel Adventures. You can also follow my adventures on Twitter and Instagram.
