Republic of Moldova

About Moldova

Moldova is an interesting blend of spirituality, culture and history, where one can rediscover the traditional rural kind of life and the connection between people and nature. Here, customs and ancient crafts have resisted throughout its ruthless history, the monasteries and medieval fortifications encapsulating an impressive cultural heritage.

Moldova is located in the south-eastern part of Europe, near the geographical center of the continent, bordering Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east and south. The plains and hills of Moldova, its rivers and waterfalls, its secular monuments, excellent wines and delicious dishes are a major attraction for any tourist who wants to discover an unspoiled destination.

Old Orhei is a museum complex which showcases both natural and anthropogenic tourist attractions, undoubtedly the most visited place in Moldova. The rocky landscape, picturesque villages and holy places, create an archaic civilization untouched by turmoil. Here you can discover the impressive outdoor museum boasting antique ruins and centuries old inscriptions on limestone walls.

The people of Moldova have been involved in wine making for more than 5000 years and in recent years, Moldova has become one of the world’s top 10 wine producers. Here you can find the largest underground wine gallery in the world – Cricova. The impressive wine collection is housed in former stone mine galleries, many buildings in the cities of Cricova, Chisinau and Balti having been built with limestone extracted from here. In some parts of the galleries excavations are still in full operation so this immense underground city continues to grow!

Another evocative example of the impressive wine production tradition in Moldova is the Milestii Mici wine collection. In 2007, the Guinness World Book of Records validated the Milestii Mici winery as the world’s longest and with the highest capacity. Nowadays its galleries spread for over 200 km. The streets are named after famous wines and accommodate the oak barrels and tanks with a total capacity of 65 million liters. A special place inside this impressive place is the “Golden Collection”, where about 2 million bottles of fine wines are stored.

Chisinau, the capital city of Moldova is a pleasant, green city, which provides visitors with plenty of surprises. A lot of beautiful buildings were destroyed during World War II bombings – in spite of that, many cathedrals, monuments and museums have survived. Chisinau might not be the most popular tourist destination in Europe but it more than makes up for it in cosmopolitan charm.

One of the least known tourist destinations in Europe – Moldova – boasts an impressive natural habitat, where tourists willing to go beyond appearances, will discover its off the beaten track charm – a perfect destination if you want to enjoy a trip back in time.

Moldova is located in a zone with a temperate climate, approximately half way between the Equator and the North Pole. The four seasons are distinguished, with mild winters and plenty of sunshine during the summer. The average temperature ranges from 7° C in the North to 10° C in the South and the annual average rainfall varies between 370 – 560 mm. Rainfall is quite irregular and scanty. The best time to visit Moldova is between April and September.

moldova-chisinau

Old Orhei

Old Orhei is a museum complex that showcases both natural and anthropogenic tourist attractions. This is undoubtedly the most visited place in Moldova. The rocky landscape, picturesque villages and holy places create an archaic civilization untouched by turmoil. Here you can discover the impressive outdoor museum with antique ruins and centuries old inscriptions on limestone walls.

Milescii Mici Winery

The Milestii Mici winery was included in the 2007 Guinness Book of Records after being validated as the world’s longest and highest capacity. Nowadays this is an underground city, with galleries spreading for over 200 km. The streets are named after famous wines and accommodate the oak barrels and tanks with a total capacity of 65 million liters. A special place inside this impressive place is the “Golden Collection”, where about 2 million bottles of fine wines are stored.

Soroca Fort

The Soroca Fort has been built in 1499 by Stephen the Great and played an important part in Moldova’s defensive system. The fact that it survived throughout the centuries adds to the great historical value.

Capriana Monastery

Situated 40 km from the capital city, Capriana monastery is one of the most beautiful  monasteries in Moldova. Also it’s the oldest monastery in the country, dating from back to the fifteen century, during the reign of Prince Alexandru cel Bun. Restored to its former glory in 2003, the Capriana monastery is the only one in Moldova that preserves the classic Moldavian architectural style.