#moldova

Winery in Chisinau

#bucketlistreboot During our trip we had the choice to visit a local winery. Considering Moldova’s long standing tradition in producing wine, there are a few estates that have opened up in a museum style to showcase wine making methods but also their cellars filled with this sweet elixir. We chose to see Cricova Winery, but another close option is Milestii Mici. Cricova has the second largest wine cellars in Moldova, after Milestii Mici (the largest in the world). It boasts 120 kilometres (75 mi) of labyrinthine roadways, versus Milesti Mici’s 200 kilometres (120 mi). Nonetheless, these cellars would make Dionysus himself come down from the Heavens and sample some Moldovan wine. #chisinau #moldova

#bucketlistreboot The National History Museum Originally built as a lyceum, this then later became what it is today. The museum is structured into many scientific sections: Ancient History and Archaeology, Medieval History, History of Basarabia, Contemporary History, Treasures. The museum highlights artefacts that showcase a common heritage with Romania and the wider Romanian space as well as items from Soviet and Russian imperial rule. One thing we found very interesting is that whilst the objects are described i.e. this is a fountain pen, there aren’t any descriptions to explain the background behind those objects. So some background knowledge beforehand is needed to fully appreciate the museum and its artefacts. #moldova #chisinau

Chisinau

#bucketlistreboot Chisinau City Hall Originally built to house the city Duma (council) in 1901, it later became the City Hall. It offers an interesting style architecture and is fairly unique looking. Definitely worth stopping to take a photo. Mihai Eminescu Square This square houses the National Theatre and the Organ Hall which is a concert hall. Both buildings stand very impressive over the square and the location does make for a good stop for a coffee or tea break. One thing you might find a little bit odd is that in the immediate vicinity of most points of interest, you can find run down buildings. It’s a bit like having some shambles next to the Eiffel Tower. #moldova #chisinau

#bucketlistreboot Nativity Cathedral and Cathedral Park Now this is a really nice park with plenty of willow trees and green spaces. In the middle of the park one can observe the white Nativity Cathedral. The Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity is the main cathedral of the Moldovan Orthodox Church in Central Chișinau. It was commissioned by the governor of New Russia, Prince Mikhail Vorontsov, and Metropolitan Gavril Bănulescu-Bodoni in 1830. Inside the cathedral one can notice typical Orthodox motifs with very impressive holy paintings. We really enjoyed taking a stroll through the park as well. We actually sat down at one of the outdoors coffee shops and enjoyed and nice hot cup of cappuccino. Yum! #moldova #chisinau

Parliament of Moldova

#bucketlistreboot Presidential Palace The building was originally built to be the new Supreme Soviet (Parliament), after the independence from the U.S.S.R. it became the Presidential Palace. It looks very similar, at least in architecture, to the Bulgarian Presidential Palace. Unlike the Presidential Palace in Bucharest, you can only visit this official residence once a year during the Open Day. Parliament of Moldova Opposite the Presidential Palace you can also notice the Parliament of Moldova. The architecture is soviet style and is typical for former communist countries. We didn’t think too much about the buildings but like we said they are conveniently placed on the boulevard #moldova #chisinau

National Opera and Ballet Theatre

#bucketlistreboot First and foremost as a tourist you might have been doing some research about Chisinau beforehand especially if you’re heading that way, which is why you’re probably reading this article. Herta House This house used to be the old house of a former mayor in Chisinau which later has been converted to what it is nowadays the art museum. We were slightly confused as the building looked run down and closed although it seemed to have been recently renovated. Nonetheless, it’s still worth a photo. National Opera and Ballet Theatre and Square This square was a nice addition with 2 fountains and a fairly interesting big bench meant to attract photo opportunities. What can I say, finally a bench for me. #chisinau #moldova

Chisinau: A Hidden Gem in Europe 🇲🇩

Moldova - Chisinau 🏛️ Nestled in the heart of Moldova, Chisinau is a city that quietly captivates with its rich history, welcoming spirit, and surprising beauty. 🌳 Chisinau's resilience and spirit shine bright, making it a city that's truly worth exploring. From its historical roots to its modern vibrancy, Chisinau invites you to discover its hidden treasures and embrace the warmth of Moldovan hospitality. 🇲🇩✨ #timetotravel #moldova #chisinau #city #hiddengem #familytrip #falltrip #mytravelhacks #freehotelstay #historicallandmarks #localguides #summer #summervacation #summerbreak

Aqua Magic Park 🔮

Aqua Magic Park - Sociteni, Moldova Dive into the fun at Aqua Magic Sociteni and let the waves of adventure wash over you! 💦🌴 🌊 Make a splash at Aqua Magic in Sociteni, where every day is a watery wonderland! Whether you're racing down thrilling slides or lazing by the pool. ☀️💦 Escape the heat and dive into endless aquatic adventures! #timetotravel #moldova #aqua #sociteni #waterpark

#bucketlistreboot Valea Morilor Park The park hosts a beautiful staircase with fountains called Fountains Staircase. It does look quite unique and makes one feel they are in a royal garden. Tranquil, leafy park on a lake, with walking paths and a small amusement park. The park also hosts on one of the shores of its lake a beach with actual golden fine sand. I guess if you can’t go to the beach, the beach comes to you. We took an aqua bike on the lake and had a good 30 min of fun. Note to oneself, don’t eat lunch and then go on an aqua bike. Overall we really enjoyed the park and the different activities one can do in there. #moldova #chisinau

Eternity complex

#bucketlistreboot Eternity Memorial Complex In Soviet times the complex was known as the Victory Memorial. The monument was made on May 9, 1975 in honour of the Soviet soldiers who died in the Great Patriotic War. In the centre stands the eternal flame. The monument was restored on August 24, 2006, marking the 62nd anniversary of the Second Jassy–Kishinev Offensive. Right next to the monument you’ll also notice a cemetery. Perhaps don’t visit the place at night! You’ll also see many families with their kids having a day out in the park and enjoying the sun. It’s a little bit out of the way but could be a good place where you wrap up your day as the premises is open 24/7. This is exactly what we did, sat down and some of the locals even came to talk to us which we found very nice. #moldova #chisinau

Chisinau museums

#bucketlistreboot There are a number of interesting museums to visit. Unfortunately our full day in Chisinau was on a national holiday, so all museums were closed and we only had time to visit one museum during our stay. We were interested in visiting the Museum of Chisinau, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History and the Village Museum. Perhaps we will visit these during a future trip. Having finished with the park, head over to the Lenin Memorial. Not so much impressive however, it’s very interesting especially if you’re fascinated by soviet memorabilia. Remember that Moldova still has a Communist Party and hence communist symbols and doctrines have continued even after the Soviet independence. #moldova #chisinau

#bucketlistreboot Ciuflea Monastery During Soviet times the Nativity Cathedral was used as an exhibition hall and hence the main church of Chisinau was moved to the Ciuflea Monastery. During that time it became a cathedral, following the independence from the Soviet Union it became once again a monastery. The monastery is a work of art. Blue like the sky with some really impressive architecture on the outside. The building on the inside has 1 main altar and 2 side ones which are beautifully crafted. It reminded us quite a lot of the Blue Church in Bratislava with similar nuances of blue and fairly vivid colours. Inside there are biblical depictions that showcase true craftmanship which make one loose themselves in these paintings. #moldova #chisinau

Triumphal arch in Chisinau

#bucketlistreboot Government House of Moldova Again, fairly similar to the Moldovan Parliament, it offers a cold soviet architecture and is situated in the Great National Assembly Square. It presides over the boulevard and overseas the Arch of Triumph and the Nativity Cathedral. For sure a good place to be for a few good photos and perhaps the highlight so far. Triumphal Arch It was built in 1840 and is 13 metres hight. A white stone arch with a clock commemorating the Russo-Turkish War. In the middle of the arch, people can pass through, you will also see the Moldovan flag on the inside. Down the stairs you already enter the Cathedral Park. #moldova #chisinau

#bucketlistreboot You could say most attractions are conveniently situated mostly on the same boulevard which is “Stefan cel Mare si Sfant”. Stefan cel Mare Statue This is a statue commemorating the great leader the medieval Moldovan Principality had. It’s said that for every battle he won against the Turks, he would build a monastery. Hence he was stylised as “Saint” as well and was given sainthood. Nearby is also the park with the same name. We actually found the park, and all parks in Chisinau in all fairness to be a very nice place to have a stroll and observe the serene and calm ambiance. #chisinau #moldova

Tiraspol, a trip to Soviet Union

Tiraspol, the capital city of Transnitria, technically in Moldova, is one of the greatest places I have ever visited. If you would like to get some Soviet Union time vibes, that is definitely the place to go. Take the train to Odesa, from Chisinau, and enjoy your stay! There are several buses or vans for coming back to Chisinau, recomended 100% #soviet #triplocal #moldova #transnitria