10 Places to Visit in Moldova for Culture Lovers

Moldova is not one of the most popular gems of Europe, but it is a paradise of culture lovers. Moldova is a country with deep traditions and interesting histories starting with ancient monasteries and going all the way to medieval fortresses. It is a place to visit as a history explorer, an art lover, or a person interested in the life of the locals. When you are preparing your Moldova Tour, you will discover a lot of gems that are ready to astonish and impress you.

The rich cities and quiet countryside of the country provide an ideal combination of cultural richness and landscape beauty. Moving through Moldova, you will see its rich history, which ranges between the Soviet-style buildings and the centuries-old Orthodox monasteries. Food, wine, folklore, and historic sites make a perfect combination to get an authentic feel that attracts inquisitive minds all over the world. Now, we will look at the top 10 places that you cannot afford to miss when culture is at the center of your traveling.

 

Here are the 10 Places to Visit in Moldova for Culture Lovers

1. Chișinău

The capital of Moldova, Chișinău is the ideal place to begin a cultural adventure. It is a green city with Soviet-style housing, museums, leafy parks, and busy markets to introduce you to Moldovan life. History buffs will find the National Museum of History and the Pushkin House. The city boasts cafes and wine bars that add a homey feel to the creative atmosphere, making it a cultural hub of modern Moldova.

2. Orheiul Vechi

Orheiul Vechi is an open air museum located in awe-inspiring natural amphitheater. It is an archeological complex that includes cave monasteries, ancient fortresses and traditional villages. It is an indication of the Moldova tradition of associating spirituality with nature. A visit to the Orheiul Vechi is a journey to the past as one experiences a peaceful yet very strong vision of the cultural and religious history of the area that is over 2,000 years old.

3. Cricova Winery

The Cricova Winery is a tourist wonderland to wine enthusiasts. The underground wine cellars form a huge network beneath the ground, and they are more than 120 kilometers. Tourists are allowed to go through the tunnels with a guide, and they can even find the collections of old bottles to learn more about the traditions of wine-making in Moldova. It is not a mere winery, it is a historic and cultural site that is an evidence of the proud viniculture history of Moldova.

4. Mileștii Mici

Mileștii Mici is the Guinness world record holder of the largest wine collection in the world. This underground wine city is not just the drink, it is the culture, history and love to traditions. The wine tunnels are a labyrinth of tales and aromas carved in limestone rock. The visit to Mileștii Mici is a special experience that links the tourists with the core of wine-making heritage of Moldova.

5. Tipova Monastery

Tipova Monastery is located on top of the Dniester River and is carved in a cliff and provides a breathtaking view and spiritual meaning. It is one of the oldest cave monasteries in Eastern Europe dating back to the 10th century. Visitors, pilgrims or tourists are attracted by its peaceful beauty and historical background. It is also a calm getaway to reflective and quiet people due to the setting.

6. Soroca Fortress

Soroca Fortress is Moldova, which is a reminder of the medieval power and resilience that was built on the banks of the Dniester River. The fortress was constructed in the 15 Th century by Stephen the Great and it was considered crucial in defending the area against invasion. This stone building has ideal round walls and towers that dominate the building to give a clue on the military history and architectural genius of the country.

7. Gagauzia

Autonomous region of Gagauzia is located in the south of Moldova, and it is a very interesting mixture of cultures. The region is populated by the Gagauz people, a Turkic ethnic minority, which has a very strong cultural identity, its own language, and traditions. Tourists may visit local museums, eat Gagauz food and visit folk festivals. It is an eye-opening stop which presents the multicultural background of Moldova.

8. Căpriana Monastery

Caapriana Monastery is one of the oldest religious sites in Moldova located in the forested valley. It was established in the 15 Th century and has been a spiritual center of the country during centuries and was strongly connected with Moldovan rulers. The architecture of the monastery is well kept, and the peaceful surrounding makes it a calm place to visit to get a spiritual insight and a cultural experience.

9. Noul Neamț Monastery

It is a beautiful Orthodox monastery in Transnistria, which was established by monks of the Neamtz Monastery of Romania. Noul Neamtz has a great architecture, which has a mixture of the Romanian and Russian architecture. It is worth visiting by its rich iconography, quiet gardens, and great cathedral, especially to the people interested in religious art and Orthodox culture in Moldova.

10. Saharna Monastery & Waterfalls

Saharna Monastery is not only a religious place but a spiritual and natural retreat. The place is situated in the gorge with forest and waterfalls that create a peaceful environment. The monastery compound is a holy footprint that is assumed to have belonged to Saint Cuvios Macarie. They can hike and see caves, waterfalls and have a feel of the cultural as well as natural beauty.

Conclusion

Travelling in Moldova can be compared to the layers of an onion, which each time you peel some off something new and important is discovered. Moldova is full of monasteries built into cliffs, impressive fortresses, lively cities, and old wineries, something highly cultural around every corner. When it comes to the search of a journey full of stories, tradition and authenticity, Moldova offers much more than one might imagine. Plunge into the experiences of the country with well-crafted Moldova Tour Packages and be in the best-kept secrets of culture of the country.

Moldova is a land of mystery with its old vineyards and walks through the land of kings and monks, a place that awaits the culturally curious. It is a place that does not forget its history and is not afraid to tell it to anybody who is willing to hear.