Chișinău is a city in transition, with new and old buildings side by side. Many older buildings were built during Soviet times in a functional style typical of that era. But Chișinău abounds in architectural masterpieces, many of witch were designed by the famous Russian architect Alexandru Bernardazzi. A green city with lots of trees along it’s streets and boulevards that are particularly beautiful during spring and summer. May is perfect for walking under the scent of blooming acacia. Ștefan cel Mare Park, Valea Morilor and Public Garden are good places to dodge the heat during summer or go on fall walks.
The center of Moldova is full of adventures with low doses of adrenaline or oeno-culinary. Add to this a portion of spirituality from our old monasteries. You can practice hiking and biking in Plaiul Fagului, through Codrii Moldovei, rock climbing at Orheiul Vechi or kayaking on the Nistru.
Orheiul Vechi is a must-vizit destination, an area full of mystery, legends and breathtaking landscapes. Located only 45-50 minutes away from the capital city of Chișinău. Here you can also visit The Orthodox Church of the Nativity of The Mother of God, Geto-Dacians Fortress, Cave Monastery. Activities at Orheiul Vechi: hiking, paragliding, alpinism.
The “Plaiul Fagului” Nature Reserve is northwest of Chișinău, in the village Rădenii Vechi. Besides camping, fishing, cycling and hiking the Codru Forest’s 1-5-kilometer and 3-kilometer trails, you can vizit the Veverița, or Squirrel, Monastery.
Manuc Bey is a French-style palace with a winter garden, guard towers and a well-maintained park. Designed by Alexandru Bernardazzi, it was built during the second half of the Nineteenth Century.
The North of Moldova has a spectacular nature with beautiful architectural monuments bursting with history. The cave of Criva, the northernmost point of the country in Naslavcea, the mannors and old churches in Drochia, Bocancea, as well as the Țaul park are all worth visiting. And if you miss a little fun, go to Soroca- the Roma capital of Moldova.
Mount Bălănești. If you climbing, but don’t want a grueling or death -defying excursion, you will enjoy ascending Mount Bălănești, at 429 meters – or 1,400 feet- Moldova’s highest peak.
The Criva Cave “Emil Racovița” is an awe-inspiring reminder of nature’s handiwork, starting with it’s lenght of 89 000 meters- or more than 55 miles- on several levels. It is the world’s third- largest cave carved out of gypsum, a sulfite mineral, and the world’s 26th-largest cave over-all. Its chambers range from five to 50 meters- or 150 feet- deep. Another amazing feature is the cave’s 20 underground lakes.
