Chişinău, also recognized as Kishinev, is the capital and biggest city of Moldova. The city, located in the country's middle on the Bâc River, a source of the Dniester, is Moldova's major industrial and commercial centre. The city alone had a population of 532,513 people according to the 2014 census, while the Municipality of Chișinău (which includes the city and many neighbouring municipalities) had a population of 700,000 people. Chișinău is Moldova's most wealthy city and the country's main transportation centre. The metro region is home to about one-third of Moldova's population.
Chisinau is a fun, quirky city with much to do, but it's simpler to wonder if you know what you'd like to do ahead of time. The city core is sprawling, and many of the best things to see in Chisinau aren't concentrated in a single neighbourhood or sector.
Here are the best places to see in Chisinau, from Communist-era landmarks to stunning churches and lush parks.
When Moldova was a republic in the Soviet Union, the Central Committee of the Moldovan Communist Party convened at this facility. It now serves as the Parliament house for Moldova's legislature. While it isn't recommended by most people about going inside, virtually everyone who visits Chisinau enjoys walking by and seeing the distinctive landscaping that figures out the word "Moldova".
The late-nineteenth-century monument was one of two inside the city, but it is the only one to have withstood many earthquakes in the twentieth century. You may explore the exhibitions on various facets of the city's history here, but the thrill is taking the lift to the top for stunning panoramic views.
Chisinau will not fail to surprise you if you enjoy Red tourism and touring Communist landmarks. The Victory Memorial and Eternal Flame is Moldova's most magnificent Soviet-era monument. You may either walk (it's approximately a twenty-minute walk from the heart of Chisinau) or take a cab out here.
The major memorial is five red rifles erected over the Eternal Flame, devoted to the Moldovans who perished fighting to save the USSR during World War II. Keep an eye out for the change of leadership at the top of each hour, which is guarded by an honour guard. You'll also want to view the complex's other memorials, which include five social realism relief sculptures and a tribute to those who perished during the conflict.
Cathedral Park also has Chisinau's iconic Triumphal Arch, commonly renowned as the Holy Gates due to its proximity to the cathedral. It was initially intended to hold bells manufactured from the melting cannons of the vanquished Turks to celebrate Russia's triumph over the Turks in 1812.
It is equated with wooden cathedrals in Scandinavia, yet the Vikings brought these skills back from Eastern Europe after viewing the Slavic Orthodox churches constructed of wood. The wooden cathedral of the Dormition of Mary of Hirişeni, which has been converted into an ethnographic museum, is one of these wonderful historic churches situated in the middle of Chisinau.
They are currently adding houses and other structures to the park, but it will ultimately look like Bucharest's (amazing) Village Museum.
This lovely park (previously known as Pushkin Park) is a popular meeting place for residents, giving it the moniker "the park of lovers." It's also a fantastic place for travellers to hang out because the park provides free wifi. If you enjoy fountains, you must visit since the park contains four, as well as shelters, play areas for children, and a merry-go-round.
If you enjoy Russian literature, you've most likely read Pushkin's Eugene Onegin, which he wrote while living in exile in Chisinau. He was a prolific writer in Chisinau, thus while this is his most renowned piece, it is only one of many that he created while here.
The twin Soviet-era buildings were constructed in 1987. If you know exactly what you're looking for, it's difficult to overlook them when visiting the city.
Chisinau's most beautiful monastery could be this one. Both Anastasie and Teodor Ciufli are cremated on the church's south side, which was erected in honour of the other Ciufli brother. It was the biggest Orthodox Church in Chisinau under the Soviet Union, and it was only transformed into a monastery in 2002.
Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare in Romanian) was a mediaeval ruler who reigned over parts of modern-day Romania and Moldova.
He is commemorated at Ștefan cel Mare Central Park.
When Romania assumed charge of Moldova in the early twentieth century, they replaced the monument to the Russian Czar, Alexander II, with a memorial of Stephen the Great to celebrate Moldova's ethnic Romanian background and to underline the two countries' shared history.
The Transfiguration Church was constructed close to the Parliament Building around the turn of the twentieth century.
Because of the dome's round form, it was utilised as a planetarium during the Soviet period Space Race. The church has been renovated and is available to the public since the demise of the Soviet Union.
The Chisinau gardens are extensive, offering countless opportunities for shooting and relaxing in nature.
Because of the fantastic all-year weather and the fact that it is not during peak travel months, May-July is the best time to visit Chisinau.
August is the best month to come if you want to enjoy the attractions of Chisinau during the day. If you don't mind being wet, June is the best time to visit; if you don't mind getting wet, August is the greatest month to visit.