Chisinau, Moldova: Ten Attractions for Visitors
Chisinau, Moldova’s capital, is the perfect place for visitors to begin sorting through national history as told through its tourist attractions. Known for its many white buildings and its almost lush greenery, Chisinau is reasonably attractive and somewhat modernized despite extensive damage during World War II and relative stasis during Soviet domination. Because Chisinau is still developing its identity as a European capital, now is the time to visit and experience the tensions between old and new.
The following tourist attractions provide a basic introduction for Chisinau visitors.
Triumphal Arch. Located in the heart of Chisinau’s city centre, this clock-bearing structure is a combination of Corinthian columns and other styles reflecting Greek and Roman traditions. A giant copper bell is suspended from the arch’s dome, but chimes (and not the bells) actually sound the hours. The large bells and several smaller bells were cast in 1839 using metal war booty that the Russians had collected in their recent defeat of the Turks. The bells of the arch thus signal a change in the Moldovan land control from the Turks to the Russians. Now that Moldova is truly independent, the arch and its bells are a mixed-feeling reminder to residents and visitors of the Russian takeover.
Cathedral of Chisinau. Originally built in the 1830s to honor the nativity, this grand church is sometimes known as the Christmas Cathedral. As part of the Russian plan to develop the city centre, the church stood gloriously for over 100 years before becoming badly damaged by WWII fighting. Although restoration work was done immediately, Soviet leadership eventually converted the church to secular use and forcefully removed the bell tower. Upon declaring its independence from the USSR, Moldova began converting the cathedral back into a holy space, restoring the bell tower and recommencing services.
Stefan cel Mare Park. Celebrating the great Moldovan leader who defended his people against invading armies in the 15th century, this park features a bronze statue of Steven the Great. In fact, the park runs along a boulevard which also bears his name. Continuing the trend of greenery in Chisinau, this park and its fountain provide a pictureqsue backdrop for weddings, chess matches, and family strolls. This relaxing yet lively chunk of green space is like a smaller-scale version of New York’s Central Park.
Chisinau Market. Just off the Boulevard Stefan cel Mare, near Tighina Street, is the main outdoor market in Chisinau. Although it may not seem like a spectacular destination for visitors, it is a place to see Moldovan residents buying food, trading goods, and engaging in the everyday commerce that combines old folkways with a new economy. It’s colorful and even hectic – a must-see.
Other Attractions
Cathedral of Saint Tiron. An almost Baltic blue, this Orthodox church was just renovated in 2004.
City Hall. This is a pleasingly ornate government building, a far cry from Stalinist box-like architecture.
Romulus and Remus statue: A simple symbol for the legend of Rome’s origin!
National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History: In addition to archaeological artifacts, it houses a collection of folk art and costumes.
St. Panteleimon Church: Designed by an Italian architect, this is an exemplary cruciform church.
Water Tower: This stubby tower has been turned into a city museum which leads visitors through exhibits chronologically as they proceed upward.
