Rural Tourism
Moldova’s agricultural and picturesque countryside proposes various services for tourists wishing to stay in the middle of the nature:
– offering the tourists traditional, rural-style accommodation;
– providing them the opportunity to enjoy country pursuits and activities;
– making them acquainted with the local folklore, entertainment and traditions;
– displaying handicrafts to the tourists and giving them the opportunity to participate in their production;
– offering handicrafts for purchase.

Cultural Tourism
The Republic of Moldova has a rich cultural heritage which may be of great interest to tourists. 140 cultural heritage sites may be included in the tourist circuit. The earliest visible remains of the built heritage are Geto-Dacian sites and Roman fortifications. The remains of medieval fortresses, archaeological complexes such as Orheiul Vechi, cave monasteries, nobles’ mansions and peasant houses offer a diversity of visitor attractions. Chisinau, the capital city, features a good number of cultural heritage monuments, fine examples of domestic architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries, which might be considered as tourist attractions as well.

The Republic of Moldova has 87 museums with rich collections of art. Additionally, museums are mostly housed in buildings of a special architectural importance. All of these have their specialist audiences, but at least 20 are of interest to the general public.

Part of the national tourist product is the variety of cultures represented in different parts of the country. The Republic of Moldova is an amalgam of many nationalities and cultures with many traditions, languages, folklore, cooking, etc. There are over 880 folk music groups in the Republic of Moldova, most of them reflecting the distinct traditions of their districts and ethnic origins. It is worth mentioning the national craftsmanship both because of cultural value and also because it supplies souvenirs for tourists.

Health and Beauty Tourism
The existing balneoclimateric health resorts in the Republic of Moldova could become a substantial balneotherapeutic and tourist product internationally, provided that a proper infrastructure would be created.

The best premises in this regard have the “Bucuria-sind” health resort from Vadul lui Voda, “Codru” health resort from Hirjauca village, Calarasi district, and especially “Nufarul Alb” health resort from Cahul.

Wine Tourism
Vineyards also constitute attractions of the countryside. Over centuries Moldova has gained rich traditions of growing grapes and wine production. There are 142 wineries in the Republic of Moldova, of which 23 have experience and facilities to receive visitors. Here tourists can experience and learn about the complex production processes, see bottling and, of course, sample the final product. The Republic of Moldova’s wine enjoys a good reputation internationally for its quality.

As a wine country, the Republic of Moldova offers visitors opportunities to choose their favourite itineraries: underground cellars and towns, wine storage facilities, wine processing factories, production processes of sparkling wine, divin, heres, balsam, etc. Combined with the vineyards that surround them into the tourist route “The Wine Road in the Republic of Moldova”, the wineries represent a substantial reason to visit the country. They are also means of promoting the Moldova’s best tourism product.

Old Orhei Historical and Archaeological Complex
Old Orhei (Romanian: Orheiul Vechi) is a historical and archaeological complex, located in Trebujeni, at 60 kilometres (37 mi) north-east of Chişinău, on the Răut River.

The ancient city Old Orhei – a unique natural and historical complex in the open air. It organically combines the natural landscape and vestiges of ancient civilizations. As a result of enormous archeological excavations here there were discovered the cultural layers of different epochs such as – the Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age. The culture of Geto-Dacians of Early and Late Middle Ages is represented by the rests of earthen and wooden fortresses of Geto-Dacian period and the traces of two medieval towns – Shehr al-Djedid town of the Golden Horde period and the Moldovan town Orhei.

UNESCO World List of Heritage
Analyzed in the context of the UNESCO World List of Heritage the Cultural Landscape Orheiul Vechi can be included as a mixed site, which disposes unique elements of the natural and cultural heritage.

Serpeni Headbridge Memorial
40 km east of Chisinau, on the right bank of River Nistru one can find this very Memorial of historical and national importance, which was erected in the memory of the heroes who died during the Iasi-Chisinau operation of 1944 meant to free Chisinau of the fascist occupation. The Serpeni battle was one of the cruelest in the World War II history even if it represented just a small episode of the war.

This memorial, the construction of which was started during the Soviet period, is situated on a piece of land which in 1944 was the battle place of only 8 km and 3 km downward. The building is made of such elements as: a stylized altar, on one side, which has a marble safe in the middle, erected in the church, with granite plaques engraved with 11 thousand names of heroes that had sacrificed their lives on this small piece of land near Nistru. In the middle one can see the eternal fire which guards two high pillars connected by a cross at the top, the cross guarding the memory of the heroes that never lost their courage when protecting this land. There is also a high tower bell on a picturesque background of Nistru, which reminds of the Moldavian history and respect for older generations.

An excursion to this place, which has both historical and natural reminiscences, offers the chance to emerge in the historical past and to be served at the pensions in the village, which will contribute to getting acquainted with the culture and traditions of the Moldavian people.

Soroca Fortress
In the medieval period the fortress of Soroca was part of a huge Moldovan defensive system, which comprised four fortresses on the Nistru river, two on the Danube and another three in the northern part of the country. With this “stone belt of fortresses”, the country borders were well protected. Soroca fortress was built at the Nistru river crossing, on older fortifications. In 1499, on the order of Stefan cel Mare, a square wooden fortress was built, on the site of a former Genovan fortress called as Olihonia (Alciona).

Between 1543–1546, while Petru Rares ruled the country, the fortress was completely re-built in stone, and in the shape one can see it today – a perfect circle, the diameter of which is 37,5 m and with 5 bastions situated at equal distances. When designing the fortress the builders incorporated the supreme law of harmony “the golden section”, which makes the fortress unique among examples of European defensive architecture.

Soroca’s fortress is also famous for being the place where the Moldovan army, commanded by the famous statesman Dm. Cantemir, and the Russian army, led by the Tsar Petru I, met and consolidated their forces during the Prut campaign against the Turkish hordes in 1711. Along history, the fortress has been visited by Bogdan Hmelnitski, Timush Hmelnitski, Alexander Suvorov, and others. The fortress is the only medieval monument in Moldova, which has been preserved entirely as it was designed by its builders. Above the entrance gate one can visit the small military church.

The Thanksgiving Candle
The Candle of Gratitude Monument is one of the best monuments in Moldova. The monument is built on the rocks over the Nistru River. It is also considered as a very special work of art for another reason. It is actually built in the memory of the cultural monuments in Moldova that were destroyed in the past. Time stands still when it passes through this monument. It is a silent witness of many hopes and agonies, dreams and hard works of many past generations.

The Candle of Gratitude Monument pays homage to all the heroes of the country who always worked to preserve the culture and tradition of Moldova. They did not just secure their culture but also showcased the true colors of Moldavian tradition and history before the world. In another way round, the monument as well as these safeguards of Moldavian tradition paid a tribute to the forefather of their literature; the anonymous writer of the poem “Miorita”.

This national monument was the brain child of a famous Moldavian classical writer Ion Durta. This man always had a deep respect for the tradition and culture of Moldova. He wanted to pay homage to their ancestors who worked so hard to preserve the Moldavian culture. The idea of making a monument came to his mind some twenty years ago but the project was inaugurated only on March 27th, 2004. The Moldavian people contributed in various manners to complete this project. Some contributed with work, some helped by taking care of the finance. It shows the love and respect the Moldavians have for their country. On this top there appears a candle-shaped chapel 29,5 meters long, which during the night time has a light which goes as far as Otaci and Camenca. One can admire a magnificent vew from the top of this hill. The tour to Moldova remains incomplete if this national monument is not visited.

For the 2004 census, Orthodox Christians, who make up 93.3% of Moldova’s population, were not required to declare the particular of the two main churches they belong to. The Moldovan Orthodox Church, autonomous and subordinated to the Russian Orthodox Church, and the Orthodox Church of Bessarabia, autonomous and subordinated to the Romanian Orthodox Church, both claim to be the national church of the country. 2% of the population is Protestant, 1.2% belongs to other religions, 0.9% is non-religious, 0.4% is atheist, and 2.2% did not answer the religion question at the census.

Capriana Monastery
In a picturesque forest area, only 40km north – west of Chisinau, lies Capriana Convent – one of the oldest in Moldova (1429). For a long period of time it was the headquarters of Moldova’s bishop. It was founded by great Moldovan Rulers such as Stefan the Great. The chronicler Eftinie and one of the first poets of Moldova, Chiprian also lived here. Originally it was constructed completely in wood, later, in 1545, a church for the summer period called “Assumption of the Virgin Mary” was constructed from stone. In 1840 the “St. George” and in 1903 the “St. Nicolae” churches were built. The biggest convent library in Moldova was situated here in Capriana, it was endowed with precious gifts by different leaders. Closed and dilapidated during the post-war period, it was only reopened again in 1989, becoming a symbol of national revival.

The monastery can be visited daily. Near the monastery there are other sites worth visiting: the “Capriana-Scoreni” nature reserve, the oak-tree of Stefan the Great, and the oldest nature reserve in Moldova, “Codrii”.

Hancu Monastery
In 1678 in a forest at the source of the Cogalnic river (about 55 km West of Chisinau) the great High steward Mihai Hincu at request of his daughter founded a convent of nuns, which she entered. The convent was named Parascheva. The wooden churches and cells were often destroyed by the Tartar invasions during the XVIIth c., and the “St. Parascheva” monastery remained uninhabited. In 1835 a stone church was built in a Russian-Byzantine style for the summer period. Later, in 1841, came a church for the winter season.

From 1956 to1990 the convent was closed by the Soviet authorities, and instead it functioned as a sanatorium and a rest-base for the Health Ministry. In 1990, at the request of the local population the Hincu convent was reopened, becoming one of the most well arranged and most visited religious communities.

A lot of water springs surround the convent, one of them is mineralized. The convent can be visited daily. There are entrance fees and local guides and lodgings are available.

Hirjauca Monastery
It is situated 70 km north-west of Chisinau. The community of monks appeared in this area for the first time in 1740. Later some wooden churches and cells were built. The first half of the XIX c. was a flourishing period for the Hirjeuca Convent. It was surrounded by lakes, fountains and paths in a well designed park. In 1836 the summer “Resurrection” church was built in a similar classic architectural style as the Cathedral of Chisinau. Later came the winter church, “St. Spiridon”. In 1922 the interior of the latter is painted by the famous painter Pavel Piscarev. Hirjeuca Convent had an impressive library and a school for children of clerics. During the Soviet period the convent was closed, and functioned instead as a sanatorium. In 1993 the convent was reopened. In its grounds one can find the famous “Spring of Youth” which has curative properties. Visitors can make an excursion through the local forest, which is considered to be a valuable natural monument.

Japca Monastery
The Japca Monastery is situated on the shore of Nistru River at the distance of 10 km from Camenca. It is the only monastery from Basarabia which was never closed by the Soviet authorities.

The Japca area (160 km north the Chisinau) is very well known for its convent of nuns, the only one to remain open during the Soviet period. In XVIIth c. the convent community was similar to a fortress. The first recorded date of the hermitage goes back to 1693, when the monks lived in the inside cells and held religious services in the church, which was also inside caves. In 1770 the monks moved out to the current monastery. It was a period of a new construction style and increasing wealth. A rich library was founded too. At the beginning of the XIXth c. stone churches were built as well. The most important church of the convent was frequently rebuilt, thus now having three altars: Resurrection, Transfiguration, Crucifixion. Visitors are very impressed by the traditions that still prevail within the community. The convent can be daily visited.

Other interesting sightseeing opportunities include the Geo-paleonthological monument “Japca Rock”, a mineral water spring, Rascov landscape nature reserve and palaeolithic sites at Socola and Rascov. In Camenca town is the “Nistru” sanatorium.

Next to the interesting sightseeing of this place there is the Geo-paleonthological monument “Japca Rock”, a mineral water spring, landscape reservoir Rascov and paleolitical stations at Socola and Rascov. In Camenca town sanatorium “Nistru” is functioning.

Noul Neamţ Monastery (Chiţcani)
Noul Neamţ is an all-male monastery located in Chiţcani, near Tighina, geographically in Basarabia but controlled by the breakaway Transnistrian authorities. It is also known as Mănastirea Chiţcani, and it is the biggest religious complex under the control of Transnistrian authorities.

The monastery of the Holy Ascension in New-Neamts is situated in Basarabia, on the right shore of Dniester, at a distance of 14 km from the town of Toghina (Bender) and 6 km from the town of Tiraspol. The monastic complex rises grandly to the sky, being seen from the distance by the people coming near the village of Chitcani.Gallery
There’re four churches on the territory of the monastery. In center of it, the wonderful Ascension cathedral is situated. On its left there is the old church built in the honor of the Saint Hierarch Nicholas the Wonder-Worker. Opposite there is a refectory church, of the Ascension of the Holy Cross. The Dormition church is a congruous part with its five chapels completing the general view of the monastery.

The name (which means “New Neamţ” in English) signifies that the monastery is a successor of the Neamţ Monastery in Romania (medieval Moldavia).

The monastery was founded in 1861, when several monks from the Neamţ monastery left and founded Noul-Neamţ in Chiţcani. The founding of the new monastery was a protest against the measures taken in United Principalities of Romania to confiscate monastery estates and forbid the usage of Slavonic language in worship.

On 16 May 1962 Soviet authorities closed the monastery; the buildings became a hospital.

The monastery church was reopened in 1989, followed in 1991 by the Romanian-language school for Orthodox priests.

Rudi Monastery
Situated about 200km north of Chisinau, Rudi is one of the most interesting places to visit. One can find here pre-historic remains in a natural, 100m long cave, also an exceptional nature reserve, an ancient headland fortress (IV-III c. BC), two ring-shaped fortresses (IX-XII c.) called “Turkish Plate” and “Germanariu”, and a rural community rich in traditions. But the main object of visit in this area is one of the oldest monasteries in Moldova. The monastery has preserved the traditional monks’ way of life through the centuries and the “Holy Trinity” church built in 1777 is considered to be a representative sample of the old Moldavian religious architectural style. The church is situated in a beautiful natural setting in the valley of river Bulboana.

Saharna Monastery
The “Holy Trinity” Monastery of Saharna, situated about 110 km north of Chisinau on the right side of the Nistru, is considered to be one of the biggest centres for religious pilgrimages in Moldova. Here can be found the unique relicts of St. Cuvios Macarie, and on the top of the high cliff, according to a legend, there is a footprint of St. Maria. The legend says that a monk from the monastery (X-XII c., documentary XVII-XVIII c.) once saw the shining figure of Saint Maria on the top of a rock. When reaching that spot the monk saw a mark of a footstep on the ground. This vision was considered to be a divine announcement and evidence of the holy purity of this place. Near this spot a new wooden church was built and the “Holy Trinity” monastery founded (1777). Later the wooden church was replaced by a brick one built in an old Moldavian style, decorated with frescos. Meanwhile the community of monks expanded. The monastery can be visited daily.

An exceptional panoramic view of the numerous rocky hills and the forests around the small 16-km river, which runs down 30 cascades and waterfalls, is opened up to the traveler from the cliff-tops. Here there is also an important archaeological site with the remains from the Iron Age (X-VIII c. BC) and a Geto-Dacian headland fortress (IV-III c. BC), which has been preserved in a better condition than any other in Moldova.

Tipova Monastery
In Tipova on the rocky side of the Nistru river (about 100-km north of Chisinau), is the biggest Orthodox cave monastery in Moldova and in Eastern Europe. Long before the feudal state of Moldova was formed, a community of monks was established here. Some say that in the X-XII c. (according to others in the XVI-XVIII c.) some cells were dug inside the steep cliffs of the Nistru. In 1776 a prosperous period started when the monastery was divided into large parts, separated by massive columns. During the Soviet period the monastery was closed and destroyed. In 1975 the ruins of the Tipova monastery were protected by the State and in 1994 religious services resumed.

It is said that the wedding of our great Ruler Stefan cel Mare and his wife Maria Voichita was held in this monastery. Another legend says that the mythological poet Ortheus spent his last years on these hills and is buried in a nook of a waterfall. The monastery can be visited daily.

Tourists can visit the splendid path though the “Tipova” nature reserve. In ancient times (IV-III c. BC) a Geto-Dacian fortress stood in the grounds. Its remains are still visible.

With a production of 124,200 tons of wine (as of 2009), Moldova has a well established wine industry. It has a vineyard area of 148,500 hectares (367,000 acres) of which 107,800 hectares (266,000 acres) are used for commercial production. The remaining 40,700 hectares (101,000 acres) are vineyards planted in villages around the houses used to make home-made wine, or “vin de casa”. Many families have their own recipes and strands of grapes that have been passed down through the generations.

In 2009, Moldova was the twenty-second largest wine producing country in the world. Most of the country’s commercial wine production is for export.

Grape varieties in Moldova
Moldovan viticulture is characterized by a large variety of grapes:
European: 67%
Caucasian: 15%
Domestic: 6%
Non – Vitis vinifera – 13%
Moldovan Cellars

The Moldovan wine collection “Mileştii Mici“, with almost 2 million bottles, is the largest wine collection in the world, according to the Guinness Book. It stretches for 250 km, of which only 120 km are currently in use.

The Cricova Winery also has an extensive network of underground tunnels that stretch for 120 km.

Moldova is divided into thirty-two districts (raioane, singular raion), three municipalities and two autonomous regions (Gagauzia and Transnistria). The final status of Transnistria is disputed, as the central government does not control that territory. The cities of Comrat and Tiraspol, the administrative seats of the two autonomous territories also have municipality status.

Moldova has 65 cities (towns), including the five with municipality status, and 917 communes. Some other 699 villages are too small to have a separate administration, and are administratively part of either cities (40 of them) or communes (659). This makes for a total of 1,681 localities of Moldova, all but two of which are inhabited.

Balti City
Bălţi (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈbəltsʲ]; Russian: ‘Бельцы’ [Bel’tsy] and Бэлць [Bėlts’]) is a city in Moldova. It is the second largest in terms of area and economic importance after Chişinău, and the third largest in terms of population after Chişinău and Tiraspol. The city is one of the five Moldovan municipalities. Sometimes also called “the northern capital”, it is a major industrial, cultural and commercial centre and transportation hub in the north of the country. It is situated 127 kilometres (79 mi) north of the capital Chişinău, and is located on the river Răut, a tributary of the Dniester, on a hilly landscape in the Bălţi steppe.

Geography of Soroca
Bălţi is situated on the tops and slopes of three hills and in two small valleys. The land in the north of Moldova is very fertile, mostly consisting of black earth or chernozem. Several extraction sites for raw materials used in the construction industry are also found in the vicinity of Bălţi. The creeks Răuţel, Copăceanca, and Flămândă cross the territory of the municipality, and flow into the river Răut. Also, several lakes are situated in Bălţi: City Lake, Komsolskoe Lake, Chirpicinoe Lake, Strâmba Lake.

The municipality covers an area of 78.0 square kilometres (30.1 sq mi), of which the city proper 41.42 square kilometres (15.99 sq mi), the village Elizaveta (an eastern suburb) 9.81 square kilometres (3.79 sq mi), and the village Sadovoe (a north-western suburb) 26.77 square kilometres (10.34 sq mi). Of these, an important portion (20.11 square kilometres (7.76 sq mi)) is agriculturally cultivated.

Chişinău City
Chişinău (Romanian pronunciation: [kiʃiˈnəw]), is the capital and largest municipality of Moldova. It is also its main industrial and commercial centre and is located in the middle of the country, on the river Bîc. According to January 2011 official estimates, Chişinău proper has a population of 664,700 and the municipality of Chişinău is home to 789,500 residents.

Chişinău is the most economically prosperous locality in Moldova, and its largest transportation hub. As the most economically and socially important municipality in Moldova, the city has a broad range of educational facilities.

History of Chisinau
Founded in 1436 as a monastery village, the city was part of the Principality of Moldavia, which, starting with the 16th century fell under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire. At the beginning of the 19th century it was a small town of 7,000 inhabitants. In 1812, in the aftermath of the Russo-Turkish War (1806–1812), the eastern part of Moldavia was ceded to Russian Empire and Chişinău became the capital of the newly annexed gubernia of Bessarabia. Its population had grown to 92,000 by 1862 and to 125,787 by 1900.

Architecture of Chisinau
The city’s growth plan was developed in the 19th century. Many buildings were designed and built in a beautiful architectural style, some remaining to this day. In 1836 the construction of the Cathedral and its belfry was finished. The belfry was demolished in Soviet times, but was rebuilt in 1997.

Modern architecture
Many modern-style buildings were built in the city since 1991. There are also a lot of office and shopping complexes that are modern, renovated or newly built; including Kentford, SkyTower, and Union Fenosa headquarters. However, the old Soviet-style clusters of living blocks are still an extensive feature of the cityscape.

Soroca City
Soroca (Russian: Сороки Soroki) is a Moldovan city situated on the Nistru (Dniester) river about 160 km north of Chişinău. It is the administrative center of Soroca District.

History
The city has its origin in the medieval Genoese trade post of Olchionia, or Alchona.[citation needed] It is known for its well-preserved stronghold, established by the Moldavian Prince Stephen the Great (Ştefan cel Mare in Romanian) in 1499. Its name is derived from the Slavic word for magpie.

The original wooden fort, which defended a ford over the Dniester/Nistru, was an important link in the chain of fortifications which comprised four forts (e.g. Akkerman and Khotin) on the Dniester, two forts on the Danube and three forts on the north border of medieval Moldova. Between 1543 and 1546 under the rule of Petru Rareş, the fortress was rebuilt in stone as a perfect circle with five bastions situated at equal distances.

During the Great Turkish War, John Sobieski’s forces successfully defended the fortress against the Ottomans. It was of vital military importance during the Pruth Campaign of Peter the Great in 1711. The stronghold was sacked by the Russians in the Russo-Turkish War (1735–1739). The Soroca fortress is an important attraction in Soroca, having preserved cultures and kept the old Soroca in the present day.

The locality was greatly extended in the 19th century, during a period of relative prosperity. Soroca became a regional center featuring large squares, modernized streets, hospitals, grammar schools and conventionalized churches. In the Soviet period the town became an important industrial center for northern Moldova.