Parcul Valea Morilor, or the Valley of the Mills Park, is one of Chișinău’s largest and most beloved green spaces, located in the Buiucani district. The park was established in 1950 at the initiative of Leonid Brezhnev and was originally named the ‘Central Park of Culture and Rest of the Leninist Commune‘. Its current name comes from the artificial lake at its heart – Valea Morilor lake – which translates to ‘Valley of the mills‘, referencing the watermills that once dotted the area. Designed by architect Robert Kurz, the park covers 114 hectares, with the lake itself spanning 34 hectares.
Over the decades, Valea Morilor park has evolved into a vibrant recreational hub. Visitors can stroll or cycle along scenic paths, relax under the shade of diverse trees, or enjoy water activities like rowing and paddle boating on the lake. The park is also home to a sandy beach, making it a popular summer destination for sunbathing and swimming. In winter, the lake sometimes transforms into an urban ice rink, offering seasonal fun for all ages. The park also features playgrounds, sports fields, and open spaces perfect for picnics or cultural events.
A highlight of the park is the impressive rotonda and the cascades staircase, a monumental set of 218 steps leading to a panoramic viewpoint above the lake. The staircase, recently restored, is even longer than Odessa’s famous Potemkin steps and is flanked by fountains and statues, including the whimsical and tiny Le Petit Prince statue, the smallest public monument in Moldova, hidden on a fencepost near the staircase. Another historical curiosity is the former Lenin-Marx-Trotsky monument, a relic of the park’s Soviet past, though its presence today is more symbolic than prominent. You’ll not come across it if you don’t actively search for it.
The park’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by a variety of kiosks, bars, and restaurants in and around its grounds, offering everything from coffee and pastries to international cuisine and local wines. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful lakeside escape, a family outing, or a taste of Chișinău’s café culture, Parcul Valea Morilor provides a unique blend of nature, history, and leisure.
Parcul Valea Morilor
Chișinău
Moldova
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