Eternitate

The Eternitate Memorial Complex in Chișinău is a prominent monument dedicated to the Soviet soldiers who died during World War II, specifically in the second Jassy–Kishinev offensive. Inaugurated on May 9, 1975, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Soviet victory, the complex was designed by architect A. Minaev and sculptors A. Maiko and I. Poniatowski. It is located on P. Halippa street and serves as a central site for commemorations, with an honor guard from the Moldovan Army and regular wreath-laying ceremonies.

The memorial’s most striking feature is its central 25-meter-high pyramid formed by five stylized stone rifles, symbolizing the five years of the war from 1941 to 1945. At the heart of the structure burns an eternal flame, surrounded by a five-pointed star, representing the undying memory of the fallen. The complex also includes a military cemetery, stone steles depicting stages of the war, and marble stands engraved with the names of Moldovan soldiers who perished. Additional elements such as a symbolic belfry, a massive bronze crown inscribed with ‘We didn’t forget you’, and monuments to subsequent conflicts make it a multi-layered commemorative space.

The historic background of the Eternitate memorial is closely tied to the second Jassy–Kishinev offensive (Operațiunea Iași-Chișinău), a major Soviet military operation in August 1944. This offensive led to the defeat of German and Romanian forces in the region, resulting in the liberation of Moldova and Chișinău from Axis occupation. The operation was pivotal in turning the tide on the Eastern Front, contributing to the collapse of Axis resistance in Eastern Europe. The memorial stands as a lasting tribute to those who lost their lives in this decisive battle and continues to play a key role in Moldova’s remembrance culture.

Complexul Memorial Eternitate
Chișinău
Moldova