Sights Archives ⋆ The Passenger

May 4, 2025May 6, 2025

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.

May 4, 2025May 6, 2025

Cricova

Cricova Winery, located just north of Chișinău, is one of Moldova’s most renowned wine producers and a major tourist attraction, famous for its vast underground cellars that stretch over 120 kilometers beneath the surface. These tunnels, originally limestone mines, have been transformed since the 1950s into a subterranean ‘wine city’, complete with warehouses, tasting rooms, and even banquet halls, all kept at a constant temperature ideal for wine maturation. Visitors explore this underground labyrinth aboard electric busses, traveling through avenues named after the wines stored within, making the journey both practical and memorable.

May 4, 2025May 6, 2025

Orheiul vechi

Orheiul vechi is a remarkable historical and archaeological complex in Moldova, situated on a limestone bend of the river Răut. Its history spans multiple epochs, from Paleolithic and Eneolithic cultures to the Geto-Dacian fortress (6th–1st centuries BC), and later the 14th-century Golden Horde town Shehr al-Jedid. The site was a significant medieval Moldavian town until its decline in the 16th century when its fortifications were destroyed under Ottoman influence. Today, Orheiul vechi is recognized for its rich cultural layers and is on the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list due to its unique blend of natural landscape and archaeological significance.

May 4, 2025May 6, 2025

Mănăstirea Curchi

Curchi monastery, located near the village of Curchi in Orhei district, is one of Moldova’s most beautiful and significant Orthodox monastic complexes. Set in the picturesque Vatici valley and surrounded by forests and orchards, the monastery is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and striking architecture, making it a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists. The ensemble includes five churches, monastic cells, administrative buildings, and a bell tower, all harmoniously integrated into the lush landscape.

May 3, 2025May 6, 2025

Cetatea Tighina

The fortress of Bender, also known as Tighina fortress (or Cetatea Tighina), stands as a remarkable example of military architecture on the right bank of the river Dniester in Bender, Moldova. Its origins trace back to the 15th century, with early fortifications likely made from earth and wood, later rebuilt in stone by the Ottomans after they conquered the area in 1538 under Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The renowned architect Sinan redesigned and expanded the fortress, transforming it into a formidable stronghold with bastions, towers, and deep defensive ditches, making it a key military outpost for the Ottoman empire and a frequent target for Moldavian, Russian, and Swedish forces throughout history.

May 3, 2025May 5, 2025

Tiraspol

Tiraspol, the second-largest city in Moldova and the capital of the breakaway region of Transnistria, has a rich history dating back to the late 18th century. The city was founded in 1792 by Russian generalissimo Alexander Suvorov, who is considered the founder of modern Tiraspol. It was established as a fortress to guard the western border of the Russian Empire near a Moldavian village named Sucleia, and was granted city rights in 1795. Throughout its history, Tiraspol served various administrative roles, including being the capital of the Moldavian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic from 1929 to 1940. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Tiraspol became the capital of the self-proclaimed Republic of Transnistria, which has had its own state administration since 1991 but is not internationally recognized.

May 2, 2025May 6, 2025

Turnul de apă

The Turnul de apă (water tower) in Chișinău is a significant architectural monument built at the end of the 19th century by architect Alexander Bernardazzi. Originally constructed to serve as a water supply tower for the city, it is located on one of the highest points in Chișinău and stands 22 to 27 meters tall, built with local stone and brick in an eclectic style. The tower played a crucial role in the development of the city’s first sewerage network during mayor Karl Schmidt’s term and functioned as a water tower until 1940, after which it was used by firefighters.

May 1, 2025May 6, 2025

Valea Morilor

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.

May 1, 2025May 6, 2025

Ștefan (but not me)

Monumentul lui Ștefan cel Mare, Chișinău

Parcul Ștefan cel Mare, also known as Stephen the Great Park, is the oldest and most cherished green space in central Chișinău. Established in the early 19th century, it spans about 7 hectares and is a favorite gathering spot for both locals and visitors, especially during the warm months. The atmosphere is peaceful yet lively, with shaded walkways, mature trees, and benches where people relax, read, or enjoy conversations. In the heart of the park, a beautiful fountain provides a refreshing centerpiece, while children’s playgrounds and merry-go-rounds make it a welcoming place for families.

May 1, 2025May 6, 2025

Arcul de Triumf din Chișinău

The Arcul de Triumf din Chișinău, also known as the Triumphal Arch, was built in 1840 by architect Luka Zauschevici to commemorate the Russian Empire’s victory over the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-29. Located in the heart of the city, next to the Nativity Cathedral and aligned with the city’s main square, the arch has become an integral part of Chișinău’s central architectural ensemble. Originally, it also served as a bell tower, housing a massive 6.4-ton bell cast from captured Turkish cannons, symbolizing both military triumph and local craftsmanship.