Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
Hermann was a chieftain of the Cherusci tribe who famously led a coalition of Germanic tribes to victory against the Romans in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD. The name ‘Hermann‘ was popularized in the 16th century as a translation of ‘Arminius‘, possibly first by Martin Luther, and means ‘man of war‘ in Old High German. Arminius had been trained by the Romans but turned against them, orchestrating one of Roma’s most devastating defeats.
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Baker Street tube station is a landmark in the history of urban transportation, as it was part of the world’s first underground passenger railway. Construction of the station began in March 1860 using the ‘cut-and-cover’ method, which involved digging a trench along the street, laying the tracks, and then covering it over. Despite several accidents during construction, the work was completed by the end of 1862 at a cost of £1.3 million. The station officially opened to the public on 10th January 1863 as part of the Metropolitan Railway, which connected Paddington to Farringdon Street and aimed to alleviate the severe street congestion in Victorian London. The name also explains why in other cities subway systems are called ‘Metro’.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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