This small, landlocked European country is located between Romania From the West And Ukraine From the east. Best Places to Visit in Moldova

Until World War II, it was part of Romania, and if you visit both countries, you will see a lot of cultural similarities.

It was then part of the Soviet Union until 1991, so you'll see a number of similarities there as well.

Most importantly, Moldova has a lot to offer in itself.

First, it's remote and rarely visited – making it ideal for adventurers who want to blaze their own trail.

Secondly, you will find that traditions are still alive and the hospitality in the villages is genuine.

Keep these top attractions in mind as you plan your trip.

 

1. Chisinau

It is the capital and largest city of Moldova.
Chisinau has a lot of green spaces, parks and historical buildings.
There is also no shortage of restaurants, art galleries, nightclubs, spas and casinos!
You'll definitely want to visit Pushkin Park and the Orange Pyramid at the World War II Memorial.
You'll find stunning frescoes in the Nativity Cathedral, and if that's not for you, visit the stalls of local contemporary artists at the Art Market.
Chisinau

Chisinau

Chisinau

Chisinau

2. Orheol Vichy

Just an hour outside of Chisinau, Orheul Veche is the most stunning sight in Moldova.

An archaeological complex of rich cultural and historical significance, it is also a place of stunning natural beauty.

This open-air complex overlooks Root River It features fortifications, baths, caves, ruins and monasteries – all dating back to the Dacian tribes 2,000 years ago.

The ancient monuments date back to different periods including the Tatar and Mongol invasions, the 10th century BC.

Because of the unusualness of the area, a museum has been built to display exhibits and provide information and context for such a unique place.

Orheol Vichy

Orheol Vichy

Orheol Vichy

Orheol Vichy

3. Tipova Monastery

Located in a remote but beautiful part of Moldova, Tipova Monastery comprises three main complexes carved out of the rock along the banks of the Dniester River.
The oldest complex is the Church of the Feast of the Holy Cross (11th century), the remaining two are the Church of St. Nicholas (14th century) and Horodist (16th century). 
If you follow the trail through the caves, you will enjoy a nice nature walk that ends with a beautiful waterfall. 
Inside each cave are monk cells, enough for up to 700 people, although there are fewer than 20 monks living there now.
Tipova Monastery

Tipova Monastery

4. Manasteria Karachi

This monastery won the award for the most beautiful in Moldova.

The complex consists of five churches, a refectory, several monasteries and monk cells.

The centerpiece of the complex is the Church of the Mother of God, built at the end of the 19th century.

After exploring the grounds and learning about the monastery's unique history, enjoy a pleasant walk through the orchards.

Monastery of Karachi

Monastery of Karachi

5. Saharna Village

This small village is the one that visitors most often say they would love to return to.

It houses the Holy Trinity Monastery, but it is also a place of stunning natural beauty.

Saharna is a place of pilgrimage for many Moldovans because of footprints on a rock believed to be the rock of the Virgin Mary.

Nature lovers will surely love our evening.

The Saharna River has 22 waterfalls – the most famous of which is the “Gipsy Hole” (as it is known by the locals).

Enjoy hiking trails that offer great views of the surrounding area and the monastery below.

Saharna village

Saharna village

6. Transdniester:

Transdniester is believed to be an officially unrecognized independent republic located on the Dniester River.

Transdniester has its own currency, police force, and borders.

While still clinging to Soviet-era aesthetics throughout the area – especially the statues of Lenin.

Transdniester

Transdniester

7. Bandiri City

One of the three Transdniester cities, Bendery is the greener, more aesthetically pleasing counterpart to Tiraspol.
Although you can still see the bullet holes left from the civil war with Moldova, the city itself is friendly and pleasant.
Be sure to check out the castle built in the 16th century, it is a great reflection of the city's history.

Best Places to Visit in Moldova

Bendiri

Bendiri

9. Gagauzia

Gagauzia region is an independent, non-contiguous area of land consisting of three cities and 27 villages.

The culture and heritage here is mainly influenced by Turkey, and although most of the people are Christians, their ancestors were Muslim refugees fleeing war and looking for a place to put down roots.

With such a distinguished history, you can imagine the area is interesting.

Visit the Comrat Regional History Museum to get a glimpse of what daily life was like here.

Gagauzia

Gagauzia

9. Soroca Castle

Soroca has played a major and important role throughout the history of Moldova due to its location on the Dniester River.

During wars and sieges, armies were able to defend the country well from this vantage point.

The highlight of Soroca Castle is that it is one in a series of military strongholds built as early as the 14th century by princes looking to fortify their positions against invaders.

Because of the large Roma community here, Soroca is the unofficial Roma capital.

Read also: The largest castles in the world

Soroca Castle

Soroca Castle

10. Badoria Dominica Nature Reserve

Founded in 1993, it is the largest nature reserve in Moldova and is located in Glodini. 

Here you will find the oldest oak tree in the country, with the oldest oak estimated to be around 450 years old.

Nature lovers will enjoy the many species of birds, most notably the herons that nest near the river.

Explore the area known as the “Hundred Hills,” a landscape of rolling hills – so vast that no one understands how they were formed.

Sure, it's a great way to spend a day outdoors with Mother Nature.

Baduria Dominica

Baduria Dominica

11. Capriana Monastery

Capriana Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries in Moldova, founded by Alexander the Good in the 15th century.

It houses the largest monastery library in the country, but, after years of neglect, it was reopened in 1989 as a symbol of national renaissance.

Best Places to Visit in Moldova

Capriana Monastery

Capriana Monastery

12. Kodro Nature Reserve

The most famous (and also the oldest!) nature reserve in the country, Codru is located in central Moldova and consists of a series of stunning valleys and gorges.

In addition, you'll find over 1,000 protected plant species, 145 bird species, 43 mammal species, seven reptile species, and more.

Furthermore, there is a natural history museum in the reserve that is worth visiting between solo or guided trips.

Sure, you'll love the wide-open feel of this popular reserve.

Codro Reserve

Codro Reserve

13- Toll Park and Boomer Manor

Located in the village of Toul, Toul Park is the largest in the country.

Within the park is a stately manor house of Ivan Boehmer, built at the beginning of the 20th century. 

It is a testament to landscape architecture and was highly respected in its time. 

The park itself consists of two parts, the upper part is where you will find the manor house with lots of walkways swallowed up by stunning flower beds.

On the other hand, the lower garden looks more like a forest.

Different tree groups were planted, each group representing a different geographical area.

Discover 150 species of trees and shrubs – many of them exotic – as you walk the 12.5K trails.

Best Places to Visit in Moldova

Toll Garden

Toll Garden