Best places to visit in Moldova

Republica Moldova's Essential Treasures

This selection highlights Moldova’s historical and cultural landscape, ranging from the 15th-century Tighina Fortress to Soviet-era landmarks like the Chișinău State Circus. The list features world-renowned wine heritage at Castelul Mimi and the KVINT distillery, alongside major religious sites like the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity. Visitors can explore the urban heart of Chișinău through the Great National Assembly Square and the bustling Central Market, or visit the modern Sheriff Sports Complex in Tiraspol.

Republica Moldova's Essential Treasures — Map

Simiprof / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Chișinău International Airport

Chișinău International Airport is Moldova's main international airport, located 13 km southeast of the centre of Chișinău, the capital city.

Tomasz Milerski (my friend) / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ's Nativity

The Cathedral of Christ's Nativity is the main cathedral of the Moldovan Orthodox Church in Sectorul Centru, Moldova.

Tolea93 / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

Memorial to Victims of Stalinist Repression

The Train of Pain – Memorial to Victims of Stalinist Repression is a monument in Chișinău, Moldova.

Rob / CC BY 2.0

D

Great National Assembly Square

The Great National Assembly Square, formerly known as Victory Square is the central square in Chișinău, the capital of Moldova.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

E

Castelul Mimi

Built in the late 19th century by the last governor of Bessarabia, Constantin Mimi, this architectural monument is one of the region's first wine chateaus. It features extensive cellars and a restored palace in Bulboaca.

National Bank of Moldova / Public domain

F

Tighina Fortress

Tighina Fortress is a 15th-century fortress on the right bank of the Dniester River in Bender, Moldova, built from earth and wood during…

National Bank of Moldova / Public domain

G

Bendery Fortress

The Bendery Fortress is a 15th-century fortress on the right bank of the Dniester River in Bender, Moldova, built from earth and wood…

Agenția de Inspectare și Restaurare a… / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Central Market

Chișinău's largest open-air market, occupying a central city block. It is a hub for local farmers selling fresh produce, traditional cheeses, honey, and household goods.

Adam Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0

I

KVINT

Established in 1897, this Tiraspol-based distillery is famous for its production of divin, a Moldovan brandy. It is one of the oldest enterprises in the region still in operation.

CristinaKodenn / CC BY-SA 4.0

J

Valea Morilor Park

Located in the Buiucani sector, this urban park surrounds a large lake. Its most notable features include a granite staircase with 218 steps and a restored cascade fountain.

Dsmntl / CC BY 3.0

K

Nicolae Sulac National Palace

A central concert hall and festival venue in Chișinău, named after the renowned Moldovan folk singer Nicolae Sulac. It hosts major national cultural events and musical performances.

Mirek237 / Public domain

L

Moldova National Opera Ballet

The Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre in Chişinău, Moldova, is one of the leading opera and ballet theatres in Eastern Europe.

M

Chișinău State Circus

A brutalist architectural landmark completed in 1981, this circus features a distinctive circular design. Once the premier venue in the Moldavian SSR, it remains a significant example of Soviet-era architecture.

N

Struve Geodetic Arc Point

The Rudi Geodetic Point is a point of the Struve Geodetic Arc in Rudi, Moldova. There is also an obelisk.

Agenția de Inspectare și Restaurare a… / CC BY-SA 4.0

O

Mansion of Manuc Bey

The mansion of Manuc Bey is a modern palace and is located in the city of Hânceşti in the central western part of Moldova.

Zserghei / Public domain

P

Pamatnik Russkoj Slavy

A monument dedicated to the 55th Podolsk Infantry Regiment, commemorating Russian military history. It is situated near the Bender Fortress complex.

Дар Ветер / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Monument to Alexander Nevsky

Alexander Yaroslavich Nevsky served as Prince of Novgorod, Grand Prince of Kiev and Grand Prince of Vladimir during some of the most…

Tomasz Milerski (my friend) / CC-BY-SA-3.0

R

Metropolis of Chișinău and All Moldova

The Metropolis of Chișinău and All Moldova, also referred to as the Moldovan Orthodox Church, is an autonomous metropolitanate under the…

S

Sports complex "Sheriff"

Sheriff Arena is home to Sheriff Tiraspol, a football team based in Tiraspol, capital of Transnistria, a breakaway region of Moldova.

Донор / CC BY-SA 3.0

T

Sheriff

A large supermarket located in Tiraspol, part of the dominant Sheriff conglomerate that operates across the Transnistria region.

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