Founded in 1436 and sometimes called the "White City" due to the old limestone buildings which can still be found there, Chisinau is the capital of the Republic of Moldova. Situated on the Bîc River, a tributary of the Dniester, it is settled around seven small hills in otherwise level central Moldova, perfect for the vineyards used to make Moldova’s wine, popular in the region and throughout Russia. Architecturally, the city is fairly young, as much of it was rebuilt after WWII, when 70 percent of the city’s buildings were demolished in air raids and in an earthquake in 1940. Of course, this resulted in many Soviet era buildings and plenty of green spaces and tree-lined boulevards. Today the clear centre of this small nation’s industry and culture, Chisinau boasts a modest a population of some 650,000 inhabitants. Book your cheap trip to the beautiful Chisinau with airBalticTravel and let your holiday begin!
Languages
Salut! (Hello!) Both Moldovan and Romanian have been called the official language of Chisinau, but they are more or less identical, so it’s all in a name really. Many Moldovans also speak or understand Russian, with small pockets of Ukrainian speakers as well. Across the tourist areas, hotels and restaurants, English is spoken at a basic level. On the street, your best chance is with the younger generation for directions or other assistance.
See and Do
Chisinau is today a city with an upbeat night life that lasts until dawn, several sights of particular interest and, though there exists an obvious line between classes, plenty of good fun to be had during your city-break here. Walk along beautiful Boulevard Stefan cel Mare to see the Victory Arch built in 1840, although it was then known as the Holy Gate. Beyond the arch are stones telling the history of Moldova. To the east, head next to the Parcul Catedrale where the onion domes adorn the skyline along with its bell tower, built in 1836. Tourists can buy a few flowers in the market across the park, while to the northeast is the Pushkin Museum, where the Russian literary hero spent three years writing while in exile. Prior to World War II, nearly a third of the city was Jewish and that presence is felt today in Chisinau’s surviving synagogue, originally the place of worship for Jewish glassblowers. The city has several museums worthwhile to visit, including the Chisinau History Museum, housed today in an ancient water tower dated to 1892, (but not always open to visitors), Muzeul de Arte Plastice, with its collection of Moldovan folk art and the National Archaeology & History Museum with a fascinating collection of artefacts, including coins from the Golden Horde.
Visitors may purchase tickets to theatrical events at the National Palace or modern Romanian shows at Mihai Eminescu National Theatre. Next door is Sala cu Orga, where one can enjoy classical music. For film, of particular interest is the Cinema Patria, built by German prisoners of war in 1947 and still showing films to this day. Go out for a swim to Valea Morilor Lake, where the weekend is full of sunbathing fun. Before you head off for your airline and home, be sure to try some of the wine or a Bere Chisinau, an award winning local beer.
