Moldova sightseeing. Travel guide - attractions, sights, nature and touristic places

Picturesque and charming country, a vacation in which will leave many pleasant memories, Moldova has much to offer to its guests. Travellers will find here interesting excursions to various historic places and beautiful nature parks. There are small villages and modern metropolises, restaurants and casinos, and many other places worth visiting in this wonderful country.

The oldest city in Moldova, Orheiul Vechi, is a must visit place for all travellers. The city is located in a small ravine. First settlements appeared on the site of the city yet during the prehistoric era. Nowadays, visitors can learn more about that period by observing rock drawings and carvings in local caves. The city got its current name after the Orheiul Fortress that was built on the highest hill in the 15th century. The city looks more like a giant architectural complex, every building in which was a witness of important historic events. The Monastery of Dormition of the Mother of God is an interesting place recommended for visiting. The monastery was built in the 12th century and is considered one of the most beautiful medieval sights.

There are more than one hundred museums and galleries in Moldova, but travellers are recommended to start from the Museum of National Crafts located in the village of Ivancea. Organized in an old mansion, the museum got its first artefacts in the middle of the 19th century. Nowadays, the exhibition of the museum features traditional Moldovan crafts – ceramics, wooden artworks, stone carvings and a large collection of national costumes and musical instruments. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

When it comes to religious places of interest, travellers are recommended to attend excursions to Capriana Monastery built back in the 15th century. The monastery features a large library, and its décor is full of elegant old items. Hinku Monastery and Hirjauca Monastery, which were built several centuries later, are no less beautiful. An excursion to the Soroca Fortress will leave many good memories. The fortress is built on the bank of the Dniester River. The fortress was an important stop during war with the Turks. The building has managed to survive in almost pristine condition. Even a small church in the inner yard has survived till our days. There is one more unusual monument in Soroca, which is called the Candle of Gratitude. The monument looks like a tall tower built on a rock. The monument was opened in 2014 and is dedicated to priceless landmarks of the country. The Candle of Gratitude has a clear message – to keep the heritage of part centuries and care about history of the own country.

History and Entertainment

For many travelers, Moldova is an attractive place for recreation because of reasonable prices and worthy entertainments. After sightseeing, you should certainly pay your attention to food traditions of the country. The national cuisine of Moldova is simple and exquisite at the same time. Its main components are different sorts of meat and seasonal vegetables. Traditional meat dishes are often cooked over an open fire. The typical gastronomic specialties here are cold soups cooked on bread kvas.

Wine traditions of the region should be also noted. The guests of Moldova will have an opportunity to take themed wine trips. In the country, there are historical wineries. Some wines produced here are famous even outside the country. Besides wine, excellent cognac is produced in Moldova. In many special gift shops, you can buy sets of tiny bottles of the most famous cognacs.

Moldova will be a pleasant place for shopping enthusiasts too. Wonderful textiles are manufactures here. The country is also notable for high-quality leather items. All the clothes and accessories manufactured here are distinguished by high quality and attractive prices. The most unusual and most beautiful souvenirs here are hand-made soft toys. Sewing them is one of the main craft traditions of the country.

In the country, the so-called rural tourism is well-developed and attracts those who love vacationing far from modern noisy cities. You can visit fascinating natural places of Moldova, taste home-like dishes and learn about the life of those who live far from large cities. Such sort of recreation is an excellent opportunity to acquaint oneself with local folklore and traditions. Everyone can even master popular traditional handicrafts. In the agricultural districts of the country, there are modern tourist centers, so will feel very comfortable here. Moldova is notable for its balneological resorts, the most famous of which are Cahul and Ungheni.