Moldova Route: 9 Places to See, from Orheiul Vechi to Bender
Explore Moldova's top 10 attractions across, from the archaeological wonder of Orheiul Vechi and underground Cricova Winery to spiritual sites like Capriana Monastery and Saharna. The route connects the capital Chișinău with historic landmarks including Bender Fortress, Rose Valley Park, and the elegant Taul Park and Pommer Mansion.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Orheiul Vechi
- End
- Chișinău
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Orheiul Vechi
- Cricova Winery — World's second largest underground winery with 120 km of tunnels carved since the 15th century, housing 1.25 million bottles and underground tasting rooms.
- Manastirea Curchi — Orthodox monastery renowned for its stunning hilltop location, intricate frescoes, and spiritual significance as one of Moldova's most important religious pilgrimage sites.
- Saharna — Pilgrimage village known for Holy Trinity Monastery and 22 waterfalls on the Saharna River, including the famous Gypsy Hole waterfall.
- Capriana Monastery — One of Moldova's oldest monasteries founded in the 15th century, set in a lush forest and housing the country's largest convent library.
- Bender — One of Transnistria's three cities, featuring a 16th-century fortress and remnants of civil war history along the Dniester River.
- Rose Valley Park — Scenic park with rose plantations, nine hectares of lakes, and about 50 varieties of trees and bushes developed in the 1950s-1960s.
- Taul Park and Pommer Mansion — Historic estate featuring a grand 19th-century mansion surrounded by landscaped grounds, showcasing Moldovan architectural heritage and aristocratic life.
- Chișinău
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Orheiul Vechi is located just an hour outside of Chișinău, making it accessible for a day trip from the capital.
- Transport
- Cricova Winery is a quick 30 minutes from Chișinău by car.
- Tip
- Cricova is the second largest underground winery in the world with 120 km of complex roadways and an elaborate tunnel system dating back to the 15th century. You'll travel 100 meters below ground to see 1.25 million bottles of wine.
- Tip
- Visit Pushkin Park and the orange pyramid at the World War II Memorial in Chișinău, plus the Nativity Cathedral with marvelous frescoes.
- Food
- Try traditional Moldovan cuisine including hearty dishes like mămăligă (polenta) and plăcinte (pastries).
- Tip
- Saharna village is known for the Holy Trinity Monastery and the Saharna River with 22 waterfalls, including the famous Gypsy Hole waterfall.
- Tip
- Capriana Monastery, founded in the 15th century, houses the largest convent library in Moldova and sits in a lush green forest.
- Tip
- Soroca Fortress is part of a chain of military strongholds built as early as the 14th century and played an important role defending Moldova due to its location on the Dniester River.
- Tip
- Taul Park is the largest park in Moldova and contains the stately Palmer Mansion built at the beginning of the 20th century, located in Taul Village.
- Tip
- Rose Valley Park features the central section decorated with several lakes covering 9 hectares and about 50 varieties of trees and bushes.
- Tip
- Bendery is one of Transnistria's three cities and features a 16th century fortress that has changed hands multiple times throughout history.
Video on this route
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Moldova [Moldova Travel Guide 2024]