Top Things to Do in Moldova for History Lovers

A small country with culturally diverse heritage since it is situated between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a historic place of discovery to every history lover. Among the many Things to Do in Moldova, exploring medieval fortresses, Soviet-era buildings, Orthodox monasteries, and ancient archaeological sites makes it a fascinating journey back in time. Travelers who like to explore unfamiliar places have endless possibilities here, learning about empires, conflicts, and customs that have shaped this beautiful and distinctive country.

When considering what the Moldova Travel Packages can offer both the tourists who are planning to visit Moldova Tour and those who are considering visiting this place in a curated trip, then one will find out that there is much more to the destination than meets the eye. Since the times of centuries-old wine cellars, which were used by aristocratic families, to the big monasteries which have been hewn out of the cliffs, Moldova is the fusion of history, culture, and heritage that would be the experience of a lifetime. In the following list, we discuss the best places to visit in Moldova as a lover of history, and ensure the experience is informative and unforgettable.

Here are the Top Things to Do in Moldova for History Lovers

1. Explore the Medieval Orheiul Vechi.

Orheiul Vechi is one of the most recognizable historical sites in Moldova: an open excavation complex that is approximately an hour away to Chişinău. This is an ancient settlement over 2,000 years old which gives us an idea about the once flourishing civilizations that inhabited this land like the Dacians, the Mongols, and the Tatars. The location has cave monasteries hewn out of limestone cliffs, inhabited by monks, who still practice their religion there. The visitor is able to visit the remains of ancient fortification, old baths, and even the remains of medieval towns. Orheiul Vechi is not only a tourist destination to history lovers, but one of the most fascinating ways to pass through the spiritual and cultural history of Moldova.

2. Visit the Soroca Fortress of the past.

Soroca Fortress is worth a visit, in case fortresses are of interest to you. This fortification of the 15 th century is situated on the river Dniester and was initially constructed by one of the best-known Moldova rulers Stephen the great. The building was important in keeping the area safe against attacks and is one of the best monuments of the medieval times in the country. Nowadays, history enthusiasts are able to walk the walls reinforced with bastions, climb inside the towers therein, and hear the history of the fortress in Moldovan and European history. It is also a historic place and has remarkable stunning scenic views of the landscape around it and, as such, is strategically positioned.

3. Stop in the National Museum of History of Moldova.

The National Museum of History of Moldova in Chişinău is the right choice of those who want to explore the history of this country in detail. The museum contains more than 300000 items on display which follow the history of the country dating back to pre-historic days up to now. Themes covered are medieval weaponry, traditional costumes, Soviet objects and an impressive diorama of the second world war. Going to this museum government people can easily see a lot of different and rich Moldavian history under one roof.

4. Take a Time Tour at Tipova Monastery.

One of the largest cave monasteries in Eastern Europe is the Tipova Monastery, which is hewn out of the cliffs of the Dniester River. This spiritual site is dating back to the 11 th century and has been a pilgrimage and meditation site. People who love history may investigate the cells carved out of rock, the chapels, and the tunnels all of which are the evidence of the steadfastness and the commitment of the Orthodox monks in Moldova. The legends indicate that the Moldovan ruler Stephen the Great once crowned his wedding here which adds even more significance to the historical role of the monastery.

5. Tour Tiraspol in Soviet History.

It could not have been possible to explore the history of Moldova without going to Tiraspol, the capital of the breakaway territory Transnistria. Tiraspol is dubbed as a living museum of the soviet world, it is like traveling back to the USSR. The city landscape is dominated by monuments of Lenin, Soviet style boulevards and war memorials. Tiraspol will be a unique chance to experience living history of modern political history and Cold War aesthetics to history lovers who are also interested in the modern political history. This was a frequent stop on guided tours organized by Moldova Travel Packages and it is simple to see this unusual and controversial section of Moldova.

6. Stroll the Capriana Monastery.

Capriana Monastery was one of the oldest and most significant religious sites in Moldova having been founded in the 15 th century. The monastery, which has been renovated several times, was formerly the official residence of Moldovan Metropolitan. The history lovers shall not only enjoy its ancient manuscripts and old frescoes but also its close relationship with its rulers such as Stephen the great. Enclosed by scenic woods, the monastery is not only a historical site but also a calm destination of everybody who wants to immerse into the cultural realm.

7. The Underground Wine Cellars of Discover Cricova.

In Moldova wine and history are inseparable and Cricova Wine Cellars represents a combination of both. These are underground tunnels dating back to 15th century and are possibly limestone quarries. They are used today as wine cells where dignitaries such as Yuri Gagarin and Vladimir Putin have been. To the lovers of history, the cellars are more than wine-tasting adventure, it is the long history of viticulture of Moldova, which has been a key theme of the Moldavian culture and economy since ancient times. These underground tunnels are a walk through living history below the ground.

8. See the Village of Butuceni.

Orheiul Vechi is next to Butuceni, a classic Moldovan village which seems to be stuck in the time. Tourists have an opportunity to visit old-fashioned houses, museums of the country and cultural exhibitions that depict the rural way of life of Moldovans throughout the centuries. Butuceni sheds light on the folk traditions, agrarian life and the village life of Moldova which is a significant constituent of the historical Moldovan identity among the lovers of history. It is a must in terms of cultural immersion as many Moldova Tours will make a stop here.

9. See the Heroic Complex of Chişinău.

The Heroic Complex, or Eternity Memorial Complex, is a very dramatic edifice in Chişinău in honor of the Soviet soldiers who died in World War II. Its five pyramids are symbolic of the military glory, and the eternal flame is based on remembering those who lost their lives. The site is a sober but informative experience to history lovers that could draw their attention to the role of Moldova in the international conflicts of the 20 th century.

10. Explore the Ethnographic Museum in Chişinau.

The oldest museum in Moldova is the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History which was established in 1889. It has exhibits such as traditional costumes, ancient artifacts and natural history. This museum offers an interesting introduction to the cultural background of Moldova and its relations to nature and daily life, especially to tourists who are interested in the cultural aspects of the country. It is a must visit when one is making a full list of things to do in Moldova.

11. Wander through the Fortress of Tighina (Bender).

The other tourist attraction site that history enthusiasts cannot afford to miss is the Tighina Fortress or the Bender Fortress. This fortress which was constructed by the Ottomans in the 16 th century has seen many wars and the change in possession through the centuries. Tourists are allowed to explore its ramparted walls, underground galleries and exhibition houses that tell its violent history. It was a strategic military point in the history of Eastern Europe because of its strategic location on the river Dniester.

12. Get to know the Jewish heritage in Chişinau.

The Jewish community which existed so prosperously in Moldova also remains alive in Chişinău. The old synagogues, cemeteries and the memorials of the Holocaust that are present in Moldova can be visited by history lovers who will see both the prosperous and the tragic eras of Jewish life in Moldova. There are also some Special Moldova Travel Packages to the tours of Jewish heritage, when people get to see more of this significant piece in the cultural fabric of Moldova.

Conclusion

Moldova can be considered a small state but to the lover of history, it is a treasure trove of a thousand years of history. In ancient cave monasteries such as Orheiul Vechi and Tipova all the way to medieval fortresses such as Soroca and Bender, each and every part of Moldova has a history that is just begging to be uncovered. The historical experience is even enhanced by soviet monuments in Tiraspol and national museums in Chişinau and Moldova is a perfect place to visit the past.

When you are planning your trip with Moldova Tour services or you are looking at customized Moldova Travel Packages, ensure that you include these historical sites that are very iconic in your itinerary. Your experience of exploration in Moldova will not only be comfortable by following the direction of professional operators such as Gokite Tours, but also full of historical knowledge.