If you are interested in culture, history, and nature, Moldova has many places that you can visit during your stay. These sites include the Tipova Cave Monastery, Capriana Monastery, National Archaeology and History Museum, and Old Orhei. There are many other places you can visit as well.
Tipova Cave Monastery
One of the best places to visit in Moldova is Tipova Cave Monastery, one of the oldest and largest cave monasteries in Eastern Europe. It is home to the relics of Saint Cuvios Macarie, the patron saint of Moldova. This site is also one of the country's most important pilgrimage sites. In the fall, it hosts the Ethno Jazz festival. For the foodies, you can taste Moldovan cuisine. The local cuisine is rich with flavor and is based on local produce. Typical Moldovan cuisine includes noodle soups, steamed dumplings, stuffed sarmale, and grilled kebabs. If you have a thirst, you can try the local wine.
Another must-see place in Moldova is the Mother of God Monastery. This historic site is home to several churches and a monastery. The monastery was originally a psychiatric hospital during the Soviet era. Today, it is an important cultural and religious center and one of the best places to visit in Moldova.
Capriana Monastery
One of Moldova's most historic monasteries is the Căpriana monastery, which is located in Căpriana, 40 km north-west of Chișinău. This former medieval fortress is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the country.
Its impressive architecture combines the white churches with green courtyards. You must visit the late-baroque St. Georg Church, which was built in 1907. You should also stop by the Capriana Library, which once possessed the largest collection of books in Moldova.
National Archaeology and History Museum
The National Museum of History of Moldova is situated in Central Chişinău, Moldova. It features exhibits on history, archaeology, religion, and modern art. The museum is open to the public, so you can explore its exhibitions at your own pace.
The museum contains many relics of the Soviet era, which are a testament to the oppression experienced by the people. The museum also features audio guides that take visitors through the exhibits. Stories of mass banishments, famines, and slave labour are told in the museum's collection. The museum costs $1 to enter. There is a separate charge for taking pictures.
Old Orhei
The ancient city of Old Orhei is a historical and archaeological site in the city of Trebujeni, Moldova. Located on the Răut River, it is 60 km north-east of the capital Chişinău. The site has a rich history dating back to the Iron Age and the Roman Empire.
In addition to its historical value, Old Orhei is home to a thriving archaeological complex, which is 2,000 years old! You can learn about the town's history by visiting the museum, which houses exhibits on the area's past. You can also see some ruins and fortifications from the 4th century B.C.E., as well as caves and baths.