Foto: Stephen III kept the Ottomans out of Moldova (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Moldova - Around 3:30 p.m., we drive into the capital. The hotel is located near the center. At first, we can’t find the address. However, it turns out the hotel is situated right next to a large roundabout. We pull into the parking lot. We have a room on the twelfth floor. We can park Brutus behind the hotel on a secured lot. The hotel looks like faded glory. The concrete seems a bit weathered and the woodwork is badly in need of a coat of paint. A typical communist-style hotel. From the twelfth floor, we look out over the city. In the evening, we walk to the Stefan cel Mare boulevard — the heart of the city. Technically, the hotel is close to the start of the boulevard, but the boulevard stretches for kilometers. At one of the terraces, we order a beer. Near the parliament building, halfway along the boulevard, we settle down at a terrace in the park for dinner. It’s a cozy, trendy restaurant. Near the park stands the statue of Stephen III. In the 15th century, he kept the Ottomans out of Moldova. He is a national hero in Moldova. The next afternoon, we return to Chișinău by late afternoon. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral in the city park is a notable attraction. Since the church closes at 6 p.m., we drive into the city center. Although the church is beautiful inside, it resembles many of the Orthodox churches and monasteries we've seen over the past few days. We return the car to the hotel and walk back into the center. We order a beer on a terrace and decide to have dinner there as well.
The Medieval Castle of Soroca
Moldova - From there, we continue driving north toward Soroca. Soroca is a city in the northeast of the Republic of Moldova, located on the right bank of the Dniester River, 160 km from the Moldovan capital, Chisinau. Soroca lies in the northeast of Moldova, close ...
The Orthodox Orhei Vechi Cave Monastery
Moldova - From Curchi, we drive to nearby Old Orhei. Near the village of Butuceni lies the Orthodox Orhei Vechi Monastery. This cave monastery is considered one of the most beautiful in Moldova. As we enter Butuceni, it’s not immediately clear where we should ...
The underground wine cellars of Milestii Mici
Moldova - Just before two o’clock we arrive at the wine cellars of Milestii Mici. The Lonely Planet recommends making a reservation in advance. We tried to make a reservation from the Netherlands, but never received any reply. At the reception desk, it turns ...