Recently, I tried guided walking tours chisinau moldova, and it became a real discovery for me. This city, although relatively small in size, surprised me with its rich history, diverse architecture and interesting facts that I did not know about before.
First impression: morning in the center of Chisinau
The excursion began early in the morning, when the city was just beginning to wake up. We gathered in the city center, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, which is one of the main attractions of Chisinau. The cathedral with its snow-white walls and majestic dome immediately captures the attention, and the square around the cathedral is a place where local residents stroll, rest on the benches and enjoy their morning coffee.
A walk along the central streets
After the cathedral, we went along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, which is considered the “main artery” of the city. This street led us to a number of historical buildings and monuments, such as the famous Arc de Triomphe. I especially remembered the guide’s story about how this arch was erected in 1840 in honor of the victory of the Russian army over the Ottoman Empire. The guide explained that the Arc de Triomphe is a symbol not only of victories, but also of connections between peoples that have been formed over the centuries.
Architectural pearls of Chisinau
One of the most impressive moments of the tour was getting to know the architectural heritage of Chisinau. Unlike many other cities in Europe, where old buildings coexist with modern buildings, a special balance is maintained in Chisinau. Many buildings are made in the style of Soviet neoclassicism, and although they may seem austere and majestic, each building has its own history. The guide told interesting stories about each building, including the Palace of the Republic and the Parliament building.
Greenery and parks of the city
Chisinau surprised me not only with its history and architecture, but also with the number of green areas. Valya Morilor Park, which we entered in the middle of the tour, became a real oasis in the middle of city bustle. A huge lake, cozy alleys and many ducks on the water created an atmosphere of peace. The guide said that the park was built back in Soviet times and is still a favorite place for walks for both tourists and local residents.
Stories about the past and present of the city
The most interesting part of this tour is the guide’s stories, which transported us to different eras. He skillfully combined historical facts with legends and local stories, which made the tour more lively and interesting. I especially liked the story of how the city was rebuilt after the Second World War and the earthquake, which only strengthened my respect for the people of Chisinau and their persistence in preserving the cultural heritage.
National cuisine and traditions
At the end of the excursion, our guide suggested visiting one of the local cafes, where you could try traditional Moldovan dishes. It became the ideal point at the end of the excursion. Homemade wines, mamalyga with cheese and placindas with various fillings – all this left me with indelible impressions of Moldovan cuisine. The guide talked about how different nationalities living in Moldova influenced the formation of its culinary traditions.
Personal impression
A tour of Chisinau was not just a walk around historical places for me. It was an immersion in the culture and life of the city, which, although it has experienced many difficult moments, was still able to preserve its originality. A walk with a guide allowed me to look at Chisinau from a new angle and understand that it is not just a “transit” city between East and West, but a place worth studying more deeply.
I would gladly return to Chisinau one more time to continue getting to know its rich history and culture.
