The Republic of Moldova

The Republic of Moldova is a country neighbouring Romania in the West and Ukraine in the East. The Moldavian territory once belonged to Romania but was later included in the Soviet Union. The Moldavian Republic declared its independence on the 27^th of August 1991 even though starting from 1990 until now a part of it, Transnistria, is occupied by the Russian army.

Even a short trip to Moldavia can offer you a general image of its main tourist attractions, like old monasteries, fortresses, immense wine cellars, wine factories that give you the opportunity to assist during the wine-making process along the tourist trail The Road of Wine.

One of the oldest monasteries of Moldova, Căpriana is located 40 km (25 mi) to the north-west of the country’s capital Chişinău in a forested area once called Codrii Lăpușnei.The first significant reference dates from a document issued in 1429 that gave Căpriana the status of royal monastery on behalf of Alexander the Good. In this deed the holy abode was referred to as “mănăstirea de la Vâşnovăț unde este egumen Chiprian” (the monastery of Vâşnovăț where the hegumenis Chiprian) and was given in the possession of Alexander’s wife – princess Marena.After a period of decay, the monastery was rebuilt at the behest of Petru Rareş, from 1542 to 1545. Russian president Vladimir Putin celebrated his 50th birthday there.

If you are interested in history you must visit Chişinău because there are several museums. The three national museums are The National Museum of Ethnography & Natural History, the National Museum of Arts and the National Museum of Archaeology & History.Also a nother place with a lot of history is the Soroca Fortress.It is a well-preserved stronghold, established by the Moldavian Prince Stephen the Great in 1499.The original wooden fort, which defended a ford over the Dniester (Moldovan/Romanian: Nistru), was an important link in the chain of fortifications which comprised four forts on the Dniester, two forts on the Danube and three forts on the north border of medieval Moldova. Between 1543 and 1546 under the rule of Petru Rareş, the fortress was rebuilt in stone as a perfect circle with five bastions situated at equal distances.

During the Great Turkish War, John Sobieski‘s forces successfully defended the fortress against the Ottomans. It was of vital military importance during the Pruth Campaign of Peter the Greatin 1711. The stronghold was sacked by the Russians in the Russo-Turkish War (1735–1739). The Soroca fortress is an important attraction.

The Mileştii Mici wine cellars complex is the largest in the world,stretching for 250 km. In 2007 Mileştii Mici wine cellars were noted in Guinness World Records 2007 Yearbook, for having the largest (2 million) wine collections in the world.

The wine cellars of Cricova is the second largest wine cellar in Moldova, after Milestii Mici . Tunnels have existed under Cricova since the 15th century, when limestone was dug out to help build Chişinău. This place is especially famous for hiding Jews in wine barrels during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.

The Wine yards are a substantial reason to visit the country as they represent a special feature of this country. Moldavians are famous for their hospitality. They are always glad to host you in their houses, to tell you about their country’s culture and their traditions, to serve you with their best wine. This country disposes of various cultural heritage, encompassing numerous cultures and ethnic variety. Only if you see it will you be able to get to know its traditions, language, folklore, traditional plates and mostly its people.