Moldova is a very interesting country situated between Romania and Ukraine. As a former Soviet country, there is still a lot of influence from that ruling in everything from architecture to its economy, but even still, Moldova is truly one of the loveliest countries you could see in Europe. It’s completely affordable, there is so much to do and see, and there are some definite surprises you wouldn’t expect from such a small country.
What to Do
The capital of Moldova is Chișinău, and there is absolutely plenty to do there. If you want to find out more about the history of the city and the country as a whole, you have to go to the National Museum of History.
This museum has over 200,000 exhibits, so you can be sure to find something for everyone. Also, the building itself is a great representation of how breathtaking Soviet architecture can be.
If you are a history buff with an artistic side, your next stop should be the Alexander Pushkin Museum. This Russian artist was exiled from Russia and lived in what is now Moldova for 3 years, and it’s very interesting to see the house and museum.
Another hugely important site in Moldovan history is the Triumphal Arch. This was erected in the early 19th century to commemorate the Soviet triumph over the Ottoman Empire, hence the name. Even though the country is not Soviet-controlled anymore, the arch still stands.
There’s nothing better than escaping the hecticness of the city in a spiritual place. To do this, look no further than the Nativity Cathedral in the center of Chișinău. It was built in the early 19th century and it’s so beautifully ornate on the inside, you can’t help but appreciate it no matter what religion you are.
Wining and Dining
What a lot of people don’t know is that Moldova is a huge wine-producing country. There are so many different wineries to check out, but one of the most well known is Purcari in the south of the country. It’s just about an hour south of the capital, it is one of the oldest wineries in the country. While Purcari has a lot of wines that are familiar to many, they also make wine from a native Moldovan grape called Rara Neagra, which is a red grape and it’s completely delicious.
Most people would agree that the national dish of Moldova is mămăligă, which is also a popular dish in Romania, which makes sense since they are neighbors. This dish is very close to polenta and is served with all sorts of dishes from stews to vegetables to simple toppings of sour cream or pork rinds. You can find this at most Moldovan restaurants, and you definitely need to try it!
Another dish you need to try is called murături, which are essentially Moldovan pickled vegetables. They bring a great flavor and acidity to meals, so definitely try them out! Though they will usually be vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or green tomato, you can also sometimes find melon which is really delicious.