Căpriana

Căpriana Monastery is a cornerstone of Moldovan religious history, located about 40 km northwest of Chișinău within the scenic Codri forests. First mentioned in 1420, it is one of the nation's oldest monastic foundations. It enjoyed the patronage of great Moldovan rulers, including Alexander the Good and Stephen the Great, the latter of whom commissioned the reconstruction of the Assumption of the Virgin Church. For centuries, it served as a major cultural hub and held one of the region's largest private libraries. The complex features three churches showcasing different architectural eras. The Assumption Church (1545) is the oldest and most traditional, while the St. Nicholas and St. George churches were added later, displaying Baroque and Neo-Byzantine influences. Following a major restoration in the early 2000s, the monastery has been returned to its former glory. It also houses the tomb of Metropolitan Gavriil Bănulescu-Bodoni, a pivotal figure in Moldovan church history. The surrounding Codri reserve is famous for its ancient oak and beech trees, providing a refreshing backdrop and numerous walking trails for visitors. The spiritual serenity of the monastery, combined with the lush forest landscape, makes Căpriana a top destination for both pilgrims and nature lovers. It is easily accessible from the capital and has a deep insight into the medieval heritage of Moldova.

Nearby cities

Strășeni

An industrial center in the heart of the Codru forest.

Bucovăț

Bucovăț is a city in the Strășeni district of central Moldova.

Vatra

Vatra is a city located near Chișinău, situated on the shore of the Ghidighici Reservoir.

Călărași

Călărași is situated in a picturesque hilly area in central Moldova.

Durlești

Durlești is a suburb of Chișinău, part of the capital municipality.

Nisporeni

Nisporeni is located in a hilly region in western Moldova.

Stăuceni

Discover Stăuceni, an important suburb of Chișinău, renowned for its winemaking tradition and the National College of Viticulture and Win…

Ialoveni

Ialoveni is located south of Chișinău and is world-famous for its wine production.

Codru

Codru is a city within the Chișinău municipality.

History & landmarks

Cojușna

A significant wine-producing village near the capital, famous for its underground cellars and dessert wines.

Hâncu Monastery

A historic 17th-century monastery nestled deep within the forests of the Codru Nature Reserve.

Codru Highlands

The Codru Highlands form the geographical center of Moldova, characterized by highly fragmented hills and deep valleys.

Lăpușna Hills

The Lăpușna Hills are part of the southwestern Codru Highlands.

Nature

Codru Scientific Reserve

Founded in 1971, Codru Reserve is the oldest protected area in Moldova, preserving the central forest massifs of the country.

Ghidighici Reservoir

The Ghidighici Reservoir, located northwest of Chișinău, is one of the largest artificial water bodies in the country.

Bic River

The Bic is a central river in Moldova that flows through the capital city, Chisinau.

Ichel River

A smaller tributary of the Dniester, known for its picturesque valleys in central Moldova.

Nisporeni Hills

The Nisporeni Hills host the highest points of Moldova within the Codru massif.

More places

Căpriana Monastery

One of the oldest and most important monasteries in Moldova.

Capriana-Scoreni Landscape Reserve

Capriana-Scoreni is located in the heart of the Codri forests and protects secular oak stands.

Kodru Region Museum

Regional museum featuring exhibitions on the history and culture of the Kodru hill region.

Condrița Monastery

A picturesque monastery in the heart of the Codru forests, founded in the 18th century and known for its tranquility.

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Bucovăț Mansion

A historic mansion reflecting the social structure of the 19th century.

Codru Ridge

The Codru Ridge forms the backbone of the central Moldavian highland region.

Zamfir Ralli Mansion

A historic estate in Dolna, famous as the summer residence where Russian poet Alexander Pushkin was a guest in 1821.

Frumoasa Monastery

An architecturally significant monastery in the Codru forest, whose name 'The Beautiful' reflects its aesthetic appeal.