Călărași

Călărași is a characterful town in central Moldova, tucked away within the rolling hills of the Codru region. The town's name is derived from the 'Călărași,' a historic cavalry unit that once guarded the borders of the principality. Călărași is nationally famous for its brandy production; the local 'Călărași Divin' factory, established in 1896, is one of the oldest in the country. The surrounding area is characterized by dense forests that are part of the Codru Nature Reserve, providing excellent opportunities for ecotourism. Visitors can experience authentic Moldovan hospitality in local guesthouses and explore traditional pottery crafts. The town also serves as a gateway to several nearby historic monasteries, including Frumoasa and Hîrjauca, which are significant centers of Orthodox spirituality.

Nearby cities

Bălți

Bălți is the economic and cultural hub of northern Moldova.

Rîbnița

Rîbnița is a major industrial city on the left bank of the Dniester in Transnistria.

Ungheni

Ungheni is located on the border with Romania, on the Prut River.

Durlești

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

Dubăsari

Dubăsari is a city on the Dniester in Transnistria.

Hîncești

Hîncești is located southwest of Chișinău and is famous for the impressive Manuc Bei Manor.

Codru

Codru is a city within the Chișinău municipality.

Ialoveni

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

Sîngerei

Sîngerei is a city in northern Moldova.

Fălești

Fălești is a city in northwestern Moldova.

Făleștii Noi

Făleștii Noi is a locality near Fălești.

Nisporeni

Nisporeni is located in a hilly region in western Moldova.

Rezina

Rezina is located on the right bank of the Dniester, opposite the city of Rîbnița.

Grigoriopol

Grigoriopol is located on the left bank of the Dniester in Transnistria.

Cricova

Cricova is world-famous for its massive underground wine cellars.

History & landmarks

Chisinau City Hall

The Chisinau City Hall is a historic monument built in 1901 in a Venetian Gothic style.

Mileștii Mici

Home to the world's largest wine cellar according to Guinness World Records, featuring over 200 kilometers of underground limestone tunnels.

Saharna

A major spiritual center of Moldova, famous for its cave monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and 22 scenic waterfalls on the Saharna R…

Codru Highlands

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

Nature

Balanesti Hill

The highest point in Moldova rises in the central part of the country near Ungheni city.

Codru Scientific Reserve

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

More places

Călărași Monastery

Historic 18th-century monastery building near Călărași.

Frumoasa Monastery

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

Răciula Monastery

A nunnery in central Moldova, known for its embroideries and traditional rural atmosphere.

Hîrjauca Monastery

A historic monastery in a picturesque setting, famous for its spa center and curative mineral waters.

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Bucovăț Mansion

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

Hîrbovăț Monastery

An important monastery located near Călărași, housing the miracle-working icon of the Mother of God of Hîrbovăț.

Valea Mare Mansion

Architecturally significant 19th-century mansion.

Zamfir Ralli Mansion

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