Cimișlia Paleontological Site

The Cimișlia Paleontological Site is a globally significant location for fossilized vertebrates dating back to the late Miocene epoch, approximately 5 to 7 million years ago. Discovered in the 1950s, this site has yielded thousands of bone fragments belonging to the so-called 'Hipparion fauna.' Among the most spectacular finds are the remains of ancient horses (Hipparion), mastodons, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and various carnivores that once inhabited a savanna-like landscape in southern Moldova. This concentration of fossils is believed to have resulted from catastrophic floods that washed animal herds into a single area and rapidly covered them with sediment. For scientists, Cimișlia has invaluable insights into the climatic and environmental changes in Southeast Europe during the Tertiary period. The fossils are now displayed in museums in Chișinău and internationally, while the excavation site itself is under state protection. It serves as a unique window into a long-gone era, documenting the region's past tropical to subtropical biodiversity.

Nearby cities

Bender

Bender, also known as Tighina, is a historical city on the right bank of the Dniester.

Cahul

Cahul is a university city and a well-known spa resort in southern Moldova.

Durlești

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

Dubăsari

Dubăsari is a city on the Dniester in Transnistria.

Comrat

Comrat is the capital of the Autonomous Region of Gagauzia in southern Moldova.

Ceadîr-Lunga

Ceadîr-Lunga is the second largest city in Gagauzia.

Căușeni

Căușeni is a city in southeastern Moldova.

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.

Slobozia

Slobozia is located south of Tiraspol on the left bank of the Dniester.

Ialoveni

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

Leova

Leova is situated on the eastern bank of the Prut River in southwestern Moldova.

Călărași

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

Taraclia

Taraclia is the center of the Bulgarian minority in Moldova.

Cimișlia

Cimișlia is located in southern Moldova on the Cogâlnic River.

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.

Cogâlnic Plain

The Cogâlnic Plain stretches across the south-central part of Moldova.

Nature

Cogilnic River

The Cogilnic drains the southern part of the Moldovan plateau.

More places

Basarabeasca Old Town

The historic core of Basarabeasca with 19th-century buildings.

Cimișlia History Collection

A space for preserving the regional history of Cimișlia.

Cimislia Hills

The Cimislia Hills are a distinct hilly zone in southern Moldova.

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Zloți Nature Reserve

The Zloți Nature Reserve protects a natural ecosystem in the transition zone between forest and steppe in southern Moldova.