Răciula Monastery

Răciula Monastery, located in the Călărași district, has a compelling history as a prominent religious community for women in Moldova. It was founded at the end of the 18th century, around 1797, by brothers Andrei and Ioan Roșca on their ancestral lands. Originally established as a small hermitage for monks, it was reorganized into a convent for nuns in 1811, which significantly shaped the local spiritual landscape. The main church, dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God, was completed in 1813 and reflects the modest yet dignified Moldovan church architecture of that era. During the Soviet period in 1959, the monastery faced a traumatic closure where the nuns were forcibly evicted, yet the local villagers continued to protect the site's sanctity. Following Moldova's independence, the monastery was officially reopened in 1990, and the returning community immediately began the arduous task of rebuilding the dilapidated structures. Today, Răciula is celebrated for its animated community and its commitment to preserving traditional monastic crafts and values.

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.

Călărași

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

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.

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.

More places

Hîrjauca Monastery

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

Hîrbovăț Monastery

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

Călărași Monastery

Historic 18th-century monastery building near Călărași.

Valea Mare Mansion

Architecturally significant 19th-century mansion.

Frumoasa Monastery

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

Cornesti Archaeological Park

A site with archaeological finds from various centuries.

Plaiul Fagului Reserve

Plaiul Fagului protects a unique ecosystem of beech and oak forests in the northwestern part of the Codri region.

Beech Land Reserve

This protected area in the Ungheni district is known for its extensive beech forests, which are atypical for Moldova.