Stephen the Great Monument

The Monument to Stephen the Great and Saint in the center of Chisinau is the most important national symbol of the Republic of Moldova. It was designed by sculptor Alexandru Plămădeală and cast in Bucharest in 1927, before being inaugurated in 1928 to mark the 400th anniversary of the prince's death. The bronze statue depicts the Moldavian ruler in full armor with a crown and an uplifted cross, emphasizing his role as a defender of the Christian faith. Throughout its history, the monument was moved several times, particularly during World War II when it was evacuated to Romania to protect it from Soviet troops. After its final return to its original location in 1945, it became the focal point for the independence movement in the late 1980s. Today, it is the site where foreign dignitaries and Moldovan citizens alike lay flowers to honor the country's sovereignty and history.

Nearby cities

Bender

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

Durlești

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

Dubăsari

Dubăsari is a city on the Dniester in Transnistria.

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.

Cimișlia

Cimișlia is located in southern Moldova on the Cogâlnic River.

Nisporeni

Nisporeni is located in a hilly region in western Moldova.

Grigoriopol

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

Cricova

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

Stăuceni

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

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…

National Library of Moldova

The National Library of the Republic of Moldova was founded in 1832 and houses over 2.5 million items.

More places

Chisinau Triumphal Arch

A classical monument in the center of the capital, erected to commemorate the Russian victory in the Russo-Turkish War.

National Museum of History of Moldova

The National Museum of History houses over 300,000 exhibits documenting the region's development from ancient times to the present.

St. Teodora de la Sihla Church

An architectural gem in the center of Chișinău, designed by Alexander Bernardazzi.

National Museum of Art

The National Museum of Art houses a collection of over 30,000 works of Moldovan and European art.

National Opera and Ballet Theater

Named after the famous soprano Maria Bieșu, the National Theater is the cultural centerpiece of Chișinău.

Nativity Cathedral (Chișinău)

The Metropolitan Cathedral in Chișinău is the city's primary Orthodox place of worship.

Organ Hall (Chișinău)

The Organ Hall is one of Moldova's primary concert venues, located in a grand monumental building that was originally a bank.

National Theatre "Mihai Eminescu"

A magnificent Neoclassical building in the heart of Chișinău.