Transnistria, a narrow strip of land along the eastern bank of the Dniester River, is a self-proclaimed republic within Moldova’s internationally recognized borders. Despite its limited recognition and complex political status, Transnistria offers a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and gastronomic experiences. Whether you’re a local from the Republic of Moldova or an international traveler, this region presents a unique blend of Soviet-era nostalgia, religious heritage, and culinary delights.
The Noul Neamt Monastery
Adress: 2 Lenin Street, Chitcani Village, Slobozia District.
Located in Chitcani, near Bender and Tiraspol, the Noul Neamt Monastery is an all-male Moldovan Orthodox monastery founded in 1861 by monks from the Neamt Monastery in Romania. They established this monastery in protest against reforms in the United Principalities of Romania that confiscated monastery estates and prohibited using the Slavonic language in worship. Today, visitors can attend divine services in its four churches, explore a vast library, visit the monastery’s museum, and observe traditional monastic crafts in workshops dedicated to iconography, carpentry, and sculpture.
The Tighina Fortress
Adress: 2 Petra Panin Street, Bender
The Tighina Fortress, also known as Bendery Fortress, is a 15th-century fortification initially built during the reign of Prince Stephen the Great. In 1538, Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent captured and rebuilt it in stone, expanding its defenses. The fortress has witnessed numerous historical events, including serving as a refuge for Swedish King Charles XII after the Battle of Poltava in 1709. Today, it is a testament to the region’s tumultuous history and offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past.
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Akvatir Sturgeon Complex
Adress: 1 Sovetskaya Street, Tiraspol
The Akvatir Sturgeon Complex is one of Europe’s largest sturgeon farms. Established in 2006, it specializes in breeding various sturgeon species, including Beluga, Russian sturgeon, and Sterlet, producing high-quality black caviar. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about sturgeon breeding and caviar production processes, and even participate in caviar tastings.
The Kumanek Restaurant
Adress: 37 Sverdlov Street, Tiraspol
The Restaurant Kumanek offers a rustic ambiance reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian homes. The menu features classic Ukrainian dishes such as borscht, varenyky (dumplings), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls), and salo (cured pork fat) with garlic. The restaurant’s decor and cuisine provide an authentic Ukrainian dining experience in the heart of Transnistria.
The Karaman House
Adress: 6 Puskin Street, Tarnauca Village
Casa Karaman is a traditional Moldovan house preserved as a cultural museum. Visitors can engage in hands-on experiences such as traditional cooking workshops, partake in seasonal agricultural activities, and enjoy boat rides on the nearby Dniester River. The house offers a glimpse into rural Moldovan life from a century ago.
The Glass Museum
Also located in Tarnauca, the Glass Museum boasts a private collection of over 20,000 bottles of alcoholic beverages from more than 170 countries. Housed in a building shaped like a giant bottle, the museum showcases rare and vintage spirits, some dating back over 300 years. Visitors can explore the extensive collection and, by prior arrangement, sample some of the exclusive beverages.