The warm season is an excellent time to travel and explore the native lands. Because Moldova is a small country, it has an advantage – tourist attractions are close by, and you can see several beautiful places in a single day. In this article, we have made a selection of ten locations – farms, wineries, natural monuments – that are worth visiting this summer.
#1. Bashte from Florești District Source
The bashte from the village of Rogojeni and the neighboring villages of Țîra and Roșietici have become quite famous due to their resemblance to the Hobbit houses from J.R.R. Tolkien’s book, “The Lord of the Rings.”
Bashte are semi-subterranean houses, also known as burdei or bordei. For many centuries, Moldovan peasants from this region lived in such dwellings. According to sources, these semi-subterranean huts were used as early as the early Middle Ages or even earlier.
#2. Red Canyon in the village of Etulia
In southern Moldova, in the village of Etulia, lies the “Red Canyon,” a unique place designated as a natural geological monument. Here, layers of red clay create a distinctive landscape. Remains of mammoths and primitive elephants have been discovered at the bottom of the canyon. The “Red Canyon” is located 200 kilometers from the capital and 18 kilometers from the town of Vulcănești.
#3. The “Kozy” Goat Town Source: Goat Town “Kozy”
An interesting place for tourists and locals emerged on the map of Moldova in September 2022. The town is located near the village of Pohrebea, in the Dubăsari district. The infrastructure here has been meticulously designed, down to the smallest detail: residential houses (where goats live, of course), town hall, police station, beauty salon, sanatorium, hotel, restaurant, noble institute for goats, theater, bank, casino, nursery, and many more.
Kozy even has its own currency, the goat koin. The money can be exchanged at a dedicated currency exchange office. There is an entrance fee to access the town.
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#4. “The Mysterious Ball”
On the territory of the St. Prophet Elijah Monastery, near the village of Mircești (Ungheni district), there is a massive ball with a diameter of approximately 20-30 meters. During the Soviet period, the globe served as a military installation and functioned as a radar system dome. It is a fascinating place for those who enjoy mysteries. The interior of the dome has good acoustics, although the installation is currently not in use in any way.
#5. Secret Garden
The Secret Garden recreational base is located on the Chișinău-Leușeni route, 30 kilometers from the capital. It is an ideal place to be in harmony with nature. Here, you can enjoy complete tranquility and escape from the noise of the city. You will be accompanied by flowers, birds, the wind, and the scent of fresh hay.
#6. Emil Racoviță Cave
Near the village of Criva, in the Briceni district, lies one of the largest caves in the world, discovered in March 1977. It is the third longest gypsum cave in the world. Within this underground kingdom, there are 20 lakes. Those who wish to visit the site should be aware that it is forbidden to enter the cave alone; an instructor must be present at all times.
#7. “At-Prolin” Horse Farm
Established in 1984, the At-Prolin Horse Farm is one of the main attractions in the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia (UTA Gagauzia). Since its founding, the stud farm has been breeding Orlov Trotter horses.
Every year, following Gagauz traditions, on the day of St. George (the Gagauz banking holidays – “Khederlez”), the “Altyn-At” equestrian competition takes place at the Ceadâr-Lunga racecourse, featuring the best and fastest horses from the stud farm. Many of these horses have repeatedly become champions in prestigious competitions and have achieved top positions at international exhibitions.
#8. “Triboi Ceramic Workshop”
In the village of Ciorăști, Nisporeni district, there is a ceramic workshop called “Triboi Ceramics.” It is the only workshop in Moldova that still works with black pottery. The father and son duo produce pottery, pitchers, vessels, and various souvenirs. The craftsmen’s house is one of the tourist attractions included in the “Dor de Codru” itinerary, so the Triboi family is delighted to host guests who want to learn the techniques of pottery craftsmanship.
#9. Gogu Winery
Located in the town of Căușani, the winery was opened in 2004 by a group of enthusiasts who had a desire to create quality wines that would showcase the characteristics of the local terroir.
While most producers in the region traditionally focus on red grape varieties to obtain intense flavors and special aromas in their wines, Gogu Winery decided to put more emphasis on white wines.
#10. Zamfirache Ralli Manor
The estate is located in the village of Dolna, Strășeni district. This manor has become famous because it was the place where Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin lived during his exile in Bessarabia. The Ralli Manor was built in the early 19th century and belonged to Zamfir Ralli, a wealthy Greek landowner and member of the regional court.
Thanks to the locals, the manor has been well-preserved. It is now a branch of the Pushkin Museum in the capital. Some of the museum exhibits were brought not only from Chișinău but also from St. Petersburg. According to researchers, Pushkin started and conceived over 220 works in Moldova. Among them are “The Black Shawl,” “The Prisoner,” “To Ovid,” “The Prisoner of the Caucasus,” and the first sixteen stanzas of the novel “Eugene Onegin.”