Chisinau established Valea Morilor Park in 1950 at the initiative of Soviet statesman Leonid Brezhnev. Covering 114 hectares in the Buiucani district, the park ranks among the capital’s most popular recreational spaces. Architect Robert Kurz designed the project, originally named the “Central Park of Culture and Leisure of the Leninist Komsomol.”
A Green Oasis in the Heart of the City
Visitors enjoy fresh air and tranquility in Valea Morilor Park. The park hosts Canadian poplars, horse chestnuts, acacias, maples, ashes, and white willows. The lake teems with carp and crucian carp, while ducks glide across its surface for much of the year.
The Green Theatre – The Park’s Cultural Landmark
The iconic Green Theatre sits within the park and underwent extensive renovation in 2022. Renovators installed new seating, repaired the façade and stage roof, added gates, restored access stairs, and paved the spectator area. Architects redesigned the surrounding greenery and expanded the theatre’s capacity to 7,000 seats, enabling it to host major concerts and performances. City planners also added new children’s playgrounds and fitness/workout zones nearby.
Modernization and Renewal
Chisinau City Hall has invested heavily in the park’s rehabilitation. Workers restored all access routes and built new squares at the entrances from G. Alexandrescu Street and near the Cascade Stairs. At the Mateevici Street entrance, they inaugurated the Doina and Ion Aldea Teodorovici square and a decorative fountain, close to the State University of Moldova.
The Cascade Stairs – A Symbol of Chisinau
The Cascade Stairs, with 218 steps and numerous sculptures, stand as one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a favorite meeting spot for youth. Architects carefully restored the stairs to reflect the original Soviet-era design.
Recreation and Nature
The park and its lake have long hosted water sports, with students kayaking, people rowing boats, and amateur fishermen enjoying the area. Visitors can also use sports fields, children’s areas, and modernized beach zones, while runners and cyclists benefit from new tracks.
City gardeners maintain seasonal flower displays and daily care preserves Valea Morilor Park’s lush greenery, keeping it one of Chisinau’s most cherished urban sanctuaries.