Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Butuceni, place where Ion Creanga's stories come to life

Butuceni is a chapter in the stories dedicated to rural tourism and for all those who create and manage those oases of relaxation and traditional cuisine found in the most beautiful places in Moldova.

The place with childhood tales and aromas

Eco Resort Butuceni - the place where Ion Creanga’s Childhood Memories are not only read, but also seen and felt. Stories with childhood aromas - that's what the owners of Eco Resort Butuceni try to convey to people. Authenticity and love for traditions represent them. Here, you won't find luxury or the latest technology. What you will find is what was inherited from ancestors.

Eco Resort Butuceni is located just 47 kilometers far from the Moldovan capital. A picturesque place with immense historical significance, where people can connect with unforgettable moments, breathtaking landscapes, exquisite dishes, collected from the hidden recipes of the village elders.

The oven is the great pride here. It's located right in the courtyard of the guesthouse, allowing anyone to see how the fire burns brightly and how dishes that reach the guests' tables are baked.

The yard is full of topic-related areas. Everyone can find the right place for play, contemplation, heartfelt dialogues, relaxation or unraveling tangled thoughts.

Permanent staff, involving locals

As tourism has developed in the region, the need for permanent local staff has arisen, involving the residents of the village and surrounding areas.

Culture, traditions and authentic lifestyle have become the central elements of the experience provided at Butuceni, making this destination one of the most visited in the country.

Presently, the complex has 20 traditional rooms and a restaurant where local dishes are cooked according to traditional recipes. Anatolie Botnaru, the owner of the guesthouse, and his team of 30 employees continue to keep the authenticity of the place alive, emphasizing rural values and being open to sharing their experience with others interested in promoting the hospitality specific to the Moldovan village.

The professional training program in rural tourism was developed under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Switzerland Resilient and Inclusive Markets in Moldova project, in partnership with the Center of Excellence in Viticulture and Winemaking from Chisinau, in order to address the demand for qualified workforce and enhance employment opportunities in the rural tourism sector. To expand and facilitate access to information, the course will be available in digital format.

Traditional cuisine attracting visitors from afar

Eco Resort Butuceni is famous for its traditional cuisine that attracts visitors from miles away.

Special emphasis is put on preserving and passing down family-inherited culinary recipes, with some of the favorites among clients being the traditional broth with homemade noodles, polenta, cabbage rolls baked in clay pots, traditional pies and the authentic dessert, Cușma lui Guguță.

Over the years, the restaurant menu has diversified, reaching over 35 dishes, including seasonal options and customized menus upon guests' requests.

Butuceni - a prestigious cultural center

And the Butuceni Opera has become an emblematic place for culture and classical music, already hosting multiple operas and classical music spectacles and concerts that have impressed audiences.

These events have brought refinement and elegance to the heart of nature, uniting tradition with art. And this is just the beginning, as soon, even more spectacular festivals and events will follow, bringing a unique atmosphere and transforming Butuceni into a prestigious cultural center.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii