Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Chisinau - city that revives each autumn, with traditions and customs on Dedication Day

Chisinau donned festive attire today, on October 14. The city's Dedication Day, celebrated on the same day as the Christian Feast of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, is a moment of joy and gratitude for all residents of the capital. This is the day when the hearts of the people of Chisinau beat in unison with the spirit of the city, and the streets become a meeting place for tradition, art, music and community.

But beyond the festive hustle, Chisinau stays a city with a deep identity, blending history, architecture, nature and culture in a unique way in the region. From the most famous tourist landmarks to lesser-known spots, the capital of Moldova provides many destinations worth being discovered by both locals and visitors.

The City of Beginnings – History and Spirituality

Chisinau is first mentioned in documents in 1436, and its name is believed to come from the Slavic expression 'kisla nouă' – 'new spring'. Over the centuries, the city has become a symbol of renewal, a center that has risen from the ashes after earthquakes and wars, always maintaining its vital energy and desire to be reborn.

A first historical and spiritual stop can be made at the Birth of God Metropolitan Cathedral and Bell Tower, located in the heart of the capital, in the Cathedral Garden. This architectural ensemble, built in the 19th century, is considered the spiritual center of Chisinau. Each year, thousands of believers gather here for the Dedication Day’s Liturgy and the sound of bells resonates over the entire Stefan cel Mare Boulevard.

Nearby, the Monument of Stephen the Great and Holy watches over the city, being a symbol of national identity and dignity. Inaugurated in 1928, the monument is one of the most photographed attractions of the capital.

Green Chisinau – Parks, Lakes and Quiet Corners

Few European capitals can be proud with such much greenery. Chisinau is often called ‘’the city with seven hills and a thousand linden trees,’’ and its parks provide refuge from urban hustle.

The Mills’ Valley Park – located in the heart of the city, near universities and embassies, offers a spectacular view of the lake and monumental stairs built during the interwar period. The place is ideal for sunset walks and summer cultural events.

The Stephen the Great Public Garden – the oldest park in the capital (1837), a place filled with history and stories, with statues of great Romanian writers and a unique air of urban calm.

Dendrarium Park – a botanical paradise with over 1,000 plant species, a perfect place for families, youths or tourists eager for photography and relaxation.

Roses’ Valley, Rascani and La Izvor complete the map of green spots, bringing nature into the heart of the city.

Culture – The Modern Pulse of the City

Art and history enthusiasts can discover a capital with a surprisingly rich cultural life.

The National Museum of History of Moldova preserves thousands of exhibits illustrating the country's past, from the Dacian era to contemporary times.

The National Art Museum of Moldova – housed in two restored historical buildings – provides an insight into classical and modern Romanian and European painting.

The Parental Home Ethnographic Museum, located near Chisinau, in the surrounding villages, is an example of the preservation of traditions and folk crafts.

The capital's theaters – Mihai Eminescu National Theater, Eugene Ionesco Theater, Maria Biesu National Opera and Ballet Theater – bring to the stage classical and modern works, being a constant landmark of cultural life.

Contemporary Chisinau – Cafes, Markets and Urban Experiences

The modern city is best discovered on foot. In recent years, numerous specialty cafes, artisanal workshops, independent galleries and gastronomic markets have appeared on the pedestrian streets of the old center, between Stephen the Great  Boulevard and Veronica Micle Street.

A special place is occupied by Central Market, which, although crowded, remains the authentic soul of Chisinau – a place where you can feel the city's daily rhythm and the aroma of seasonal fruits, Forest honey, or cheese brought from the north.

For lovers of modern gastronomy, the restaurants in the Armeneasca Street area, 31 August and Veronica Micle streets offer culinary experiences that combine traditional Moldovan cuisine with European influences.

Day Trips from Chisinau

The capital is also a starting point for discovering the national heritage:

Cricova and Milestii Mici – the famous underground wine cities, included in the Guinness Book of Records;

Orheiul Vechi Complex – just an hour's drive away, a sacred and unique archaeological site in Eastern Europe;

Capriana and Condrita Monasteries – symbols of Moldovan faith and spiritual rebirth.

Today's Chisinau – Between Tradition and Future

Today, the capital of Moldova is more than an administrative center – it is a living laboratory of European transformation. Historical buildings coexist with modern architecture and jazz, film and contemporary art festivals attract more and more tourists from around the world.

Chisinau's Dedication Day is not just a day of celebration, but a declaration of identity. It is the day when residents reaffirm their love for their city – a place that breathes through people, through culture and through the desire to always move forward.

Chisinau – the city where past and future embrace under the same sky and each corner tells a story.

Photo: Andrei Mardari