National Palace

Built in 1974, this Hall was named the “Octombrie Concert Hall” until the end of the Soviet era and then renamed in honour of famous Moldavan folk singer Nicolae Sulac. The “Octombrie” Concert Hall was initially built as a little miniature copy of the Grand Kremlin Palace of Congresses in the capital of Russia - Moscow. The architecture and the appearance, in general, were made in the Soviet-style. The National Palace is a special pride of the residents of the capital. It was opened in 1974 on the 50th anniversary of the Communist Party of the Moldavian USSR. Huge windows, marble trim, beautiful parquet, an auditorium of 2000 seats. These days here are performing the National Academic Ensemble of Folk Dance “Joc”. Joc is the oldest folk dance ensemble of Moldova; The Romanian word joc means “game, play (amusement activity)” and may refer to various festivities. In Moldova, the years 2007 and 2017 (when the composer celebrated his 70th and 80th birthdays, respectively) were declared the Year of Eugen Doga. Chisinau’s main pedestrianized thoroughfare has been named Eugen Doga Street in his honour. The World Intellectual Property Organization (Geneva) in recognition of his outstanding achievements in music, awarded him with a special certificate in 2007.

Kilometer Zero and Posta Moldovei

In many countries, kilometer zero is also known as zero mile marker, control stations, or control points and is a particular location, usually in the nation’s capital city from which distances are traditionally measured. Historically, they were markers where drivers could set their odometers to follow the directions in early guide books. The “Km 0” was inaugurated in Chisinau in 2012. It is a metal sign, on which the names of some European and Asian capitals are engraved and which is located on the sidewalk in front of the Postal Office. If you get the chance, you visit the Postal Office and make sure you raise your head to see the beautiful paintings that describe our history. The “km 0” symbol marks the center of the road network, the place from which all road distances will be measured. Interestingly, there are 900 streets with a total length of just over 672 kilometers in Chisinau! Did you know that we have Struve Geodetic Arc in Moldova, which is a UNESCO protected site? The Struve Geodetic Arc is a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, through ten countries and over 2,820 km, which yielded the first accurate measurement of a meridian.

The Metropolitan Cathedral

The Metropolitan Cathedral is a magnificent example of Russian architecture in Chisinau. It was built in the early 19th century and was designed by architect Avraam Melnikov - one of the finest architects of the Russian Empire. The construction was commissioned by Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov, the governor of New Russia, and Metropolitan Gavriil Banulescu-Bodoni. In fact, Chisinau’s urban plan, presented in 1817, was the first to display the cathedral’s location and its basic cruciform layout. Considering the project’s importance, great care was taken for the building to appear elegant, regal, and timeless. Well-known for his many creations across the Russian Empire, Avraam Melnikov was hired to run the project. A fine piece of neoclassic construction, the cathedral boasts an eclectic style, featuring a combination of Byzantine architecture with a hint of Renaissance on a Greek Cross, a perfect brew for neoclassical design. Melnikov’s design is Neoclassical. The facade is very simple and straightforward, with six Doric columns for the entrance. Today, the cathedral stands as the main temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in Chisinau and is a definite must-see for any visitor to the city.

Belfry

Standing right behind the Holy Gates is a beautiful belfry, an important religious and historic site in Chisinau city. It represents the replica of the original belfry built-in 1830 (the same year as the Metropolitan Cathedral was built) but was demolished in the 1960s and restored in 1998. The belfry comprises four levels with a small chapel on the ground level and several bells at the top. According to the estimate of expenses provided in the project, the auction days were set. In Chisinau, however, no people were found to assume the obligation to build the Cathedral and the Bell Tower. Therefore, such auctions were held in Odessa on October 21, 24, and 28, 1827. Finally, the offer of the merchant Diteriks of 192,000 rubles was accepted. In 1833, Archbishop Dimitrie asked the Governor-General of Novorossiysk and Bessarabia, Prince Vorontsov, to go to the imperial courts, asking permission to pour copper bells (1,500 puds *) from old Turkish weapons. Out of the 1000 copper puddles, as the cannons weighed, five bells were to be cast: the first - considering 400 puds (6.4 tons), the second - 200 puds (3.2 tons), the third - 100 puddles (1.6 tons), the fourth - of 50 puds (800 kg) and the fifth - of 25 puds (400 kg). The bells were cast by craftsman Vasily Lysenko, a bell ringer in Kiev The ringing of bells is often used to symbolize peace and freedom. In many religions, a pealing bell is said to herald the arrival of supernatural power or spirit, be it the voice of angels or revelations’ sound.

Arch of Triumph

The Holly Gate, also known as the Triumphal Arch, is a magnificent structure in Chisinau’s centre. It commemorated Russia’s victory over Turkey and was built in 1846 to a design by architect I. Zaushkevich. The Arch is a classic, square-shaped piece of architecture, featuring ornately decorated Corinthian columns and a beautiful clock on the side, chiming every fifteen minutes. It stands 13 meters high and is distinctly divided into two tiers. The lower level comprises four sturdy pylons, decorated with classic Corinthian columns, which give the structure its regal look. Aside from architecture, the Arch (Gate) is also noted for its fascinating history. After the Russians had defeated the Turkish army, Tsar Nikolai I, acting on the request of General M.S. Vorontsov, one of the most prominent war veterans, ordered the making of bells from captured Turkish canons. The bells were to be installed on the bell tower inside the Arch. However, upon their completion, it became apparent that the bells were too big for the building, and therefore, a separate belfry had to be erected nearby to hold the bells.

Government House

Government House, where the cabinet meets, is the building opposite the Triumph Arch. It’s notable mainly for its heft and Soviet-style architecture. The Government House is a government building in Chisinau located on Great National Assembly Square At the beginning of the 20th century, many working demonstrations were held here. After 1924, when the street already bore the name of King Carol II Boulevard, a series of protests and strikes took place on its central square. August 1, 1929, when a one-day political rally was announced. In 1944, the street became a square, with the new authorities naming it Victory Square. In its present form, the central square has existed since December 1951. In 1987-1988, it was enlarged by the Soviets after they removed the ruins of the old Eparchial House. The state flag of the Republic of Moldova is a vertical tricolour of blue, yellow, and red, charged with the coat of arms of Moldova (an eagle holding a shield charged with an aurochs) on the centre bar. The obverse is mirrored. The blue, red, and yellow tricolour of Moldova are identical to Romania’s flag, reflecting its national and cultural affinity.

Former “Suisse Hotel”

Suisse Guest House is located in the former “Suisse Hotel” building – once the most famous and luxurious hotel in Chisinau. It is found in the heart of the city near all the major attractions. Today it hosts the Public Library “B.P. Hasdeu”, the Suisse Guest House, and other private apartments. Its construction began in 1835 by Ivan and Anastasia Monastirsky, who built side by side two separate houses 2-stores, facing the central boulevard. The structure was finished only by 1844. In the ’60s of the 19th century, these buildings were united for the Theological Seminary. Since 1870 the building was used for various educational purposes, and in 1874 is rented to a Swiss citizen named – Charles Sailladeni, who opened the “Suisse Hotel “. During WWII, the building was almost destroyed and rebuilt in 1947 according to the E.R. Spirer plan assisted by the architect A.V. Sciusev. The structure keeps a similar facade but gets the 3rd floor built. From 1863 and till World War II, many famous people stayed here, including Feodor Chaliapin – Russian opera singer, King Milan I of Serbia, French novelist Henri Barbusse and many others. You can view the full list of famous people who stayed at the Suisse Hotel here. The famous Suisse Hotel was reborn in Chisinau. For the first time after more than 60 years, the building started receiving its new guests. It happened in late 2011. The Suisse Guest House is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the former Suisse Hotel building and currently consists of 5 apartments.

National Theater of Opera and Ballet

The history of the National Theater of Opera and Ballet of the Republic of Moldova started in 1955 when a new troupe was formed at the Moldavian Music and Drama Theater. In 1956, the group staged their first production of “Grozovan” by Gershfeld, and a year later premiered “The Fountain of Bakhchisarai” ballet. The new Theater’s first foreign tour took place in 1957 when the opera company traveled to Romania. In 1971, the ballet troupe had their first international appearance in Bulgaria. In 1980, the Opera and Ballet Theater moved into a new, purpose-built facility on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, where A.Gorshkov and N. Kurennoy designed the building. The facade and the interior were decorated with sculptures by B.Novikov, B.Dubrovin, G.Dubrovin, and N.Sazhin. In May 2012, the Government of Moldova took a decision to name the National Theater of Opera and Ballet after Maria Biesu, Moldova’s famous opera singer. Until her death in 2012, they had been the patron of the “Maria Biesu Invites,” an International Festival of Opera and Ballet, held annually at the Theater since 1990. This major art project has been an essential event for both the Theater and the cultural life of the entire country. Presently, the Theater employs a group of talented, seasoned and young actors, some of whom are graduates from the Choreographic College in Chisinau. In recent years the troupe has traveled far and wide, often touring in the near and far abroad countries - Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Portugal, France, Spain, Britain, etc. - adjusting its repertoire to the wishes of foreign impresarios, focused on specific national tastes.

President Palace

Located in the very heart of Chisinau, the President Palace is a relatively new monument of national importance. The glass-clad building was erected in 1984-1987. Yuri Tumanean, Arkady Zaltman built the building, and Viktor Iavorski, the style of the building, is high-tech and has elements with symbolic functions. The symbolism is represented through art and innovation. The building was built on the site of the German Lutheran Church, dating back to the 1830s. It was made to be the new building of the Supreme Soviet of the Moldavian S.S. The Moldovan Declaration of Independence of 27 August 1991 was signed and adopted in the palace by the Supreme Soviet. After Moldova gained its independence, the building became the residence of Moldova’s President starting in 2001. The presidency building represents the residence of the elected head of state elected by citizens of the republic – based on universal, equal, and direct electoral law, under free and secret ballot – for four years. The President of the Republic of Moldova, in his/her position as head of state, represents the state and is the guarantor of the national sovereignty and independence and the unity and territorial integrity of the state (Article 77 of the Constitution).

Parliament of the Republic of Moldova

Built under the Soviets in 1976-1979, the former headquarters of the Communist Party now houses the Parliament of the independent Republic of Moldova. The building has the shape of an open book with the central part of the facade supported by four high-standing vertical columns. When is Moldovan Independence Day? This public holiday is always celebrated on August 27th. In Romanian, it is called ‘Ziua Independentei.’ This is Moldova’s National Day. The day marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union on August 27th, 1991 Parliament Day is celebrated on May 23, when in 1991, according to the decision of the Supreme Soviet of the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic of the 12th legislature, constituted following the first democratic elections, the MSSR transforms into the Republic of Moldova, and the Supreme Soviet becomes the first Parliament of the Republic of Moldova. In the spring of 1990, Moldova held the first parliamentary elections on new principles, based on the majority electoral system. Labour collectives and public organizations nominated candidates for deputy seats, but the elections were the first real electoral competition despite the lack of pluralism. A vital significance for these elections was the rebirth process, which had spread throughout society at that time and exercised a considerable influence on further developments in Moldova.

City Hall

One of the first buildings that will catch your eye is the City Hall. Be ready now we will travel in the 19th century but more precisely at the end of it. When the mayor of the city was Carol Schmidt, he took the initiative to build a new headquarters for the city duma, on the place occupied by the fire department. The design was entrusted to Mitrofan Elladi, then the architect of the city. Alexandru Bernardazzi was invited to help him. The architecture of the building is in an eclectic spirit based on the architecture of the Italian Renaissance. This building has an elegant façade with arched windows. The walls, draped in a faint shade of beige and white, complement a sleek clock tower at the top. The building suffered terrible damage during the Second World War and required considerable efforts to be returned to its former glory. Today, a commemorative plaque to architect Bernardazzi is placed on its front wall. The construction of the duma’s headquarters was completed in 1901. Here is situated the first Tourist Information Center which was opened in 2017, here you’ll find all the details you need about Chisinau.

Church of St. Pantelimon

Back in the days in Chisinau, we also had a Greek community. The Church of St. Pantelimon reminds us about them, located at the intersection of 31 August 1989 and Vlaicu Pârcălab streets. The author of the project was Alexander Bernardazzi (1831-1907), who served as the chief architect of Chisinau’s city between 1856 and 1878. The church was built of stone, in Byzantine style, being covered with iron sheets. There was found a tomb with 20 places for burial of deceased in the basement of the church. A grid of beautifully executed iron surrounded the sanctuary. Three stone houses were belonging to the church, located around it, donated by Alexandra Constantin Sinadino. In 1944, when the Soviet regime was installed in Bessarabia, many Greeks were forced to leave Chisinau. So, the church had to close on its own in 1947. For a time, this building was used as a warehouse for motion pictures, later became a wine tasting room, officially named Methodical Exhibition Hall. On the 4th of February 1991, the Greek Embassy in Moscow agreed to rebuild the church according to all the rules, and it reopened for officiating divine services.

Organ Hall

The building of the Organ Hall has a unique beauty. Initially, the Organ Hall building was designed as the City Bank. In 1902 the Municipal Council of Chisinau launched a competition of architectural projects with a prize of 1,500 rubles, which was a relatively large amount in those days. The winner was engineer Mihail Cecheru -Cush. The Organ Hall was executed to impress by its monumental forms excellently in classic style, containing some romantic art elements. Before 1974 the building hosted different financial institutions, including the National Bank. The decision to make it a concert hall was taken by the then leader of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, Ivan Bodil. The Organ, installed in this magnificent Hall, was made by the “Rieger-Kloss” company from the Czech city Krnov, a factory with strong traditions, well known for the instruments it produces, installed in many cities of the world. The Organ from Chisinau is an electromechanical one, of medium size, containing about 4000 pipes. The first concert was held on September 15, 1978, played by prominent Soviet organist Harry Y. Grodberg. That concert also featured local opera diva Maria Bieshu. Among the most important cultural events held here is the International Music Festival “Martisor,” International Classical Music Festival “Crescendo,” a festival of contemporary classical music “New Music Days.”