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Public Garden Stephen the Great (Central Park)

The central park in Chisinau, Moldova, is the oldest park in the country, covering approximately 7 hectares (17 acres). Originally designed in 1818 by Russian military engineers during the reign of Alexander I, the park has undergone several name changes over the years, including Alexander Garden (honoring Emperor Alexander II), Alexander Pushkin Park, and City Public Garden.

Under the guidance of architect Bogdan Eitner, the present-day alleys were established, featuring hundreds of acacias, limes, and flower beds. The park, initially enclosed by a wicker fence, was later surrounded by a cast-iron fence erected in 1868-1869, which still stands today. The park boasts seven entrances around its perimeter, hosting approximately 50 species of shrubs and trees, some dating back almost 200 years, including a towering acacia.

In 1885, the monument to the Russian poet A.S. Pushkin was unveiled in the Public Garden, considered today as the oldest preserved bust in the city. In 1958, the cornerstone of the Alley of the Classics of Romanian Literature was laid, initially featuring 12 bronze busts of classics on polished red granite posts. The current Alley of Classics has 29 busts of prominent personalities, and various cultural events are held there.

A significant masterpiece in the park is the monument to Stephen the Great and Holy, created by sculptor A. Plamadeala and architect A. Bernardazzi. Inaugurated in 1928, the monument commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Great Union of 1918.

Guarding one of the park entrances are two marble lions, their origin shrouded in mystery. Rumors suggest they belonged to a manor house, and after its destruction during World War II, the monuments were brought and installed in the Public Garden.

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