On 12 March 2026, a pilot urban tourist route was organized with the aim of testing and validating a new tourism product developed within the #PeoplePoweredTourism project.

The project promotes the development of sustainable tourism by valorising local heritage, involving the community and supporting small entrepreneurs, artisans and local initiatives that contribute to preserving the cultural identity of the municipality of Chișinău.

The pilot route was designed as a model of responsible and participatory tourism, where visitors not only discover the history of the city but also interact directly with local actors – artisans, entrepreneurs and local producers – thus contributing to supporting the local economy and promoting authentic traditions.

Through this initiative, the “People Powered Tourism” project aims to:

1. Promote the historical and cultural heritage of Chișinău;

2. Develop authentic tourism experiences;

3. Involve the local community in tourism activities;

4. Support the local economy and traditional crafts;

5. Create sustainable and replicable tourist routes.

The route included the following locations. The first stops highlighted the historical foundation of the city of Chișinău, while throughout the route examples of sustainable tourism were gradually presented through interaction with local entrepreneurs, artisans and initiatives that valorise the cultural and gastronomic heritage of the community.

1. The Foundation Stone of Chișinău – a symbolic place marking the founding of the city, an important historical landmark that can be further integrated into the urban tourist circuit.

2. The Armenian Apostolic Church – a heritage monument of significant historical value, reflecting the presence and contribution of the Armenian community to the development of Chișinău.

3. The Old Market Square of Chișinău – one of the oldest commercial areas of the city, which historically represented an important centre of economic and social exchange.

4. The Old Cathedral and the House of Teodor Șabău – an important ensemble reflecting the urban development of Chișinău during the 19th century.

5. The Red Mill – one of the most important economic landmarks of historic Chișinău, symbolising the city’s past commercial and industrial activity.

6. “Babă Neagră” Café (17 G. Vieru Street) – owner Mariana Zabrian.
   An inspiring example of the reinterpretation of a traditional food product, where the Moldovan dessert “babă neagră” is brought back into the spotlight in a space promoting the authenticity of local gastronomy and national culinary heritage.

7. Rareș Brewery (35 P. Rareș Street).
   A place with a special atmosphere where visitors can discover the legends and unique features of underground Chișinău, highlighting lesser-known elements of the city’s urban and historical heritage.

8. Folk artisans on Eugen Doga Pedestrian Street.
   A vibrant community of folk craftsmen who preserve and promote the cultural and artistic heritage of the Republic of Moldova through authentic creations, from decorative objects to traditional handmade products.

9. Grimovici Pottery Workshop – Ruslan and Carolina Grimovici (106 Columna Street).
   A creative space dedicated to traditional ceramics, where the artisans continue the tradition of pottery while offering visitors the opportunity to discover the creative process and symbolism of clay objects.

10. “Sălcioara” Restaurant – the Suveico family (Valeriu and Maria).
    A place with tradition and soul, offering an authentic and long-standing gastronomic experience while preserving the colours, aromas and genuine taste of Moldovan national cuisine, prepared from natural products and traditional recipes passed down through generations.

This pilot route represents an important step in the development of a sustainable urban tourism product, which highlights the cultural heritage of the city and directly involves the local community in creating tourism experiences.

Through this route, the #PeoplePoweredTourism project promotes authentic tourism experiences and community involvement in the development of responsible tourism in Chișinău.

#PeoplePoweredTourism #SustainableTourism #VisitChisinau #FolkArtisans #Crafts #Culture #History #Heritage #Chisinau590