From an architectural perspective, a triumphal arch is a monument in the form of an arched portico, featuring one or [..]
Triumphal Arch
From an architectural perspective, a triumphal arch is a monument in the form of an arched portico, featuring one or more arches, constructed to commemorate a significant event or honor a notable personality. For urban planning purposes, it is typically situated in one of the city squares, marking the axis of the main thoroughfare or serving as the epicenter of urban infrastructure.
The construction of triumphal arches continued into modern times, and they can now be found in various European capitals, including Chisinau.
Some intriguing details from the biography of this historical monument:
Historic Chisinau once had several triumphal arches, but only one survives today. The existing arch, designed by Odessa architect Luka Zaușchevici in 1841, took inspiration from the eponymous construction in Rome.
Throughout its history, the monument has undergone several name changes: Arch of Triumph, Arch of Victory (during Soviet times), and Holy Gates.
The present-day Triumphal Arch in Chisinau, an integral part of the architectural complex in the city center, is constructed from polished white stone, square in shape, with four openings. It aligns with the main axis of the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of God (1830) and the Cathedral Bell Tower (1835). Standing at 13 meters tall, the monument features ceramic ornaments and capitals imitating the Corinthian style. Its base consists of four massive Corinthian pillars, set on special perches that serve as pedestrian walkways. The upper level is adorned in classical style.
Craftsman Vasily Losenko from Kyiv gubernia cast three bells, including a massive 6.4-ton bell, the city’s largest, for the Nativity Cathedral Bell Tower. The bells bear inscriptions such as “By the kind permission of Tsar Nikolai I in 1838” and “For the Nativity Cathedral in Chisinau.” Due to the oversized bell, a triumphal arch was erected, also serving as a bell tower to commemorate the Russian army’s victory in the Russo-Turkish war. The giant bell was installed on the second level of the Arc de Triomphe in August 1839.
Both the bells in Chisinau and some for churches in Ismail were cast from Turkish cannons captured by A. Suvorov (1729-1800) during the military actions of Ismail (1790).
Constantin Ivanov from Chișinau undertook the responsibility to repair the bells for the sum of 1000 rubles, leaving his property as collateral in case of failure.
Inside one of the pillars of the Triumphal Arch in Chisinau, there is a metal ladder leading to the second level, where the clock is situated. The first clock, acquired from donations by Bessarabia governor Pavel Fyodorov, was purchased from craftsman Helzel in Odessa and installed on 3 August 1839. Between 1842-1849, the clock was maintained by clockmaker Spiller. In 1880, the clock was replaced by another from the Hertz factory in the German city of Ulm. The clock struck every quarter of an hour. During the beginning of the Second World War, the clock was destroyed in an explosion and later repaired in 1942 for 18,000 lei.
In 1945, marble memorial plaques were affixed to the Arch of Triumph in Chisinau, dedicated to Soviet patriotic scenes of the Second World War and the names of Soviet Union heroes who fought on the territory of Soviet Moldova. These inscriptions were removed in 1991.
The Arch of Triumph in Chisinau is acclaimed as one of the five most beautiful triumphal arches in the world.
A traveler-monument, inaugurated on April 29, 1928, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Union of Bessarabia with [..]
The monument of Stephen the Great and Holy
A traveler-monument, inaugurated on April 29, 1928, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania. In June 1940 he was moved to Romania, and in 1942 – brought back to Chisinau, in 1944 – moved again. A year later it was brought back and reinstalled in Chisinau. Author – the sculptor Alexandru Plămădeală.
Widely known as the Water Tower, it was reopened in the autumn of 2011, after a break of almost 10 [..]
Museum of the City of Chisinau (Water Tower)
Widely known as the Water Tower, it was reopened in the autumn of 2011, after a break of almost 10 years… Although it has been partially damaged over the years, the building was rebuilt according to the images dated in the 1980-1983 years period, except for the fire-pit at the top, originally built of wood, later re-shaped from stone.
The construction of the Tower began in 1860, and was finished only after 28 years – in 1888 (its doors being opened even later – in 1892), when Carol Schmidt became mayor of Chisinau. He, together with architect Alexander Bernardazzi, built two water towers, only one of which has survived to the present day.
The Water Tower can boast about being one year younger than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its height is 27m.
The tower has 4 permanent exhibition halls. The oldest exhibit is a clay vessel from the 4th century AD.
The monument is named “Requiem for Love,” or, as locals refer to it, “Two Twin Hearts.” It is situated at [..]
The monument of Ion and Doina Aldea-Teodorovici
The monument is named “Requiem for Love,” or, as locals refer to it, “Two Twin Hearts.” It is situated at the central entrance of the “Valea Morilor” park, opposite the State University. Inaugurated in 1999, on the 7th anniversary of the passing of the famous couple of musicians, singers, composers, and patriots of the nation. The sculptor behind this creation is Iurie Canașin.
The building of the Organ Hall has a unique beauty. Initially, the Organ Hall building was designed as the City [..]
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.”
– Come to the market, come to the market! That’s what the merchants were shouting, inviting people to shop in [..]
Central Market
– Come to the market, come to the market! That’s what the merchants were shouting, inviting people to shop in the markets of Chisinau.
The largest market in the city is the Central Market, and its history begins in the mid-19th century.
By the 60s of the last century Chisinau became the commercial centre of the governorate; here there was intense trade in yard, bazaars, dughene.
The Saint. Dumitru was the oldest, being established in 1829. It was held annually in October at Ciuflea Square.
Apart from the market fair, there was a growing trade at the daily markets. At the Old Market and Elijah’s Market, only food was sold. Food was sold at the New Market (opened in 1825), considered the great-grandmother of today’s Central Market.
In 1861, there were 4,000 merchants registered in Bessarabia, of which more than 1,000 were doing business in Chisinau.
The Chisinau merchants in particular traded with rich landowners and peasants, as well as with merchants from elsewhere.
Now you can buy everything from clothes and food to household and repair items in the Central Market.
At the end of the 19th century, the Chisinau railway station held paramount significance as the city’s most crucial edifice, [..]
Railway Station
At the end of the 19th century, the Chisinau railway station held paramount significance as the city’s most crucial edifice, owing to the fact that, during that era, the fastest and most pivotal mode of transportation was the railway.
The initial construction of the railway station occurred in the 1870s, with some records indicating the erection of a provisional wooden structure in its early stages.
The subsequent station building was completed in the late 1870s, following the architectural design by Ghenry Lonski.
Historical accounts vary regarding the inaugural arrival of the first train at the station. While some assert it transpired on August 15, 1871, others contend it took place on August 28 of the same year. The discrepancy might be attributed to the utilization of either the new or old style calendar. Nevertheless, what holds significance is that this event transpired in August 1871, marking the commencement of railway history in Bessarabia during that period. The inaugural train journey originated from Odessa.
The station building, constructed in a rectangular layout, featured brick-lined facades. The central facade exhibited a sizable opening with a semicircular arch-niche, supported by a triple arch at the main entrance.
On July 29, 2004, the station square became home to two distinctive monuments — one being an old locomotive with serial number 1469, situated beneath the bridge adjacent to the station. This locomotive, which once operated the Ungheni to Cornești route until 1969, was manufactured in Poznan, Poland. Following a two-month restoration, it now serves as an open-air exhibit.
The station building faced adversity during wartime, particularly in 1941 when it was attacked by the Red Army. Despite partial restoration, it succumbed to complete destruction in 1944 due to bombing raids.
In 1948, architects A. Shchusev and L. Ciuprin undertook the reconstruction of the station, utilizing stone for construction and brick for finishing. Among the subsequent structures erected in proximity was the tram pavilion, constructed in 1976 adjacent to the station building. Another round of reconstruction commenced on July 30, 2003, focusing on the roof above the departure pavilions.
Monastery ,,Saint Great Martyr Teodor Tiron” (Ciuflea) (1854-1858)
It is the only convent of nuns in the territory of Chișinău. Its cathedral is a white stone temple with [..]
Monastery ,,Saint Great Martyr Teodor Tiron” (Ciuflea) (1854-1858)
It is the only convent of nuns in the territory of Chișinău. Its cathedral is a white stone temple with nine gilded domes and was built at the request of brothers Teodor (1796-1854) and Anastasie (1801-1870) Ciufli, based on the design of architect Luca Zaușchevici. It is popularly known as “Ciuflea Monastery.” The construction of the cathedral began in 1854 and was completed in 1858. The founders of this holy place, brothers Teodor and Anastasie, are buried near the south wall, as evidenced by the inscription on the marble slab inside the cathedral of the monastery. A tragic event, related to the First Jewish Pogrom in Chișinău, is also associated with this holy place. The pogrom began on Easter Day, 6 April 1903, in front of Ciuflea Cathedral, where Jewish shops and stores were located. The pogrom lasted three days: 6, 7, and 8 April 1903. These days coincided with Orthodox Christian Easter. According to the Jewish calendar, the first day corresponded to the last day of Pesach (Passover), called “Acharon shel Pesach.” The pogrom in Chișinău attracted attention from the Jewish world, Russia, and the entire civilized world due to a new element: people being killed. Previously, in the pogroms of 1881-1882 in southern Russia, the defining element had been robbery. This time, however, there was murder — a type of murder that had not occurred in pogroms for about 250 years. During the Chișinău pogrom, 51 people were killed, including 49 Jews (24 women and children), over 300 were wounded (75 of them seriously), and about 800 Jewish homes and shops were destroyed, damaged, or looted. The former cathedral, now the Monastery of Saint Great Martyr Teodor Tiron, remained a beacon of the ancestral Orthodox faith throughout the difficult years of Soviet atheism (1962-2002). On 2 May 2008, the Icon of Our Lady ” Panagia Portaitissa ” was brought to Ciuflea Monastery from Mount Athos. The icon is currently kept in the Winter Church of the monastery. A small part of the Holy Relics of the Great Martyr Teodor Tiron is also kept here.
The urban mansion at 62 Bucharest Street, known as the Râșcanu-Derojinski mansion, was once a splendid monument of national significance [..]
The Râșcanu-Derojinski urban mansion
The urban mansion at 62 Bucharest Street, known as the Râșcanu-Derojinski mansion, was once a splendid monument of national significance that adorned the historic center of the capital for decades. Constructed in the 1870s according to the design by city architect Alexander Bernardazzi, this manor belonged to the noblewoman Catherine Rascanu-Derozhinskaya.
The Rîșcanu family, one of the oldest noble families in Moldova, originated from the Teleajna valley in Vaslui. The family was first mentioned in an official historical document dating back to 1500, recording members in a uric of Stephen the Great. Presently, their name is associated with a district in Chisinau – Rîșcani.
The building comprised two floors, featuring 18 rooms and additional household annexes. The total area of the structure was 2,924.3 sq.m., and the land covered 1,766.3 sq.m. In the mid-20th century, the building underwent transformation into the seat of the legislative body of the R.S.S.M. – the Supreme Soviet. A new amphitheatre-shaped wing was added while preserving the overall architecture. Subsequently, the building served as the headquarters for the Science Society.
Today, the edifice is gradually experiencing a revival, taking on a new life.
The chapel of the Bessarabian Zemstva’s high school for girls was built in 1895, with Teodor Krupensky and his daughter [..]
Saint Theodora of Sihla Church (1895)
The chapel of the Bessarabian Zemstva’s high school for girls was built in 1895, with Teodor Krupensky and his daughter Euphrosinia, who was married to Prince Viazemski of Russia, as its founders. The architect of the Byzantine-style project was Alexander Bernardazzi.
The consecration of the chapel did not take place for another 27 years due to a tragic event in its altar, that made it impossible to continue using it, the gymnasium having at the time another chapel built in its courtyard. It was consecrated only in 1922, and was given the name “St. Theodore Tiron” of the “Regina Maria” High School for Girls. During the USSR regime, the Chisinau Museum of Atheism was opened here.
Only after the independence of the Republic of Moldova, the church was returned to the parishioners and received a new name – Saint Theodora of Sihla. The stone under the bas-relief of A. Bernardazzi, which is located on an outer wall of the church, was brought from the cave in the area of Neamț (Romania), where St. Theodora lived in the sixtystery.
At the end of the 19th century, the then-mayor of the city, Karol Schmidt, initiated the construction of a new [..]
Chisinau City Hall building
At the end of the 19th century, the then-mayor of the city, Karol Schmidt, initiated the construction of a new headquarters for the City Duma (town hall) on the site previously occupied by the fire station. The design was entrusted to the city architect Mitrofan Elladi. The renowned architect Alexandru Bernardazzi supervised the construction, which was completed in 1902.
In 1941, the building was destroyed by retreating Soviet troops. The Romanian administration managed to rebuild it by 1944, but in August of that year, during the Iasi-Chisinau operation, the building was again destroyed in the bombings.
After the war, Robert Kurtz, the city’s chief architect (1944-1951), was appointed head of reconstruction. Work on the site took place between 1946 and 1948, but the local administration did not return to the building until 1951.
Robert Kurtz restored the building to its original appearance, with one change: smaller towers were added above the main entrance, replacing the original larger ones.
The Chisinau City Hall building is a national architectural and historical monument, registered in the Register of Historical and Cultural Monuments of Chisinau.
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