Orheiul Vechi
A limestone gorge carved by the Răut River, with cave monasteries cut into its cliffs. It is Moldova's most classic landscape.
The Răut River winds in a large loop here. On both sides of the gorge are Dacian fortresses, Golden Horde city ruins and medieval remains. The cave monastery carved into the cliffs still has monks, and you can enter it through a passage at the top, below the bell tower. The village of Butuceni in the valley below has guesthouses and traditional home-cooked food. The site is mostly free, while the museum charges admission. It is about 60 km from Chișinău. You can hire a car or take a bus to Trebujeni village.
Opening hours
All day (museum about 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Nearby sights
- Cricova Winery
- Țipova Monastery
- Pushkin House-Museum
- Cathedral of Christ's Nativity
- Maria Bieșu National Opera and Ballet Theatre
- Triumphal Arch, Chișinău
- Chișinău Central Market
- Organ Hall