Commemorating the great Romanian ruler, Stefan cel Mare, the monument was set in Chisinau in 1928 by the decision of its sculptor A. Plamadeala. Since then the monument has moved several times traveling to the neighboring Romania and back forced by political situations. Only in 1991 did it occupy the current location on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard.

One of the most magnificent structures in the city of Chisinau is the Holy gates or the Arch of Triumph. Symbolising the victory of the Russian Army over the Turks, the Arch is a must visit tourist site in the city. Built in 1846, the Gates were designed by architect I. Zaushkevich. Standing tall, this grand structure is perfectly located on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and faces the Great National Assembly Square.
The Arch boasts a strikingly unique square architecture which makes the monument even more interesting. Displaying a classic design with ornately decorated Corinthian columns, the Arch wears a beautiful clock on its side that chimes every fifteen minutes. The Gate has a height of 13 meters and the entire structure is distinctly divided into two tiers. The bottom tier comprises four sturdy pylons decorated with the classic Corinthian columns which give the structure its regal look.
Although the architecture of the structure may strike as the most fascinating aspect of the Holy Gates, the story behind its construction is also quite captivating. After the Russians had won over the Turks, acting on a request from General M.S. Vorontsov, a participant of the war, Tsar Nikolai I ordered the making of bells from the canons captured from the Turks. These bells were to go onto the bell tower but on completion it became evident that the bells were too enormous for the tower and a separate belfry was to be constructed to commemorate the victory and to house the bells.

Right behind the Holy Gates stands a beautiful belfry, the 1998 exact replica of the original belfry built in 1830 at the same time with the Metropolitan Cathedral. The original belfry was demolished in the 1960's. It represents an important religious and historic sight. The belfry comprises four levels with a small chapel on the ground level and several bells at the top.

The structure that stands as one of the best examples portraying Russian architecture in the city is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Chisinau. Built in the early 19th century, the Cathedral was designed by architect Avraam Melnikov, one of the finest architects in the Russian empire. The construction of the magnificent structure was commissioned by Prince Mikhail Semyonovich Vorontsov, the governor of New Russia and Metropolitan Gavril Bănulescu-Bodoni. In fact, the city’s urban plan that was laid in 1817 was the first to display the Cathedral’s location and its basic architecture in the cruciform plan.
Taking into account, the importance of the structure, great care was taken for building to appear elegant, regal and timeless. Known for his many designs across the Russian Empire, Avraam Milnikov was hired to do the job. A master of the Neo classic style of architecture, the Cathedral that stands today boasts an eclectic style, with a combination of Byzantine touched with a hint of Renaissance on a Greek Cross, a brew for the perfect Neo classic structure.
However, despite the pain staking efforts put into making this immaculate Church, the damage caused to the structure due to war and riots are still being mitigated to this day. Nevertheless, the Cathedral is a must see in Chisinau. Today, it stands as the main centre of the Russian Orthodox Church in Downtown Chisinau.

The one place you wouldn’t want to miss out on is the Pushkin House Museum in Chisinau. Built in an elegant eclectic style, the Museum was declared a monument of national value by the city. Constructed in the early 18th century, the structure which houses the Museum today has served home to many over the years. One of its most valuable residents was A.S Pushkin. Pushkin, known as one of the greatest Russian romantic poet, came to Chisinau during his exile from the Russian Empire. Constantly irking the government, Pushkin was under constant scrutiny. During the fall of 1820, Alexander Pushkin sought out for this humble cottage to live away from the eye of the government. It is here that some of his best works were created.
The complex was not made a museum until the mid-20th century. However, the Museum that stands today consists not only of the house in which Pushkin briefly stayed but also branches off into the adjacent homes in the area. The Museum showcases typical arts and artefacts from the region. With objects brought in from Moscow and St. Petersburg, the Museum started off with only 300 objects in its display. However, it now possesses over 30,000 objects. One can tour through the some of the most breath taking works of Russian and European artist only at the Pushkin House Museum.

The Armenian Church was reportedly built on the remains of another church ruined by the invading Turks in the 18th century. The architectural style of the church is typical of the 18th century Moldova. Since then the church has undergone several restorations.

Although Chisinau may be a fairly recent addition to the list of tourist destinations in Europe it surely has won quite a following thanks to its rustic and exotic appeal combined with lush greenery. Honoured with the title of being the greenest city in Europe, Chisinau has definitely a lot to offer its visitors. Chisinau is a Romanian word that literally means new spring, (where chișla means "spring", "source of water" and nouă means “new"). It can be thus be concluded that city of Chisinau is believed to have developed around a spring. The foot of the hill that houses the Mazarachi Church, a stone marks the location of the spring, after which the city was christened.
The Mazarachi Church is one of the oldest structures in the city. A monument of national and historical importance, the Church was built by Vasile Măzărache in 1752. Boasting a typical medieval Moldovan style of architecture, the Church stands humbly overlooking the spring gave birth and helped in the growth of the city of Chisinau. Dedicated to the Mother of God or Mother Mary, the Mazarachi Church is one of the best examples for a Russian Orthodox Church in Chisinau. For tourists, this can be a good starting point for a historical tour of the city.

The stone block marking the location of the water spring that gave name to the city of Chisinau is set at the foot of the hill upon which stands Mazarache Church. The name of the spring - "chisla noua" - is believed to be the archaic Romanian for "new spring".

If you love setting out on long treks to explore the far corners of the city, Chisinau is the place to be. With its picturesque surroundings comprising of patches of greenery spread across the city and with ornate buildings of spectacular architecture perfectly complementing each other, the city truly mesmerises its visitors.
Known for hilly terrain, some of the best monuments of the Chisinau are located around these hills. One such structure is the Rascanu Church, which is perched on a hill top overlooking the Bâc River. Built in latter half of the 18th century, it is one of the national treasures of Chisinau. The Church is dedicated to Saint Emperors Constantin and Elena. Elena is credited with finding the relic of the “true cross” and therefore, standing with the cross by her side, Elena or Helena is represented in Christian iconography in this Church.
The Rascanu Church gets its name from the wealthy Boyar (noblemen) who commissioned the construction of the church in the first place, Boyar Constantin Rascanu. Known for its brilliant architecture, the Church is also famous in Chisinau for being the burial ground for many famous personalities of the country. Important families like the Roscanu, Donici, Catarji, Russo, etc. have found their final resting place here.