Parliament Building, Chisinau

The Parliament Building, seat of Moldova’s national legislature, is one of the most recognizable examples of Soviet-era civic architecture in Chișinău. Now that we spend time in the city center, you will probably remember this building, too.

Constructed in 1976, it originally housed the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the then Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, so this was very much the center of political power in Soviet Moldova. After independence, the building became home of the Moldovan Parliament, where plenary sessions have been held since 1994.

Now, let's take a moment to study the façade. You probably notice that its broad, gently curved shape resembles an open book. Four tall vertical elements frame the main entrance, while the stone facing gives the whole building that solid, monumental character so typical of the Soviet administrative architecture.

If you lower your gaze toward the landscaped area in front, near the main steps, you will see the neatly trimmed shrubs spelling out the word “MOLDOVA.” That feature was added during the reconstruction of the complex after 2009.

Now, look back up toward the center of the façade. The large State Coat of Arms you see was installed there in 2016. Made mostly by hand from brass, it weighs over 600 kilograms and measures roughly 2.6 by 3.3 meters. Indeed, this is one of those details you can easily overlook unless you know to look for it specifically.

The building also has a fairly dramatic recent history. During the protests of April 2009, it was badly damaged, following which the Parliament had to meet elsewhere. Reconstruction began soon afterward, but was interrupted because of the lack of funds. Eventually resumed, it saw the Parliament finally return to this location in February 2014.

If you’re curious to see what lies behind the façade, guided visits can be arranged in advance. They usually include the Parliament Museum, Europa Hall, and the main plenary chamber. The museum displays photographs and important state documents, including a copy of Moldova’s Declaration of Independence.

For me, what makes this building particularly interesting is the contrast between its past and present. Its architecture belongs unmistakably to the Soviet era, so if you are an architecture buff or simply interested in Soviet-era legacy, you might definitely want to take a few photos of this building.