Rascanu Church, Chisinau

Known for its hilly terrain, Chisinau city has some of its best monuments located on the hills. One such monument, the Church of Constantin and Elena, is perched on the top of the hill overlooking the Bâc River. Originally known as the Rascanu Church, this orthodox temple was built in 1777 with the money donated by affluent Iasi-born landowner Constantine Rascanu, master of the eponymous Rascanu village, which at that time was part of Orhei county and today is incorporated in the Rascanu sector of Chisinau.

The building features ancient Moldovan church style. In 1834, at the request of Constantine Rascanu's son (Iorgu Rascanu), to perpetuate the memory of Constantine, it was named for Saint Emperors Constantine and Elena, the latter of whom is credited with finding the relic of the “true cross.” In the XIX century, the church's graveyard served as cemetery for the nearby village of Visterniceni and was the burial ground for many famous personalities of Bessarabia. Important families like the Donici, Catarji, Russo and others have found their final resting place here.

In the 1970s, most of the graves were relocated to the new city cemetery Doina in order to clear land for the new construction development, including that of the Chisinau State Circus. The Rascanu family gravestones were retained, though, but moved closer to the church.

After the proclamation of Moldova's independence in 1992, the church has obtained a new wooden iconostasis with a stone wall, crafted by famous artist, cartoonist and filmmaker Rolan Vieru. The building itself also sustained some modifications - a new porch was added and the roof was slightly reshaped. Presently, the church of Constantine and Elena remains an active place of worship and a major tourist sight in Chisinau.