Chisinau Historical Sites (Self Guided), Chisinau

Although the history of Chisinau accounts for just over 500 years, whilst that of Moldova, as a nation, even less than that – since 1991, Moldovan culture and language are deeply rooted in the ancient Roman tradition. Just as the Eternal City, Chisinau rests on seven hills – in the valley of the River Bic, and has a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf in the downtown area. Whereas most of Chisinau's attractions aren't found in any international tourist guides, they still have rather interesting stories behind them.

Chisinau Spring Monument – marks the birthplace of the city as a monastery village built around a small spring in 1436; reportedly this fact gave the city its name – the archaic Romanian word chișla means a "source of water", and nouă means "new".

Stephen the Great Monument – erected in 1927 to commemorate Moldova's prince Stefan cel Mare who fought against the Ottoman rule in the 15th century. The monument stands outside the park named in his honor.

The Nativity Cathedral – built in 1830-1836, symbolizes a new chapter in the history of Chisinau as the capital of Bessarabia within the Russian Empire.

Bell Tower – first built in 1830, the magnificent belfry was demolished by the Soviets in the 1960s; rebuilt in 1998.

Triumphal Arch – one of the key local landmarks, created in 1846 to celebrate Russia's victory in the Russo-Turkish War of 1806–1812.

Pushkin House Museum – a house in which Russian poet Alexander Pushkin lived during exile to Bessarabia in the 1820s.

Also in Chisinau there is a huge number of religious monuments of different periods, such the Armenian Church, Mazarachi Church and more.

To visit these and other notable attractions of Chisinau, take this self-guided walking tour.