Where is Moldova?

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The location of Moldova

Moldova is located in a unique corner of Europe. The country is wedged between Romania in the west and Ukraine in the north, east, and south. Although it is only a few hundred kilometers away from the Black Sea, Moldova itself has no coastline. This makes it one of the few European countries that is completely landlocked.

The landscape consists of gently rolling hills, fertile valleys, and vast vineyards. In spring the fields turn a fresh green, while in autumn a golden glow lies over the hills. It is precisely this fertile soil that explains why Moldova has been known as a wine country for centuries.

A country with a complex history

To truly understand Moldova, you need to go back in time. For centuries, this area was part of the historical Principality of Moldavia, which stretched from the Carpathians to the Black Sea. Later, the country became entangled in the power games of great empires: the Russian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and eventually the Soviet Union.

Since independence in 1991, Moldova has been seeking its own path. That history has left deep marks on its culture. You feel the Romanian influence in the language and traditions, but also the Russian presence in the architecture, gastronomy, and Orthodox religion. The result is a unique mix that is rarely seen elsewhere in Europe.

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Chișinău, the Heart of Moldova

Anyone arriving in Moldova almost always lands in Chișinău, the capital. At first glance it may not be a city that overwhelms you with grandeur; the wide boulevards and blocks of Soviet-style apartments appear rather austere. But those who look closer discover rose-filled parks, lively markets, and a surprisingly modern nightlife.

In the evening the terraces and wine bars come alive. Here you can taste the famous Moldovan wines, often produced in centuries-old underground cellars. Cricova and Mileștii Mici – two enormous wine cellars beneath the city – are among the largest in the world. Guided tours take you through kilometers of tunnels filled with wooden barrels and millions of bottles of wine.

Discover Chișinău

Beyond the Capital: Monasteries and Nature

Beyond Chișinău another Moldova unfolds. One of the most beautiful places is Orheiul Vechi, a spectacular monastery complex carved into cliffs high above the river. The view is breathtaking: the river winds through the valley while Orthodox monks still pray in the caves.

Further north lies Soroca, famous for its medieval fortress and the Roma community that built colorful villas there. In the west you will find the monasteries of Căpriana and Hîncu, where the rhythm of monastic life is still tangible. And everywhere, between the villages and forests, you discover a landscape that has remained surprisingly unspoiled.

The Unique World of Transnistria

One of the most intriguing experiences is a visit to Transnistria, a breakaway region on the eastern side of the country. Officially it does not exist – no country recognizes its independence – but in practice Transnistria has its own flag, currency, and even an army.

In the capital Tiraspol, it feels as if you step back into Soviet times. Lenin looks down from the squares at passersby, streets are named after communist heroes, and old Ladas rumble along wide boulevards. For Western travelers it feels almost like a time machine, a glimpse into a world that has disappeared elsewhere.

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Moldova as a Wine Country

Few people know that Moldova is among the oldest wine regions in the world. For more than two thousand years, people have cultivated grapes here, and the tradition is still very much alive. The country is home to thousands of small winemakers, as well as gigantic cellars that run beneath entire villages.

In October, the National Wine Festival is celebrated, during which the streets of Chișinău turn into a huge open-air festival full of music, dance, and of course wine tastings. For wine lovers, this is the perfect time to visit Moldova.

Discover the wineries of Moldova

Practical Information for Travelers

Traveling to Moldova is easier than you might think. From European cities such as Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Vienna, Paris, or Istanbul you can fly to Chișinău International Airport in just a few hours. From neighboring Romania, a night train runs to the capital – an adventurous way to travel.

The official language is Romanian, but many Moldovans also speak Russian. English is increasingly spoken, especially by young people and in the tourism sector. The currency is the Moldovan Leu (MDL), and prices are significantly lower than in Western Europe, making Moldova an affordable destination.

Moldova has warm summers and cold winters. The best time to travel is spring and autumn, when the temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its most beautiful.

More about Moldova

A Country Waiting to be Discovered

So, where is Moldova? Hidden in the heart of Eastern Europe, between Romania and Ukraine, without a sea, without a big name in the travel world, but with a character all its own. Moldova is a place where ancient traditions and modern influences meet, where time sometimes seems to stand still, and where as a traveler you truly feel you are discovering something special.

Those who visit Moldova return not only with photos of monasteries and wine cellars, but with stories. Stories of hospitable families inviting you in for a glass of wine, of markets where life unfolds in full color, and of a country that only reveals its secrets to those willing to look beyond the beaten path.

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