Travel with Angela Lansbury: Moldova - which has the world's largest and most astonishing wine cellars with Putin, Biden and Merkel associations?

Flag of Moldova

Since Covid-19 tourism and travel have been restricted and reduced the countries we could visit. Now with reports of the danger that Russia might expand its plans of expanding military movements, Moldova is also facing an uncertain future. Currently, May 1st, 2022, Wikitravel reports that Moldova has closed its air space and declared a state of emergency.

But where is Moldova, and what are the tourist attractions? Let us at least look at them online whilst they are still at peace and intact.

Moldova is a neighbour of larger Ukraine, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania. The land of Moldova has changed hands several times.The country was landlocked until an agreement was reached to give it access to the sea. (The Black Sea.)

A quick glance at Wikipedia showed me an interesting landscape. Plus cave churches.

The country's name comes from the Moldova River. The capital is Chişinău (Russian Kishinyov, Ukrainian Kishiniv, pronounced "Kishinau" with "nau" as in the English word "know") is the capital of Moldova with a population of around 790,000 plus 250,000 people coming each day for work and entertainment from all over the country and abroad.

Now let's look at it in more detail.

The main attractions are the wineries, and a few public buildings and museums.

Go next[edit]

Nearby[edit]

Cricova – A Chişinău suburb close to the city. Famous for its fabulous winery with an underground cellar over 100 km long. An tour, including tasting the dishes in its restaurant, plus wine souvenir will cost you 500 lei. Tours must be booked before arriving. Tours booked on the same day as the tour do not include tasting of wine or food.
Ghidighici – A lake and Chişinău suburb close to the city in its northern part. It is 9 km. in length and at about 1 km. in width. Ghidighici is also, called as "Chişinău sea". There are many resorts and recreation facilities along its shores.
Orheiul Vechi – One of the most visited sites outside of Chisinau and a one-hour bus ride from the capital. It features a nature reserve, monasteries, museums, and archaeological sites.
Mileștii Mici – With over 200 km of underground roadways, Milestii Mici is registered in the Guinness World Records as the biggest wine collection in the world. It may be easier to book a tour through a travel agency as one must provide a car for the tour. Website, phone: +373 22 382 333.
Chișinău (Kishinyov) - capital - an administrative municipality. A nice city to walk around.

Bălți (Bieltsy) - pedestrian zone around the central square and old part of the city.

Soroca - called the "Romani (Gypsy) capital of Moldova." The hill on the west side of town has numerous ornately decorated Roma houses.
The city also boasts the Soroca fort built by Stefan cel Mare in 1499. It was an important link in the chain of fortifications which today are located in Moldova and Ukraine along the Nistru river. Hours can be sporadic especially in the winter.
Inside Soroca Fort, Moldova.
Soroco Fort, Moldova. the original was one of a series built by Peter the fourth, son of Stephen the Great whose statue is in the capital. The original wooden fort was replaced by a stone fortress. The circular shape is for better defence.
On the road into town, 5km (3 miles) to the south of Soroca there is a Monument called “The Candle of Gratitude”. reach the 29.5m (98 feet) summit by walking up the 600 stairs.

Tiraspol - Moldova's second largest city has a number of museums and a nice park along the Nistru river. Tiraspol is the capital of the region of Pridnestrovie.

Ungheni is also one of the most beautiful cities .
The Jewish history is interesting but grim. Two major pogroms. At one time in the capital before WW2 as much as 60% of its population was Jewish, decimated in WW2. A few Jews remain and there is a synagogue.
The country is poor. Its top three exports include seeds and wine.
Wine cellar, Moldova.