Sightseeing
Belfry
Right behind the Holy Gates stands a beautiful
belfry, the 1998 exact replica of the original belfry built in 1830 at the same
time with the Metropolitan Cathedral. The original belfry was demolished in the
1960's. It represents an important religious and historic sight. The belfry
comprises four levels with a small chapel on the ground level and several bells
at the top.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Chisinau
The architectural center piece of Chisinau, the
Metropolitan Cathedral, was built in 1836 designed by Avraam Melnikov. The
cathedral has a symmetrical neoclassical composition and boasts three altars
dedicated to three saints. The cathedral suffered serious damages during World
War II and has since undergone several reconstructions.
The Monument of Stefan Cel Mare
Commemorating the great Romanian ruler, Stefan
cel Mare, the monument was set in Chisinau in 1928 by the decision of its
sculptor A. Plamadeala. Since then the monument has moved several times
traveling to the neighboring Romania
and back forced by political situations. Only in 1991 did it occupy the current
location on Stefan cel Mare
Boulevard.
Holy Gates
Commonly known as the Arch of Triumph, the
Holy Gate was built in 1841 and represents a symbolic architectural landmark of
Chisinau. It is located on Stefan cel Mare
Boulevard, facing the Great National Assembly Square. The
monument is two storied with four Corinth
style columns and the upper level decorated in a classical style. There is a
big clock on the front facade of the arch.
Pushkin House Museum
The house in which Alexander Pushkin, the 19th
century Russian poet classic, resided for three years whilst in exile to
Chisinau is now a museum. Some of the poems he wrote during that period have
been acknowledged as marvels of the Russian literature. The house interior is
typical of the 19th century; among the exhibits there are original Pushkin's
manuscripts.
Armenian Church
The Armenian Church was reportedly built on
the remains of another church ruined by the invading Turks in the 18th century.
The architectural style of the church is typical of the 18th century Moldova. Since
then the church has undergone several restorations.
Rascanu Church
Dedicated to Saints Constantin and Elena, Rascanu Church
stands top of the hill overlooking the Bic River.
Built in the year 1777 by the rich boyar Constantin Rascanu, the church is now
recognized as an architectural monument. At the time it was built, the River
Bic was navigable and formed a large reservoir in front of the church. There is
a graveyard near the church in which some famous Moldovan personalities are
buried.
Mazarachi Church
Mazarachi
Church is considered to
be the oldest in Chisinau architectural masterpiece set in stone. The
construction dates back to 1752, the most productive period for Moldovan
architecture. The church represents an old-style Moldovan temple believed to be
unique of this region.
Chisinau Spring Monument
The stone block marking the location of the water spring that gave name to the city of Chisinau is set at the foot of the hill upon which stands Mazarache Church. The name of the spring - "chisla noua" - is believed to be the archaic Romanian for "new spring".
Chisinau Zoo
2072
Chisinau, dacia
blvd, 50/7
Phone:
(37322) 76-37-33, 56-73-31
Fax: (37322)
56-27-22
E-mail:
zookishinev@mail.ru
http://www.zoopark.md