Famous cities

The capital of the Republic of Moldova, city of Chisinau, is the main administrative, economic, scientific and cultural center of the Republic of Moldova. Situated in

a picturesque environment, on seven hills, Chisinau is impressing local citizens and guests of the city. It is situated in latitude 47'2" North and longitude 28'50" East, occupying 120 square km. The capital of the Republic of Moldova counts almost one million citizens. Chisinau is divided in five administrative sectors-Botanica, Buiucani, Center, Ciocana and Riscani and has its own flag and coat of arms.
Among the most awaited holidays of city folks is Day of the City, celebrated in October.
For the first time Chisinau was mentioned in papers in a master's charter.
In the XlXth century the plan of growth of the city was developed. Many buildings were designed and built in a beautiful architectural frame, a lot of which embellish the city till nowadays. In 1836 the construction of the Cathedral and Belfry was finished.
During soviet time, the Belfry was demolished and only after regaining the independence, following the initiative of renowned people, the Municipality of Chisinau and thousands of citizens, the Belfry was rebuilt and the Cathedral was renovated.
During last years the capital of Moldova definitely changed its appearance. The following streets were renovated: Ismail, Ceucari, Ciuflea, new trolleybus-lines were opened to the Gate of the City, South Station, Posta Veche, Old Buiucani, Durlesti. New cultural centers were opened: "House of Romanian Language", Eminescu Academic Center, "Petru Movila" Cultural Center.
The Alley of Classics in the heart of Chisinau is a unique place in the world. In the last years the new busts of great writers were added here - Nichita Stanescu, Octavian Goga, George Cosbuc, George Bacovia, Mihail Sadoveanu. The monuments to Mihai Eminescu, Vasile Alecsandri, Petru Movila, Ion and Doina Aldea-Teodorovici were successfully added to city architecture line.
Chisinau is the cultural center of the republic. During 30 years here were held the International Festival "Martisor", the international opera festival "Maria Biesu", International ballroom dances festival, where "Codreanca" team is performing marvelously, humor festival "Danila Prepeleac". Inhabitants of the city are proud of the municipal puppet-show "Guguta", "Satiricus" theatre, Creative Association "Buciumul", Theater of one actor.
The pride of our city and all the national culture are prominent figures such as Maria Cebotari, Alexei Mateevici, Tamara Ciobanu, Maria Biesu, Nicolae Sulac, Nico-ae Botgros, Gheorghe Esanu, Serghei Lunchevici, Maria Dragan, Grigore Vieru, Spiridon Vangheli, Dumitru Matcovschi, Mihai Cimpoi, Eugeniu Ureche, Veniamin Apostol, Domnica Darienco, Constantin Constantinov, Ecaterina Cazimirova, Mihai Grecu, Glebus Sainciuc, Valentina Rusu-Ciobanu, Mihai Muntean, Ion Paulencu, Dumitru Gheorghita, Vasile Zagorschi, Ion and Doina Aldea-Teodorovici, Petre Teodorovici, Ion Dumeniuc, Liviu Deleanu, Liviu Damian, Ion Vatamanu, Vladimir Curbet, Eugen Doga, Ion Druta, Nelli Cameneva, Ion Suruceanu, Mihai Dolgan, Liubomir lorga, Vasile lovu, Ion C. Ciobanu and many others.
Chisinau is an European city. Large and bright streets and boulevards, buried in verdure parks and alleys, buildings of modern architecture along houses with traditional-popular trends give the city a special colour.
Still the main feature of Chisinau is its hospitality. The city that is always open to guests of the capital of the Republic of Moldova and being glad to everyone that comes to admire its beauty.



Photos of Chișinău (by Vasile Botnaru, Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty's office in the Republic of Moldova)