Discovering the Republic of Moldova

As the information regarding Moldova is quite limited, the blog has an important role for people that are intending to visit the country and spend an amount of time in the most beautiful and attractive places.

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Fata Padurii - Dacian Creature

Fata Padurii ("the Forest Girl") is a demon that lures young men into the woods, where it kills them. She has two faces: when she first shows herself to a man, she is a young and very beautiful woman, tall, thin, with big, black eyes that shine into the starlight, curved eyebrows, ruddy cheeks and long, dark hair. After she mesmerizes the victim with her beauty, Fata Padurii turns into a hideous and scary monster, she kills the boy and eats his heart. She only appears at night and never leaves the woods, so she doesn't attack human villages.

This monster is a symbol for a maturity test which all young men have to face: discovering love. The deadly threat of the demon warns the lad that love can have a dangerous side, at the same time with the beautiful one. There is a masculine counterpart for her in the dacian mythology, who appears to young women. His name is Zburatorul ("the Flying Man"), but he is less dangerous and aggressive than Fata Padurii. The romanian folklore contains several superstitions related to this demon: you shouldn't whistle or sing in the woods at night and you shouldn't fall asleep near a burning fire, as these signs might attract the monster.

Fata Padurii is the daughter of Muma Padurii ("the Mother of the Woods") and Paduroiul. Her parents are enemies and she doesn't love any of them either. She stole from her mother the spell which makes her beautiful, and from her father - the magic ivy that she uses to trap her victims. She eats her prey's heart not only as a trophy, but because she needs it for the transformation spell to work and turn her into a young woman.

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Varzareshti Monastery

Vărzăreşti is a monastery, one of the most important monastic settlements in Moldova. It is mentioned in a document signed by Alexandru cel Bun from April 25, 1420: "With God blessing, Alexander, Voievod of Moldavia, we make everyone known by our book to all who see or hear will be reading ... and boundaries of these villages are Bucovăţ start at his monastery VARZARI . founder of the monastery was Stan VARZARI and remain with this name - the village and monastery - Vărzăreşti. "- Alexandru cel Bun. The monastery is located on the hill between the village and the town Nisporeni Vărzăreşti. This monastery is considered the oldest monastery in Moldova.

The monastery was destroyed by Tatars repeatedly, was rebuilt in 1796 and restored by Archpriest Constantine Măcărescu with his father Basil (in   monachism - Barlaam). In time of reconstruction there were used morphologic decorative elements of neoclassical architecture. Since it will be left to the gospel Paschalion from 1742 and 1793, reaching the museum after 1918 in Chisinau. A second church was rebuilt in 1863. At the beginning of the twentieth century hermitage possesses an estate of 210 ha.

Here are the most important years for Varzareshti Monastery:

1801: The Stan brothers, Arteni and Gabriel Varzari have given Ţigăneşti estate to monastery. 1805: Arghiri and Ana Iancu, George and Paraskeva had given another Ţigăneşti estate 1815: Hermitage monastery estate was one of the nuns, and some nuns were moving from Cosăuţi monasteryafter it's abolishment by the Russians. 1835: There was built a bell tower. 1860: Simeon Dobrinschi has given to monastery700 rubles, which were used for making iconcostasis. 1863: There was built a stone church. 1904: Archimandrite Inochentie, former abbot of Hârbovăț, made at monestry a convent school for girls. At June 10, 1959 holy place was closed. The monastery was converted into a warehouse, then in the house of culture. 1990: The monastery starts to activate again.

Varzareshti Monastery abbots:

Constantin Măcărescu (1770-1800) Abbot Ioan (1800-1808) Archimandrite Victor (1808-1815) Nun Singlitichia (1815-1817) Nun Nazaria (1817-1819) Nun Anisia Pancarenco (1835-1860) Nun Olga Prokopieva (1862- 1865) Abbey Olimpiada Dogaru (1865-1881) Nun Fevronia Haiducu (1881- 1888) Abbey Augustina Cerednicenco (1888- 1916) Nun Evlavia Frunză (1916- 1940) Nun Platonida Cealâc (1943- 1959) Priest Vasile Plăcintă (1990) Priest Sergei Novac (1991-2000) Nun Gheorghia (2000-nowadays)

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Ciuflea Monastery

Monastery of St. Great Martyr Teodor Tiron  in Chisinau, colloquially known as the Monastery Ciuflea is a nunnery monastery in Republic of Moldova. In the Soviet period (early 60s - late 80s, XX century) Ciuflea church was the only Orthodox church in Chisinau that activated officially. The monastery is an architectural monument of national importance, being introduced in the "Register of historical and cultural monuments of Chisinau", on the initiative of the Academy of Sciences.

Monastery Cathedral was built between 1854-1858 by the brothers Theodore (1796-1854) and Anastasia (1801-1870) Ciuflea. It is a temple of white stone, with nine gold domes. The first parish church was arch-priest John Butuc. In 1962 the church "St. M. Mc. Teodor Tiron" became Cathedral Episcopal parish was arch-priest Valentin Grove. After his death of in 1968, the parish became arch-priest George Muşcinschi. In 1972 there where started the overhaul of the Cathedral, initially trustees church: Gordei Cotlearenco (1970-1972) and Alexander Gurschi (1972-1990). Restoring of damaged mural picturewas conducted by A.I. Burbela. The painting was executed in Vasneţov style.

On 17 July 2002, after request of the monastic community and the report of Metropolitan Vladimir, the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church blessed the status of the monastery. On 8 August 2002, the day commemorating St. M. Mc. Healer Panteleimon, Monastery received the Certificate of Registration Number. 1652, issued by the State Service for Religious Denominations and signed by the director of Sergey Iatco. By Metropolitan Decree, the spiritual function-manager of the newly established monastery was blessed mitrofor priest Teodor Rosca, who served there as a housekeeper (1992-1994), deputy parish (1994-1998) and Parish (1998 2002) of the former cathedral. Over time in the monastery were brought many icons, considered miraculous, and relics of saints.

The monastery is subordinated to the Moldovan Metropoly and keep the old rite. The masses are done after typical monasteries evening and morning, every day.

So far, besides the monastery cathedral there was completed the construction of the monastery administrative office block, comprising: Winter church "St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel"; hermitages for the monks and obedient; Ecclesiastical Art Museum; kitchen; refectory; attires and other areas required for monastic life and work.

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Natural Reservation Molești-Răzeni

Forest Natural Reservation "Molești-Răzeni" is a protected area with surfaces occupied by oak, as the dominant species, composed of stands and few other areas with clearings. This area was established under Government Decision Moldova no. 5 of 8 January 1975, assigned to the category of valuable forests protected areas. Because of human unorganized resting the herbaceous and soil covering is affected.

The reservation is located in the south Ialoveni at the administrative border with Hînceşti and Causeni regions. It covers a stretch of 15 km between villages Răzeni and Moleşti. Natural Reservation is intersected by the M3 road. Distance to the district center, Ialoveni City, is 22 km to the capital, Chisinau - 24 km (Răzeni).

While studying the floristic composition there were identificated about 200 species of vascular plants, of which 18 species of trees, 13 species of shrubs and 169 species of herbs (including 15 rare plant species, four of this species of vascular plants are included in Red Book of Moldova).

The grove is represented by: sessile oak (Quercus petraea), oak (Quercus robur), linden (Tilia tomentosa, T. cordata), ash (Fraxinus excelsior) etc .; carpinus (Carpinus orientalis) wich is included in the Red Book, but Sorbus torminalis and Sorbus aucuparia are classified as Moldavian rare flora plants.

Shrubs is represented by species that grow solitary and some of them that form thickets: Cotinus (Cotinus coggygria), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), corn (Cornus mas) buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), dog-rose (Rosa spinosissima, Rosa canina), hawthorn ( Crataegus monogyna), soft chain (Euonymus europaea), dogwood (Swida sanguinea); bladdernut (Staphylea pinnata) is a species of rare plants.

The grassy coating consists of about 167 species of vascular plants, including 15 species of rare plants, including the atom three plant species included in the Red Book: doronicum (Doronicum Hungaricum), fritillaria (Fritillaria meliagroides), Sicilian honey lily (Nectaroscordum dioscoridis).

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Autumnal 2015 - Moldavian Contemporary Art Exhibition at Constantin Brancusi Gallery

The inspiration behind Moldavian Contemporary Art embodies a rich mix of sources, from all around the globe, from past and present, from indigenous cultures and even from lost civilizations. The value of rich associations from other times and places translates into sophisticated, eclectic designs that are both contemporary and traditional. The result is an atlas of modern artworks, of style through diversity presented at Autumnal 2015 Exhibition at Constantin Brancusi Gallery in Chisinau.

Autumnal 2015 Contemporary Collection fuses modern, traditional, and ethnic design, not so much as to contrast them as to show that the fluid simplicity of ethnic and traditional styles from as far and wide as Africa, Asia and South America, is akin to the minimalism of contemporary Western design. By integrating the traditional and aged with the modern and new, Autumnal 2015 Exhibition seeks to create a dynamic fusion of sense of timelessness, harmony and balance. There is a synergy between the bold, organic and colorful ethnic patterns and styles, which complements the understated shapes and lines of today’s modern art fashioned with a contemporary edge.

The global sources from which the Autumnal 2015 Contemporary design aesthetic is drawn has a universal appeal, enhanced by the materials prominently featured in the collection. These materials: exotic woods, stone, metal, earth, textiles and fibers, represent the natural elements. These raw materials are those of our ancestors, and the threads of our ancestral memory weave us together in appreciation of their rugged durability and soothe us with their comforting warmth and intimacy. In this technological age, nature draws us into its own web. Moldavian Contemporary Designs inspire us to reconnect with nature’s textures, scents and colors, and invites us to create a peaceful haven from this fast paced world, a living space centered on contemporary sensual natural interiors.

Autumnal 2015 Exhibition’s focus on natural material lends itself to interiors that minimize clutter and accentuate organic simplicity, a signature of contemporary style. The creative dialogue between the global styles represented, fusing the modern and traditional aesthetics, creates a stimulating visual tapestry. Alternative's fusion design reinvigorates the heart, body and mind with its universal resonance, fueled by the essence and power of the natural elements from which Moldavian Contemporary Design stems.

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Prut Toltrels

Prut Toltres (Toltrele Prutului), also known as Prut Rocks (Stâncile Prutului), are a chain of limestone reef formations, over a distance of about 200 km along the middle of Prut river in Moldova. It starts from Criva, near the northern border area of the country and continues to Cobani, 200 km further south. They are natural monuments and protected by law. These chains are made of limestone reefs of corals, mollusks, clams, algae and other marine organisms that filled the Tortonian and Sarmatic tropical seas 10 - 20 millions years ago.

Prut rocks are concentrated on a small area in the small basins of rivers Larga, Vilia, Lopatnicul, Draghişte, Racovăţul, Ciuhurul and Camenca flowing into the Middle Prut. Although heavily fragmented in several places, chains reefs are present today as a unitary structure spanning a distance of almost 200 km. So if we want to locate the rocks, which are not directly in Prut River, but in the basin of its affluents, at a distance of a few kilometers from the left bank of the Prut.

15-20 million years ago, Moldova was covered by Sarmatian Sea. The waters of this sea were life soaking and were inhabited and traversed by million very diverse organisms, some similar to those that currently dominate the warm seas and other creatures that bore no resemblance to today. In the depths of the sea, fish swimming among seaweed, jellyfish and crustaceans, waves were furrowed dolphins and sharks following their easy prey, and in estuaries of rivers hippos grazing grasses halophile limans since. The sea withdrew long ago and today paleontologists can study that treasure stoned in time, today unveiled on coastal hills and valleys, especially along rivers, at the foot of secular woods.

Chains of limestone reefs from the Northen Moldova have the same genesis as the great coral chain in Australia, which is almost entirely under water coming out of ocean peaks at a height of 2-5 m, but the coral fossils occurring in Prut rocks reach or pass rate of one hundred meters and, thanks to the lifting of the substrate (isostasia who caused the deepening canyon Raut and Nistru), their height is now on land, where it can be admired in their splendor and grandeur.

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Northern Moldova Plateau

Northern Moldova Plateau (Podișul Moldovei de Nord), is a form of relief in Northern Moldova and the eastern region of Cernăuți in Ukraine. Maximum altitude reaches 299 m in Ocnița, the average being 200 m.

The territory is mostly leveled plains, valleys and ravines with fewer than Dniester Plateu (Podișul Nistrului) and Central Moldova Plateau (Podișul Moldovei Centrale).

In the west of the plateau, near the Prut River basin, at the surface comes out the Sarmatian formations, known in Russian as toltres and in Romanian language as "Reefs of Prut" (stâncile Prutului).

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Jeloboc Spring

Jeloboc Source is a hydrological monument located near the village of Orhei Jeloboc. It flows about 50 m from shore Raut on a rocky steep hill.

It is the source with the highest flow in Moldova (150 liters / second) and one of the strongest springs across Europe. The water is very clear, crystal, tasty, low mineral practically requires no processing and cleaning, which is due to the depth at which originated spring.

Spring water flows to the capture station and the water tower, and its surplus, about half of the stock of water or of metri3 2000 / h flowing through a pipeline into a creek that drains into the river Raut. Station via a pipeline, supplying drinking water to over 32,000 people Orhei, fully ensuring the population's needs.

Unauthorized traffic to the source is forbidden, being barricaded and closed with a padlock, this decision is based on system of protection of water resources.

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Emil Racovita Cave

Emil Racovita Cave is the largest karst cave in Moldova, the 13th longest in Europe (3rd among the gypsum caves) and 26th in the world. It is located near the village Criva Briceni. It was discovered in 1959 after an explosion in the gypsum quarry, and then called Zoluşca (Cinderella). The scientific research began only in 1977.

Cave, named in honor of the famous scientist, moldovan explorer and romanian caver Emil Racoviţă, is researched and mapped over a length of approx. 91 km of galleries and mazes, which are tiered levels 3-4, which widens in places, forming large rooms. The are remarkable spaces: Sala celor o sută de metri (The hundred meters hall), Sala așteptării (The waiting room) and Soborul (The Council), which reach lengths of approx. 60 m, width approx. 30 m and heights up to 11 meters. The ceilings are based on the impressive columns.

In karst voids are over 20 lakes, of which the largest are: Lacul Dacilor (Dacians’ Lake), Lacul Verde (Green Lake), O gură de apă (A drop of water), Lacul Albastru (Blue Lake), Lacul Dinozaurilor (Dinosaurs’ Lake), Lacul Nautilus (Nautilus Lake), named by speleologists inspired by culture, imagination and passions. As hydro-chemical analysis showed, water lakes are rich in minerals, which have a curative effect on the human body. Another curios fact about the cave, which is not yet fully explained, is that each room and underground passageway are lined with fine clay of various shades of color, due to random mineralization: green, blue, red, black, white ... amateur speleologists have molded on certain underground routes, strange clay figurines, using ingenious indicator to the different halls and interesting mazes for visitors.

When the wind is accelerated out of the cave air circulation, and when it stops, the fine particles are deposited and then air becomes cleaner than outside the cave. That, accompanied by the beauty and the specific karst area, an edge to value the tourism potential of the cave.

After genesis, Emil Racovita cave erosion due to dissolution (corrosion), its network type is determined by the flow regime of underground water, a secondary role starring sedimentation. Such origin have the most important and various caves in the world. Dimensions (development) exceeding 50 km cave network makes the cave, according to the classification adopted, it is considered very large or even giant. The cave is located at a depth of 5 to 50 m distance between the extreme points of caving network exceeding 1250 m. Originally appeared in the cave open pit walls due to deposits of gypsum exploitation, an artificial entrance was designed later.

In terms of overall development direction, spelunking network is horizontal vertically and has two preferential directions horizontally (20-50 ° NE and 290-310 ° NV) caused by tectonic factor - a three-dimensional pillars lithoclasts position, respectively cracks and diaclases affecting karst layer.

Emil Racovita cave is protected by the "Law Nr. 1538 to 1513" of 25 June 1998 on State Protected Areas Fund. But unfortunately near the cave operates German company Knauf now.

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Amazing photo gallery made in the Republic of Moldova by the photograph Oleg Caneev. This talented artist made his first photographs at the age of 14 and for nearly 20 years, he is working on his own project - "The Poetry of Moldovan Landscape". Oleg Caneev regularly travels to Moldova to reach and discover unique and unforgettable places.

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Moldovan Village – Tradition and Legacy

A photo gallery made in one of the villages of Moldova. A great overview of daily life in the rural regions of the country, which cover more than a half of its territory. Warm and kind face of Moldavian village.

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Fetesti Reservation – A Wonderful Place for Tourists

Feteşti Reservation is located between two villages - Trinca and Feteşti and this natural monument extends through ridges around the Prut River, along the banks of the stream Draghişte. The territory of the reservation is 564 hectares. In case of Feteşti Reservation we can talk about a complex of amazing curiosities of nature, which must be treated in a special way, to be protected and popularized to attract tourists.

Even though the size of this natural monument is small, it is attractive for tourists due to its complex and diverse landscapes. Only a small part of the reserve is situated on level ground, mostly, however, lies on the steep slopes and steep ridges that surround the river valley Draghişte. Just across the river near a bridge is a rock, which is well seen from the top of the site, on a large clearing, loved by tourists.

The pathway way through the forest is also very interesting, characterized by a whimsical relief with various climbs sharply and unexpectedly arranged that brings us to the edge of the forest, surrounded on three sides by forest, culminating with a huge oak with two strains, which has a height exceeding 30 meters. The vegetation of the reservation is rich and diverse, in total there are about 160 plant species, 15 species are represented by trees and shrubs, predominantly oak trees. Generally, this unique monument of nature is characterized by amazing forests, unforgettable landscapes slopes and extremely picturesque surroundings.

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Winter Holidays Traditions in Moldova

Among all of the religious holidays in Moldova, Christmas and Easter are the most beloved. Strangely the Christmas Holiday is celebrated on 25 December as well as on the January 7. Christmas carols, national foods and ornamented trees are part of the Christmas traditions. Children start to sing carols during a ritual in which a white newborn lamb is carried by a child, thus symbolizing religious faith and purity. Three days before Christmas, we may scent a heavy aroma of freshly baked walnut and raisin cakes. Two days before the celebration, the main cooking activities begin, pigs-in-the-blanket and beef salad being two of the favorite dishes. Christmas Eve is reserved for decorating the tree, to be followed by the Christmas Eve dinner. This dinner is usually celebrated within the family. Christmas carols are sung and Santa is expected to leave presents under the tree; families with small children are likely to receive a visit from Santa in person. Christmas Day is celebrated among friends and family. In Moldova, the Christmas and New Year celebrations become merged, and elements of the Christian faith are blended with hopes for a prosperous New Year. Some of the many traditions or symbols include: the singing of carols as organized by young men or children, the plow, the skin-covered barrel through which a tuft of hair is pulled, thereby imitating a bull's roar, the sheep's skin or the goat dances, the mask plays, the walking of the star etc.

Regarding the traditions and symbols listed above, the carol singers arrive during the afternoon of and evening on Christmas Eve. The well-wishers are expected during the afternoon of New Year's Eve and these are of children who wish you a happy life, prosperity and fertility in the coming year. The children, who symbolize purity and hope, usually receive apples, candies, nuts and home-baked bread. Nowadays Christmas and New Year Holiday are above all a general occasion for giving gifts. It is mostly considered the festivity of peace and joy, when all conflicts and wrath should disappear and when all family members gather around the table after attending church services and after a full day of caroling. If you’re visiting Moldovan friends for Christmas, expect to eat traditional cakes, lots of Sarmale – Stuffed cabbage, various salads, Toba and many others. Listen to carolers and watch as many rituals as possible, if you happen to visit any of the villages in Moldova where the ancient traditions are still alive.

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Chisinau City is Ready for Winter Holidays!

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Cobilea village which is placed in Soldanesti are located in the steppes of Soroca, in northeastern part of Moldova. It is known for its historical and cultural monuments, but the most impressive of all is the oak tree, also called Oak of Stefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great), whose age is estimated to be 700 years. The oak is a protected historical monument, and its sizes are an impressive source of attraction for tourists and visitors to the Republic of Moldova.

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Moldavian Folklore: Ursitoare

Ursitoarea is an imaginary creature in Romanian and Moldavian mythology, which is believed to have the gift to decide the fate of man from birth. These mythological creatures apparently are similar to the Greek Fates or Moirai.

By tradition, Ursitoare are three women considered to be a sort of godmothers. They are spirits that can be heard sometimes, but not seen. On the third night after the child is born, the real godmother invites Ursitoare and prepares cakes, chocolates, wine, water, flowers and everything else they might like. They appear at night, in the house where the mother and son are sleeping and predict the fate of the child. Other regional beliefs say that Ursitoare are seven or nine in number. They live in the woods, by the sea, in the air or in heaven. You cannot say if they are good-hearted or not, they just predict the fate of a man. Nevertheless they have the final word and can change the destiny of a child and this is why they are welcomed with rich meals and presents. According to general beliefs these three creatures are called: Ursitoarea – the most important of them; Soarta (Fate) – the one that predict the fate of the infant; Moartea (Death) - the one that interrupts the wire of life. Sometimes it is said that this wire represents the destiny and is given to Ursitoare by God. They have to place the wire on the ground and lay on it all the events, actions and adventures a man will experience in his life.

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Autumn in Chisinau