When it comes time to choose a vacation destination, the first names that arise in the minds of many Portuguese are usually London, Paris or Madrid. However, there is a European capital that still escapes the ‘radar’ of most travelers, distinguishing itself by recognized wines, gastronomy at reduced prices and extensive green spaces.
From Lisbon, there are direct flights to this destination still little explored. For those looking for an affordable, quiet alternative and outside the most saturated routes, Chisinaau, the capital of Moldova, may be a hypothesis to consider.
Expanding tourism
Chisinau has been gaining a place in Europe’s tourist routes, but remaining among the most economical capitals on the continent. According to HuffPost, it is a city in “full tourist growth”, but where prices remain substantially lower than those practiced in other capital.
With a large green stain and a still preserved environment of mass tourism, it is seen as a “jewel to find out for millions of people.”
Among the main points of interest is the Stefan Cel Mare Central Park, considered the green lung of the city. Stefan Cel Mare Avenue brings together a vast offer of museums, historic buildings and restaurants where you can have lunch for about five euros.
Escape from mass tourism
According to the latest official data, Moldova welcomes approximately 400,000 visitors per year. This reduced demand makes Chisinau a particularly attractive destination for those who want to avoid overcrowded places.
Although not included among the most sought after capitals, Chisinau preserves traces of the Soviet heritage. The city presents itself with a distinct architecture and an active nightlife, which contrasts with its status as one of the countries with the lowest income in Europe.
Parks and Leisure Zones
Among the most visited green spaces stands out the Valea Morilor Park. With a central lake and wooded areas, it is a refuge inside the city and a place of election for outdoor rides.
In the historical nucleus, of reduced dimension but loaded with symbolism, stands out the cathedral of Christ’s Nativity. This Orthodox Church, completed in 1830, was the target of partial destruction during World War II and was only completely restored in 1997.
We recommend:
Historical symbols of the city
Another relevant milestone in the capital Molda is the arch of triumph, erected to mark the Russian Empire’s victory over the Ottoman Empire in the 1828-1829 war. Although less monumental than Paris’s, he plays a central role in the historical memory of the country.
According to the same source, still in the urban center is the monument to Stefan Cel Mare, a prominent figure in the struggle of Moldova against the Ottoman rule. Its image is associated with national identity molded and is a constant presence in local squares and notes.
Museums and Cultural Heritage
For those interested in culture and history, Chisinau has several museum institutions. The National Ethnographic Museum, founded in 1889, is the oldest in the country and houses about 140,000 pieces that illustrate the social and cultural evolution of the region.
The National Museum of History of Moldova, inaugurated in 1983, provides to the public a collection of over 350,000 objects, distributed by a dozen rooms. Among the highlights are archaeological pieces, historical weapons and documents of different periods.
Gastronomy at contained prices
In the field of gastronomy, Chisinau has a varied and economic offer. One of the most typical dishes is the maimaliga, made from cornmeal and usually served with sour cream, grated cheese and butter. Restaurants, how To pies or Moldavian They are pointed as ideal places to experience this specialty. It also underlines what in Chisinau it is possible to have lunch for five euros.
Molding wines also deserve prominence. A few kilometers from the city, Cricova’s cellar is considered the largest underground cellar in the world. It has over 100 kilometers of tunnels and about 1.3 million bottles. Visitors can take evidence and visit the underground “streets”, named according to international castes such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Direct air connection to Portugal
The link between Lisbon and Chisinau is made by direct flight, with a duration of approximately four hours. Trips generally take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, allowing short-term escapes or longer stays.
Also read:
