Old Orhei

Old Orhei is an incredibly tranquil and beautiful place with spectacular scenery and a significant historical background that brings travelers to explore Moldova's ancient roots. It is located about 60 kilometers from the capital city Chisinau and among three villages: Butuceni, Morovaia, and Trebujeni. In the villages of Butucheni and Trebujeni, it consists of two moderate but very old museums, an ancient rocky church, and some private old-fashioned hotels built in a traditional style.

The Paleolithic, Eneolithic, and Iron Age are the three major periods in Old Orhei's history. The earthen and wooden remnants of the Geto-Dacian fortresses of the 6th and 1st centuries B.C. have been unearthed here by archaeologists. The city was renamed Shehr al-Jedid during the 14th century, also known as the Golden Horde. Orhei was rebuilt in compliance with eastern customs at the period, with two caravanserais in the center, public baths, and other structures. Under the leadership of voivode Stephen the Great in the 15th century, Old Orhei became one of the most crucial national defense centers. It was then transformed into a classic Moldavian stronghold, complete with churches, residential buildings, and manufacturing facilities. As a result, the location was given the name Orhei, which meant fortification.

The magnificent monasteries in the caverns, which were cut down inside the rocks on the Raut River's bank, are some of the most outstanding features of the Old Orhei. Can you imagine that all of the structures from the 15th to the 18th centuries were built by humans who lacked the necessary tools inside of the massive and powerful rocks? The oldest Orthodox monastery is "Peshtere," which has a white bell tower that rises 60 meters above the river.

Location: Orhei