Chişinău

Chişinău is located on the bank of the Bic River, in the mid-region of Moldova. It has had a chequered history – belonging at various times to the Turkish and Russian Empires, and, for a short period, to Romania. After WWII it was the capital of the poorest member-state of the USSR – now it is the capital of the independent Republic of Moldova, as well as its economic and commercial centre.

Razed practically to the ground during the ruthless battles of WWII, only the Orthodox Cathedral (dating from 1840), and the Late-Russian-Classicist style bell-tower, escaped destruction. In consequence, the completely rebuilt Chişinău, today presents the picture of a modern city, with large green areas.

Of its museums, the National History Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, deserve special mention.