It might sound weird, but the Jewish Cemetery of Chisinau is one of my favorite spots. The reason for that is my passion for history and abandoned places. If you share the same passion, this place is for you!
In the beginning of the 20th century, more than half of Chisinau's citizens were Jews, but then the Second World War happened... As a result, Chisinau cemetery is nowadays one of the biggest in Europe, but since there aren't many Jews left, the cemetery has stayed abandoned for the last 20 years. In Soviet times, they reduced the size of the cemetery almost by half, so they could create a big park, but only the gravestones were removed. Today, not so many locals even know that they're walking on bones.
The first thing you are going to see is that park. You can still see pieces of gravestones under the trees, benches and trash bins.
Then, an old paving stone will take you right to the entrance. The cemetery is easily accessible during the day. It is a quiet place with no people. Turn left and a small narrow path will lead you to the oldest part of the cemetery and a mikvah (funeral church). Vandalized graves, high walls, Soviet apartment buildings around, modern glass skyscrapers and ruined churches will definitely create a strong impression.
That is what we call the old, authentic Chisinau.
Strada Milano 1
MDL
free
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
"Myata Café & Bar" in Chisinau is a great café that's ideal for lunch, breakfast or just a good old hookah. I can even recommend the piña colada!
by
"Tasting room wine.md" in Chisinau is the successor of the wine bar that existed at this spot in the 1880s. I come here when I want to try something new...
by
"La Dolce Italia" is one of my favorite 'gelaterias' in Chisinau! Try the pistachtio and you'll really get a taste of Italy in Chisinau...
by
"Eli-Pili" in Chisinau is a nice local with good service and excellent food (the pelimeni!). Here you can try Moldovan, Ukrainian & Russian food in a loft!
by
The "Circus" of Chisinau, built in the '80s, has a unique Soviet modernist style; it is still worth seeing, despite it having been closed down...
by
"Keks" in Chisinau is perfect for a family breakfast. My son really likes everything here, and you definitely have to try the waffles & the desserts...
by
"Folk's Croissants" in Chisinau makes croissants with 20 different varieties of fillings -- from grilled chicken to salmon to the classic banana chocolate.
by
The "Rifle Monument" in Chisinau is dedicated to WWII and the devastation and loss of life it brought to Moldova. May 9th here is always sobering...
by
"The Ethnography Museum" in Chisinau has a beautiful collection of objects, natural and manmade, that is about what it means to be Moldovan today...
by
"Crosta" in Chisinau is the best manifestation of the new craft bakery trend that's appeared in the city yet. I love coming here for breakfast...
by
87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 87 Insider Tips