Jewish Cemetery Chisinau
A nice spot
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.
About this spot
Strada Milano 1
- 07:00 - 21:00 daily
MDL
free
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Chisinau
Valea Morilor Park
Our best recreation area
"Valea Morilor Park" in the heart of Chisinau is a great recreational spot for a hot summer day. Half the city is here but you'll find your quiet spot!
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Istanbul Bazaar
Turkish market
"Istanbul Bazaar" in Chisinau is a Turkish market for all your baklava, lokum and Turkish coffee needs!
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Buiucani District
My part of town
"Buiucani District" in Chisinau is the only part of the city were old village houses and churches still exist. I like it because I've lived here forever...
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Church of Transfiguration
Hell in Chisinau
The "Church of Transfiguration" in Chisinau is unique in that its depiction of hell is very modern; I can hardly believe they allowed it to be painted...
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Chisinau Hotel
Soviet estate
"Chisinau Hotel" really has changed very little from soviet times. You don't have to stay, just ask to have a look around the rooms...
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Train Station
Stalinist square
Chisinau's main "Train Station" is a must-see spot -- I always try to pass through it with my tours. The large soviet square is also worth looking at...
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
MoldExpo
Come to Lenin
"MoldExpo" in Chisinau isn't just a green space that hosts exhibitions -- the statue of Lenin that used to stand in front of the government is here now.
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
La Izvor
City lake
"La Izvor" in Chisinau is one of the most beautiful but still underestimated green areas in the city. You can even see people swimming in the lake here...
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Chisinau Flea Market
Back in time
"Chisinau Flea Market" is full of thousands of old soviet stuff. By buying things here, you help out the poor old people, so I encourage to get something!
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Chisinau Underground
Passage
Chisinau's underground passages used to be scary, dark, smelly and full of tasteless graffiti. Now things have changed -- you definitely have to see them!
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Soviet Mosaic
On Negruzzi street
We have plenty of Soviet mosaics in Chisinau that mean different things to different people. But this one on Negruzzi street has its own beautiful story!
by
Nicolai
Chirnev
Salat
Family restaurant
"Salat" is a family restaurant in Chisinau. Most of the time, I come here for lunch. They have bistro tables & a nice big buffet, and so are pretty cheap!
by
Nicoleta
Seretinean
Heading to Chisinau?
87 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Chisinau?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 87 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Chisinau
Get to know our other Spotters from Chisinau
As featured on:
