While driving from Chisinau Airpot towards the historical center, there is no way not to notice this huge, round, grey Soviet building.
When I first saw it, I was so excited -- I was sure that Romanita building must have been the pride of the city. However, I found out later that the building was marked for demolition twice because of its disastrous condition, but having no money, the Municipality has been postponing this plan.
It was funny and sad when I read that Romanita was named by French architects the ugliest building in the world! Romanita is one of the newest Soviet buildings, constructed just about 35 years ago.
Initially planned as a hotel but eventually switched into apartments, it became the city's second-tallest building, with 22 floors and 73 meters in height.
It has never been renovated and as a result, the previously luxury building has nowadays become just a grey piece of concrete, dangerous for its residents, who'd be happy to leave, but don't have the money.
As a tour guide, I always take my tourists there to admire its monumentality.
Its top floor opens to a spectacular view over Chisinau and I try to keep that in my memory, because one day, most certainly, Romanita will be demolished.
With some weariness, I see how quickly new buildings are racing around Romanita. They've already ”eaten” the nearest green area, and Romanita, as a symbol of a forgotten era, sooner or later will be gone.
So, hurry, my friend, to see it.
Strada Arheolog Ion Casian-Suruceanu 29
MDL
free
Find your way with 87 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Raw Cafe" is probably Chisinau's only raw vegan cafe. They have amazing desserts - my favorite one is made with peanuts and dried figs!
by
"Valea Morilor Panorama Point" in Chisinau makes for an excellent hiking trail, especially in summer! Not many people know about it, so it's secluded...
by
"Pegas Restaurant" in Chisinau is a chain of restaurants. Their chicken soup is famous, but I recommend the shakshouka...
by
"Belgian Mussels" in Chisinau is all about seafood and mussels, and their specialty is the boiled mussels. It's ideal for a casual dinner with friends!
by
"Sincer - Gastro Market" in Chisinau means 'honest' - it's a great place to enjoy tea, coffee or juice & I love their brunch. Try the chicken with peach!
by
"Il Forno" makes the best pizza in Chișinău and I can attest to that. It embodies well the special relationship between our countries...
by
"CoffeeMolka" is a classic hidden gem. I've lived more than 20 years in Chișinău and I only discovered this coffee place set up like a museum last year!
by
"Hidden Bar" is the best place in Chisinau to dive in for a few hours and lay back with a shisha or a great cocktail!
by
"Vegan Phi Restaurant" in Chisinau is a vegan restaurant with amazing main dishes, even if you're not vegan! Try the cauliflower steak...
by
"Smokehouse" in Chisinau is a community place with lots of locals and internationals. It's a beer haven with pub quizes on Tuesdays and great food!
by
"Cehov Square" is a green, renovated square in Chisinau in front of the theater. It was the first crowdfunding project of its kind. It's so relaxing!
by
"Marlene Bar" in Chisinau might not even have the best cocktails in town (although I like them), but the atmosphere of this European-style bar is worth it!
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