There is a big number of buildings in Chisinau that have some fabulous soviet mosaics on their walls. They can be a school, a hospital or an industrial facility. Behind those mosaics there is usually hidden a clear and romantic message. Most of them depicted communist achievements and everyday ”heroes” of the country - a teacher, for example, a doctor or an engineer. All of them were used to construct a new and progressive communist society.
Moldova is a typical post-soviet country, where soviet times are considered the worst in our history by one part of the population, and the happiest by another. That is why soviet elements, like a mosaic, are perceived by the population differently. Most of today's citizens are not even paying attention to them, but as soon as you, dear traveler, become interested in the history of Chisinau, the soviet mosaic will become a nice ”piece” of Moldovan past.
The most impressive mosaic is on the building right next to the Cosmos Hotel. Starting in 1994, the whole wall used to be covered by a huge banner advertising a local bank. When several years ago they removed the banner to replace it with a new one, people were shocked to see again a colorful and beautiful soviet mosaic illustrating the rural life of Moldovans in the 1970s. Civil Society protested against covering the wall - and to this day, this gorgeous piece of art is still accessible to all guests of the Moldovan capital.
Bulevardul Constantin Negruzzi 2
MDL
no-price
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
"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
"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
"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
"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
"Il Forno" makes the best pizza in Chișinău and I can attest to that. It embodies well the special relationship between our countries...
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