Chișinău

Chișinău, the capital of Moldova, is one of Eastern Europe's least visited capitals, which makes it a great spot for travelers looking to explore somewhere off the typical tourist path.

The city has a fascinating blend of Soviet architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and beautiful Orthodox churches. Stefan cel Mare Central Park serves as the city's green heart, where locals gather especially during summer evenings. The city's main boulevard named after the same national hero (Stefan cel Mare) connects many of the important landmarks including the Triumphal Arch and the National Museum of History.

Moldova is famous for its wine production, and Chișinău is the perfect base to explore this aspect of the country's culture. The massive wine cellars at Cricova and Mileștii Mici, both near the capital, hold Guinness World Records. Mileștii Mici actually has the world's largest wine collection with over 1.5 million bottles stored in tunnels stretching for about 200 kilometers.

The city has a complex history, having been part of the Russian Empire, Romania, the Soviet Union, and finally becoming the capital of independent Moldova in 1991. This diverse past has created a unique cultural mix with both Romanian and Russian influences evident in the language, cuisine, and daily life of Chișinău's residents.