Stephen the Great Park, Chisinau (must see)
Stefan cel Mare Park in Chisinau is undoubtedly the right place for those keen on a quiet stroll in the oasis of greenery amid the busy city. Spread over 17 acres of land, this park finds itself wedged between the Government House in the east and the House of Parliament in the west, and is bounded by Stefan cel Mare Boulevard and August 31st Street.
Oldest in town, the park was established in 1818 by the Russian Army Engineer Corps, and was later remodeled into its current shape by architect Alexander Bernardazzi. For many years the park was known as Pushkin Park, named after the great Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, who spent several years in exile in Chisinau in the 1820s. The bust of Pushkin still marks the center of the park – it was created through public subscription by the well-known Russian sculptor, Alexander Mikhailovich Opekushin, in 1885. As the matter of fact, Chisinau was the second city in the whole of the Russian Empire, after Moscow, to have a statue commemorating the poet.
Nearby, within the park, is the Alley of Classics of Moldovan Literature. Opened in 1958, this Alley features monuments to the key Moldovan authors such as Mihai Eminescu, Grigore Vieru and others.
Presently, the park is also jokingly referred to as the “lovers' park” for being one of the most popular hangouts of the young people who come here regularly to meet, chat and spend time kindling their relationship.
Oldest in town, the park was established in 1818 by the Russian Army Engineer Corps, and was later remodeled into its current shape by architect Alexander Bernardazzi. For many years the park was known as Pushkin Park, named after the great Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, who spent several years in exile in Chisinau in the 1820s. The bust of Pushkin still marks the center of the park – it was created through public subscription by the well-known Russian sculptor, Alexander Mikhailovich Opekushin, in 1885. As the matter of fact, Chisinau was the second city in the whole of the Russian Empire, after Moscow, to have a statue commemorating the poet.
Nearby, within the park, is the Alley of Classics of Moldovan Literature. Opened in 1958, this Alley features monuments to the key Moldovan authors such as Mihai Eminescu, Grigore Vieru and others.
Presently, the park is also jokingly referred to as the “lovers' park” for being one of the most popular hangouts of the young people who come here regularly to meet, chat and spend time kindling their relationship.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Chisinau. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Stephen the Great Park on Map
Sight Name: Stephen the Great Park
Sight Location: Chisinau, Moldova (See walking tours in Chisinau)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Chisinau, Moldova (See walking tours in Chisinau)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Chisinau, Moldova
Create Your Own Walk in Chisinau
Creating your own self-guided walk in Chisinau is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Chisinau Introduction Walking Tour
Chisinau is the capital of Moldova, a small nation in Eastern Europe landlocked between Romania and Ukraine. For many years this land had been part of the Russian Empire and then the Soviet Union, until it finally gained independence in 1991. For this reason the city is also often referred to as Kishinev, which is the Russian version of the name.
While the true origin of the name is unclear,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
While the true origin of the name is unclear,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Stefan cel Mare Blvd Walk
Stefan cel Mare Boulevard is arguably the most prominent streets of the Moldovan capital. The 3.8-km thoroughfare is lined with numerous buildings of social and political importance, cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.
Historically, it is believed to have stemmed from the road that led into the city from the Russian military camp stationed to the west of Chisinau in 1789. Long before... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Historically, it is believed to have stemmed from the road that led into the city from the Russian military camp stationed to the west of Chisinau in 1789. Long before... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Chisinau Historical Sites
Although the history of Chisinau accounts for just over 500 years, whilst that of Moldova, as a nation, even less than that – since 1991, Moldovan culture and language are deeply rooted in the ancient Roman tradition. Just as the Eternal City, Chisinau rests on seven hills – in the valley of the River Bic, and has a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf in the downtown area. Whereas most of... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.5 Km or 3.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.5 Km or 3.4 Miles
Bernardazzi Architecture Walking Tour
Talented people are often able to leave their mark in the hearts of the posterity long after they are gone. Centuries fly but the power of the beauty persists, especially if set in the stones of the buildings designed by distinguished architects. Moldova's capital is blessed in this respect as the place associated with Alexander Bernardazzi, a Russian architect of Swiss-Italian descent who... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
Best Wine and Brandy Shops
Given the lack of stunning scenery – no turquoise waters or snow-clad mountains – Moldova is a country not overrun by tourists. Still, those who come here, usually do so to taste the local wines and brandies – Moldova is a seasoned grape and spirit producer. The locals are very lovable and hospitable people, genuinely ready to delight strangers with their internationally-renowned booze. Here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Chisinau Shopping Guide: 20 Moldovan Products to Take Home
Once part of the Soviet Union, now independent Moldova is a small country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, of which still very little is known. To mend this, the country has recently opened borders to the outside world. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity and acquaint yourself with...