Moldova - Moldavia

Moldova (or Moldavia) is a small country in south-eastern Europe, having received its independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Moldova borders with only two states: Romania in the west and Ukraine in the east. Romania, by the way, still considers Moldova as a historic part of its territory, but that does not interfere with the latter to exist independently and to maintain close commercial relations with the western neighbor.

Moldova is one of the poorest CIS countries. The average wage in the country is less than 100 Euro per month. Though it is cynical, but the foreign tourists benefit from such a low standard of living in the country. Prices in restaurants, cafes and boutiques for the Western Europeans are simply ridiculous. Among the most popular Moldovan souvenirs are: hand-made carpets, local brandy, wine and national costumes. 

Moldova is a country of vineyards. Moldovan wines have been a famous drink even in the Middle Ages. Today wine is one of the main export items of Moldova. While being in Moldova we recommend staying at one of the local villages and trying the wine from several farmsteads. The villagers still keep the receipts of their forefathers. You can get an excellent opportunity to try «the nectar of the ancestors» in very authentic environment. 

If your trip to Moldova is in mid-autumn, then you will be lucky enough to get to one of the most important Moldovan holidays, the National Day of the wine. This event annually attracts to Moldova over 100 thousand tourists. 

The capital of Moldova is Chisinau. It is a cozy and warm green city with a 500 year history, which is the essence of Moldova itself. The city has managed to preserve some cultural and religious monuments, which today constitute the historical center of Chisinau. The most popular places among the citizens are the public garden near the Cathedral, as well as parks: Valya-Morilor and Valya-Trandafirilor. 

On the whole, Moldova is a great place for tourism, with the original ancient relics, unique traditions and hospitable people. So, if you decide to travel to Eastern Europe don’t forget to come to Moldova, a small but surprisingly friendly country of sun and wine.