Inhabited since Dacian times, the region of Moldova was crossed by migrant populations, such as Slavs, Avars, Hungarians, Cumans or Tatars. The most important ruler of Moldova was Stefan cel Mare, whose reign marked the history of the Middle Ages for both Romania and Europe. He left a legacy of freedom in the region although it was constantly threatened by the Ottoman Empire. In 1552, the land of Moldova was controlled by the Turks, and substantial tributes will go to their treasury for the next three centuries. The year 1859 is a turning point in national history, because it celebrates the union of the principality of Moldova with Tara Romanesca, and the election of a sole lord in the person of Alexandru I. Cuza. The event laid the foundations for the formation of the modern state of Romania.

“Why is this region called Moldova?” It seems that the name Moldova comes from the river with the same name. There are a lot of theories around the name of the river. However, some rumors claim that its name comes from Molda, the dog of the Maramures lord, Dragoș Voda. On the other hand, most historians believe that the name has its origin in the Germanic term mulde (meaning “hollow”, “quarry” or “drainage corridor”), as the Danube flows into the sea through the south of the territory.

“Why is there a Romanian Moldova and the Republic of Moldova?” In 1812, following the Russo-Turkish War of 1806-1812, the eastern part, the territory of the Prut-Dniester interfluve, was annexed by the Russian Empire, forming a new governorate called Bessarabia. In 1859, the Principality of Moldavia was united with Wallachia in a single state, later called Romania. Bessarabia merged with Romania in 1918, but was handed over to the Soviet Union in 1940 to form, together with RASSM, the Moldovan Soviet Socialist Republic. Since then, the area remained divided between Bessarabia and the Romanian region of Moldova.

Did you know that the Moldavians are very good at inventing and narrating stories? The Moldovan land is undoubtedly one of the richest territories in terms of etymological traditions, myths, stories and fairy tales transmitted orally and in writing, from ancient times to the present day. The main characteristic of the legends and stories told in Moldova is that they are not based on a bunch of miraculous elements, but proceed from the real, daily life of Moldavians and from the events that spice up their existence: noblemen, the peasants who work in the fields, the wise girls, the villagers, the merchants and all the ordinary people that you meet everyday.

Molda. According to the legends, probably the most famous story of the area is about the dog of Dragos Voda, called Molda. The dog, who was very dear to Dragos, rushed to attack a large bison, in order to save and protect his owner. Molda saved his owner but unfortunately died in the river that was flowing near the scene. Since then, the river has been named Molda, in memory of his brave and faithful dog. According to the chroniclers’ writings, the bison’s head has then become the symbol of the Moldovan identity. You can notice this symbol on many Moldovan flags.

Iasi. Iasi is one of the oldest cities in Romania and from an economic, cultural and political perspective, it is the most important city in Moldova. Between 1564-1859, Iasi was the capital of Moldova, one of the two capitals of the United Principalities between 1859 and 1862, and the capital of the Kingdom of Romania between 1916 and 1918. Iasi is a true national museum of history, religion and art. Romania’s first university was founded in Iasi in 1860, and between 1867-1885 many of Romania’s most remarkable cultural personalities were part of Iasi’s literary circle: Mihai Eminescu, Ion Creanga, Mihail Sadoveanu and Mihail Kogalniceanu.

Galați, the city of the Blue Danube impresses tourists with its architectural gems, historical churches, interesting museums, beautiful parks and gardens. The most famous tourist attraction of the city is the Danube bank, which stretches over an area of 4 km along the river.

Piatra Neamt is a mountain city located in the northeastern side of Romania, being one of the oldest cities in Moldova. It is the place where the mountain, with its lovely cliffs, can be seen on all sides, the place where forests are embracing you with their perfume, and the clean spring water cools you down.

Botoșani is one of the largest and oldest Moldovan cities, documented since 1355. It is an important cultural center, represented by personalities such as Mihai Eminescu, George Enescu, Nicolae Iorga, Ștefan Luchian and Grigore Antipa. Did you know that near Botosani there is a unique religious attraction? It’s a half-Orthodox, half-Catholic church, dedicated to both cults. It is nearly 200-years-old and it is a true architectural gem.

Other important cities in Moldova are: Bacău, Focșani, Vaslui, Marasesti, and Targul Neamt. In particular, Bacau was famous in the past as an important customs point between the three Romanian provinces: Țara Românească, Moldova and Transylvania. Also during the Middle Ages, the eldest of the sons of Stephen the Great ruled the city.

From traditional ones to the most contemporary, Moldova is a wonderful festival destination and there will always be something to keep you entertained.

B Zone Folk Romania invites all folk music lovers to four special days of celebration, during which the Ozana Valley from Târgu Neamţ will resound with the chords of folk music. The event, which takes place each year at the beginning of May, in the city of Târgu Neamț, brings together well-known Romanian artists, international guests and winners of national competitions dedicated to folk music.

Tare ca piatra. In July, at Piatra-Neamț, the most awaited festival of extreme sports practitioners takes place. The route offers spectacular views over the surroundings: Cozla, Cârlomanul, Pietricica and Cernegura hills, Piatra Neamt town, Bistriţa river valley, Bâtca Doamnei and Ceahlău Massif.

Hangariada. Hangariada is the only art and flight festival in Romania, which takes place at the “Alexandru Matei” Aeroclub in Iasi around May. It is a festival dedicated to leisure, fun, music, airplanes and family.

The people from Moldova love their traditions and are known as preservers of the ancient Romanian customs. Moldova is one of the most picturesque and charming areas of Romania. In some villages, people live by unwritten rules, but rooted in tradition and word-of-mouth tales. These are the most known ones:

November 30. Considered the “Protector of Romania”, Saint Andrew is the one who protects Romanians from evil spirits. It is said that on the night of November 30, hawks, demons, undead and ghosts haunt the human world. To defend themselves, the people from Moldova put garlic at the windows, clean the ash stove and put the pots upside down. Thus, spirits will not be able to take refuge in people’s homes. Also, that night, girls put basil under their pillow to dream of their soulmate.

Martisorul. This is by far one of the most beautiful customs in Moldova. After wearing “martisorul” on your chest for an entire month, on April 1st you should tie it on the branch of a tree. The tradition says that, if you do so, you’ll have a prosperous year. It’s really nice seeing all those trees covered in martisoare during the first days of April. You definitely don’t want to miss the view!

According to an old Moldovan tradition, on March 1, women must roast corn kernels. If the grains jump very high and the popcorn grows big, the year will be rich and the fields will have substantial harvests.

On the wedding day, some couples decorate fir trees in order to get prosperity and fertility.

In Moldova, the tradition says that the bride and groom must have at least two pairs of godparents in order to demonstrate their wealth. In the past, brides who had a very good financial situation were having 3 pairs of godparents.

Moldova’s villages are fascinating! The traditional architecture is characterized by a remarkable unity in terms of construction materials and technique.

Throughout Moldova, houses and outbuildings were built with materials

considered today to be ecological – such as earth (ceamur), wood, and stone. The oldest types of roofing were made of vegetables, such as cereal straw, reed and draniţă. There are villages, especially in Botoşani, such as Suharău, where such roofs still stand the test of time.

The interior usually comprises four main angles: the corner with vatra, the corner with the bed, the one with the benches placed at a straight angle and a corner with a small cupboard. The wooden furniture consisted of low tables with three legs and similar chairs, beautifully carved with floral or zoomorphic patterns, countertops and beds embedded in the wall or fixed in the ground.

An interesting place is the space behind the hearth (vatra), a generous and warm place, where the elders and children usually sleep.

Peasant households consist of the house itself and household annexes which include a summer kitchen, shed, oven in the yard, cellar (barn), stable, barn and a cattle pen.

In the yard of each household, the cellar (beciul) was a construction of great importance, as food and beverages were stored there for long periods of time. The cellar was always built of stone, by craftsmen who knew how to ensure the natural ventilation of the underground construction.

The easternmost historical province of Romania stores a whole treasure of interesting destinations. The area of Moldova abounds in beautiful landscapes and towns with old historical tradition. Experience one of the most memorable Romanian holidays in the marvelous Moldova. Add these important touristic attractions to your itinerary:

1. Soveja;
2. Natural reserve “Focul Viu”;
3. Cetatea de scaun a Sucevei;
4. Mega Tiroliana de la Palma;
5. Vineyards: Husi, Cotnari, Bucium, Panciu;
6. Slănic Moldova;
7. Durău resort;
8. Ceahlau Cliff;
9. Bicaz Gorges & Red Lake;
10. “Dragoș-Vodă” Bison and Carpathian Fauna Reserve in Vânători-Neamț Natural Park;
11. Transrarău route;
12. Cacica salt mine;
13. Sturdza Castle from Miclăuşeni;
14. The Red Castle in Hemeiuș;
15. Putna Monastery;
16. Neamț Monastery;
17. Sucevița Monastery;
18. Humor Monastery;
19. Arbore Monastery;
20. Agapia Monastery;
21. Moldovița Monastery;
22. Voroneț Monastery;
23. The Muddy Volcanoes of Buzau;
24. Marginea town;
25. Vatra Dornei;
26. Gura Humorului;
27. National Park Calimani.

Romanian Moldova is an area rich in natural and historical attractions. It’s a region with a rare beauty that is divided into a western part, a sub-Carpathian part, and an eastern part, a plateau separated by the Siret River.

The western sub-Carpathian side offers unique mountain views and adventures. For those who love nature and outdoor activities, you should head straight to the mountains of Moldova to discover some of the most beautiful and spectacular places of Romania, such as Cheile Bicazului National Park, Izvorul Muntelui Lake, Vânători-Neamţ Natural Park with its bison or Ceahlau National Park where the stunning Ceahlau Massif and Duruitoarea Waterfall are located.

The eastern side of Moldova revolves around lovely medieval cities and historical landmarks. At Piatra Neamţ, for example, do not miss to visit the Royal Court, with its famous cellars, or the Royal Cathedral.

The folklorik heritage is very rich in Moldova, reflecting its historical past. In rural areas, ancient crafts such as the weaving of carpets and traditional clothes, pottery or icon painting are still preserved, so don’t miss out on buying some rustic objects.

No matter where you will be accommodated, Moldova will surprise you with its incredible food, wine and history. Any visit to Moldova should include a tasting of the famous wines from local wineries such as the Cotnari vineyard, Grasa de Cotnari, Tămâioasa românească, Feteasca albă and Frâncuşa. Another well-known vineyard is the one from Huşi where Busuioaca de Bohotin is produced or the vineyard from Odobeşti producing the flavorful wine called Galbena Odobeşti.

Don’t miss out on the traditional Moldovan food. Characterized primarily by homemade noodles with meat or vegetables, long-cooked poultry or pork dishes, Moldovan cuisine will delight your senses. You must try: cloves (chiroştile) , baked pumpkin polenta, scrambled eggs with garlic, onion pie, chicken borscht (bors), potroace soup with larch, pork head with sour cabbage, Moldovan roasts, grilled stew, Moldovan tochitura, or Moldavian spinach with poppy seeds. 

In addition to its abundance of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moldova is home to amazing museums, theaters and art galleries. Taking you through the region’s modern culture, ancient traditions, and rich historical past, they are certainly not to be missed on your next trip to Moldova.

Discover Moldova’s most important monuments and most popular tourist attractions and make the most of your time in this amazing Romanian region! Book a trip now!