Access to the culture of the host country/language courses

Culture

Theaters appeared a very long time ago, but despite their age they still remain one of the most popular ways to spend your leisure time. There are several theaters in Chisinau that everyone who appreciates culture and art simply must visit. In the theaters of Chisinau you will be able to fully appreciate the performance of highly talented actors in original plays directed by Moldovans.

Theatres

The largest theater in Moldova is the national theater Mihai Eminescu. The theater was founded in 1920 and used to be called the National Theater in Chisinau. The plays staged here were mostly by French, Italian, Norwegian, Romanian, and Russian play writers. The actors of the national theater Mihai Eminescu have, on numerous occasions, won the sympathy of viewers at international festivals, including the I.L. Caragiale Festival in Bucharest (1993, 1994), the A.P. Chekhov Festival in Moscow (1998), "Divadelna Nitra" in Slovakia, "Golden Lion" in Lvov. Directors from Russia, Romania, and even Canada came to work with the Moldovan actors at the Mihai Eminescu Theater.
There are several other theaters in Chisinau which deserve our attention. The Republican Theater "Luceafarul", "Satiricus" I.L. Caragiale, the Theater of Eugene Ionescu, and the "Ginta Latina" Theater are all places where you can enjoy theater classics staged by Moldovan directors. Sometimes the theaters invite guest performers and you can see plays by foreign troupes.
It is worth noting that Ginta Latina has been very successful in making the plays original in several ways–here you can see the most unusual stage decorations, innovative acting styles and very interesting plays.
If you would like to see a theater where the plays are performed in the Russian language than you need to go to the Russian Dramatic Theater of A. P. Chekhov. The theater was founded in 1934in Tiraspol, and since then has become one of the best Russian theaters in Moldova. In the 60s the theater moved to Chisinau and is currently located on Vlaicu Pircalab 75, which is downtown. The auditorium has almost 500 seats. You can enjoy theater productions of classical authors, such as Shakespeare, Gogol, Moliere, Pushkin, and, obviously –Chekhov. Places like the National Youth Dramatic Theater from Rose Street falls in a separate category. You will see the performance of young, but very talented actors. The staging is done in a rather contemporary style, which differs considerably from the classical understanding of theater.
The National Theater of Opera and Ballet is a real treasure for Moldova. The theater toured all over the world and won many awards. In addition, the National Theater of Opera and Ballet in Chisinau once hosted such legends of opera like Fyodor Chaliapin and Enrico Caruso, the concert hall has outstanding acoustic qualities and great lighting. The cultural and entertainment programs for international delegations visiting Moldova often times include a visit to the National Theater of Opera and Ballet. If you decide to visit Chisinau you should definiTely go check it out.
For those who prefer something more unusual we recommend the Poetry theater of Alexei Mateevici, and for children–the Republican Puppet Theater "Licurici".

Language courses

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the State language in the Republic of Moldova is the Romanian language, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet. Pursuant to the same document, the State shall acknowledge and protect the right to the preservation, development and use of the Russian language and other languages spoken within the territory of the State. Communicating in English within the research centers on ordinary issues is not problematic, even though, in conditions of a longer stay in Moldova, it is expected to be acknowledged with the official language for a better integration in the day-to-day life. Some universities render language training courses, teaching the State language and Russian language as well. Another option to learn the State language is to address the services of private companies, as:

http://www.oratorica.md

http://www.alc.md

http://www.iltc.md

http://quo-vadis.md

Sightseeing in Moldova

Chisinau is the capital of the Republic of Moldova, a very modern green and cosy town in the center of our country. The excursion includes visiting the historical center of Chisinau, administrative and cultural edifices on the main boulevard Stefan cel Mare, the main square of the General National Meeting, two central parks, churches and museums of the city, Central Market, market of souvenirs, W.W.II memorial. Duration: 3-4 hours. Way of transport: by foot and public transport.

CRICOVA and MILESTII MICI wine cellars

CRICOVA and MILESTII MICI wine cellars are recognised to be the biggest underground wine cellars in Europe. The wine factory and wine collection are located in limestone tunnels and form an underground wine city with motor streets named after the popular wine brands Cabernet, Shardonait, Feteasca, Sauvignon etc. You need a car to make this tour and an English speaking guide will be driving you through this underground wine townTelling about the winery, wine production and their famous collections. The tour ends with a tasting of 3-5 types of collection and ordinary red and white wines and a lunch, if ordered. Excursions from 2 people. Should be booked in advance. Duration: 2-3 hours Way of transport: by car only.

More about Milestii Mici winery

More about Cricova winery

COJUSNA wine cellar

COJUSNA wine cellar is a smaller cellar in the close proximity of Chisinau town. It is located in the village Cojusna in Straseni district. Its factory is situated above the ground and its wine collection with 2 nice tasting rooms underground. They have very friendly and hospitable English speaking guides and can organise excursions for one person only. Should be booked in advance. No need of a car and the tour is a little cheaper. Duration: 2-3 hours Way of transport: by public transport to Cojusna and then by foot.

ORHEIUL VECHI settlement

ORHEIUL VECHI settlement and noble house / park and museum of handicrafts in IVANCEAvillage ORHEIUL VECHI is an ancient settlement situated in the left bank of the Raut river near the villages of Trebujeni and Butuceni in Orhei district (about 50 km northeast of Chisinau). In the Middle Ages, two medieval towns were set up here. The first one Sehr-al-cedid (New Town) occupied almost the whole territory of the settlement (268 ha) belongs to the Golden Horde (XIVth century); the second one is the ancient Moldavian town of Orhei, which was established here in the XVth - XVIth centuries. Other vestiges discovered on the territory of the settlement: a mosque, two mausoleum, a caravan-seraglio and three bath houses. An orthodox cave monastery dated from XII century is still working nowadays and the English speaking monk will Tell you some of its history. Down in Butuceni village is a small peasant house preserved from the XXth centuryand transformed into a museum. Duration: 4-5 hours. Way of transport:by public minibus from the Central bus station in Chisinau and by foot in Orheiul Vechi.

IVANCEA village

IVANCEA village is located on the road to Orheiul Vechi settlement, 5 km from the main road. It is located in the heart of Codry forest reservation surrounded by 7 lakes. The village is populated by Ukrainians that were settled here from the Middle Ages. A dialect of Ukrainian is still spoken by the inhabitants of this village. In XIXth century Ivancea was the estate of an armenian noble Karp Balioz who built a house and planted a big park here. It is transformed into the museum of Moldovan handicrafts (in process of reconstruction since 2007) from the Soviet times and shows to its visitors the main activities of Moldovans in the past and present times. Here in Ivancea the local Ukrainian woman Katherine will cook a Moldovan / Ukrainian meal for you and host you in her house. Duration: 2 hours Way of transport: by public transport or local taxi drivers.

SOROCA town

SOROCA town medieval fortress, Gipsies and their king, the candle of gratitude Soroca town is situated 160 km north of Chisinau on the western bank of the Dniestr river. In the medieval times it had a particular importance for the defense system of Moldova against the invasions of tartars, polyaks, Cossacks, ottomans and Slavs from the East. Nowadays it's a small Moldovan town on the Dniestr river bordering Ukraine and famous for its fortress, the largest Gipsy community in Moldova, sand stone rocks and the candle of gratitude up on a mountain that opens to a traveler a very nice view of the town and surroundings. Duration:6-8 hours Way oftransport:by bus from Gara de Nord (Chisinau) and by foot in Soroca

SAHARNA or TIPOVA monasteries and waterfalls

SAHARNA monastery complexis situated in one of the most picturesque gorges on the western bank of the Dniestr river near Saharna village, 8 km away from the district center of Rezina, 14 km from the railway station of Ribnitza and at approximately 110 km to the North from Chisinau. The first settlements on the steep banks of the river of the same name were founded by the Gets and are dated to II century B.C. At that time also was erected an earth mound with three earth and one stone bastions and a ditch as well. Covered with forests, the Saharna river canyon as long as 16 km with a large number of more than 30 rapids and cascades will pleasantly surprise even a sophisticated traveler, who is looking for a comparable experience outside Moldova. The largest cascade falls down from a height of 10 meters and it is as wide as 5 meters. It is Moldovan Niagara Falls most impressive in Winter, Spring and Autumn after the rains. Duration: 6-7 hours Way of transport:by public bus from the Central bus station in Chisinau or by a cab from Rezina town.

Themonastic structure of TIPOVA is situated near the village of Tipova and is hewn in a rock of about 100 m height. Built in the XVIth-XVIIth centuries, the cave monastery is a complex architectural ensemble consisting of numerous premises made in three levels.

Cultural Events
Nr.	Event	Place	Period	Organizer
1	International Festival of music „Martisor”	Thetrical and concert institutions	March	Ministry of Culture
2	International Festival of theater schools and film „Class Fest”	Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts; The Republican Theatre "Luceafărul"	April	Ministry of Culture
3	Festival of documentary film „Cronograf”	Cinema „Odeon”	May	Ministry of Culture
4	The international day of Museums "The Night of Museums’"	National Museums	May	Ministry of Culture
5	Light music Festival „The Star of Chisinau, the Star of Moldova”	The National Theatre "Mihai Eminescu"	May	AO "Pasarea Feonix" Train Vasilcau
6	Festival “The Biennial International of the Theatre Eugene Ionesco”	The Theatre "Eugen Ionesco"	May - June	Ministry of Culture
7	Touristic National Festival „DUMINICA MARE”(GREAT SUNDAY)	Domulgeni village, district Floresti	June	National of Rural, Ecologic and Cultural Tourism - "ANTREC Moldova"
8	Ethno-musical Festival "Gustar"	Orhei-Vechi cultural natural reservation	August	Social Association "Sens Muzical" with the support of "East-European Foundation"
9	Cultural and artistic manifestations with the occasion of the "Independence Day"	Square of the Great National Assembly	27 of August	Ministry of Culture
10	The day of the national language inthe Republic of Moldova ,,Limba Noastra’’ (Our Language)	Square of the Great National Assembly	31^st of August	Under the aegis of the Government of Republic of Moldova
11	Republican Festival of ethnicities	Public Garden „Stefan cel Mare”	September	Office of Interetnic Relations in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Chisinau City Mayoralty
12	International Festival of Operă and Balet Stars “Invita Maria Biesu” (Maria Bieshu Invites You)	The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet ”Maria Biesu”; The Organ Hall; The National Palace	September	Ministry of Culture
13	Chisinau City Festival	Square of the Great National Assembly	14 of October	Chisinau City Mayoralty
14	The National Day of Wine; The National Market of Popular craftsmen „Tezaur” (Thesaurus)	CIE „Moldexpo”, str. Ghioceilor 1	October	Ministry of Agriculture
15	International Music Festival „Doua inimi gemene". (Two Gemini Hearts)	National Palace "Nicolae Sulac"	October-November	Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Department of Culture of Chisinau Municipality

National Holiday List
Date	Holiday	Country
Jan 1	New Year	MOLDOVAN
Jan 7	Orthodox Christmas	MOLDOVAN
Jan 8	Orthodox Christmas	MOLDOVAN
Mar 8	International Women's Day	MOLDOVAN
	Orthodox Easter	MOLDOVAN
	Orthodox Easter Monday	MOLDOVAN
May 1	Labor Day	MOLDOVAN
May 9	Victory and Commemoration Day Europe Day	MOLDOVAN
June 1	Children's day	MOLDOVAN
Aug 27	Independence Day	MOLDOVAN
Aug 31	National Language Day "Limba Noastra"	MOLDOVAN
Sep 3	National Army Day	MOLDOVAN
Dec 25	Christmas	MOLDOVAN

Shopping in Chisinau

Whether you are visiting for the first time or have come before, it is always nice to take a keepsake back with you, and the shops of Chisinau are perfect for finding just the right thing to take back home with you as a memento of a wonderful trip.

CHISINAU SHOPPING GUIDE

Moldova's shops accept only the local Moldovan leu;
They do not accept US dollars or Euros.

There are many places where you can easily exchange foreign currency and there are numerous ATMs in Chisinau as well. Be aware that there is a charge for using an ATM that is not of your own bank. Most of the shops in Chisinau will accept credit cards but it is best to have cash if you are going shopping in Chisinau.

Public transport systems also only accept cash. The service standards of Moldova are excellent.

If you go to Adorama salon, you will be offered the highest quality of service and the choicest of consultants.

At the Domus Italia salon, there are the best of Italian designs ranging from clocks, sculptures, pictures and so on.

The Maximum, Bomba salons offer all the home appliances you might need, from washing machines to water heaters, dishwashers, electric plates, refrigerators, and so on.

Grocery shopping. There are numerous supermarkets (Kaufland, No1, Fourchette, Linella) in Chisinau where you can easily find fresh food items and household goods. The staff at these stores is usually quite helpful.

SHOPPING CENTRES

The city has many new shopping areas over the past few years and shopping in these new areas is a pleasant experience.

There are usually several boutiques in one shopping centre, so you can shop in one place with ease. For rest and relaxation in-between bouts of shopping, there is a seemingly unending supply of bars and restaurants in Chisinau. The biggest shopping center in Chisinau is Malldova located on Arborilor street.

The Sun City Centre located on Pushkin Street has the largest range of cafés and restaurants. Other busy shopping centres in Chisinau with lots of exciting stores are ZityMall, UNIC, Grand Hall, Atrium, Jumbo and Elat.

To be more competitive and attract more shoppers, most shopping centres are constantly improving their facilities and offering extras such as car parking, beauty shops, children's rooms, ateliers, fitness centres and much more. There are many other smaller shopping malls located in every district of Chisinau, which may not be as large or as famous as those listed above, but are sure to be just as good and will provide all the requirements for a home. These are also quite well situated for all the 'bedroom communities' of Budapest, Europa, Sofia, Linacs and Moscova.

FASHION IN CHISINAU

If you walk down the city centre, you will see names of world-famous clothing and accessory brands, such as Valentino, Hugo Boss, Benetton, Mustang, Adidas, Eugen Klein and many more.

The quality of goods and service at these Chisinau shops is excellent.

Moldovans are fashionable people and are very fond of the seasonal gifts and shopping discounts that most of the city's stores offer.

SOUVENIRS

If you are looking for a Chisinau souvenir to take back home, then head to the Arts Square, which is an open-air art exhibition.

One store to definitely visit is Fantezia located in the city centre, where you are sure to find some memorable keepsakes. Art and culture play a large part in Moldovan life, so there are lots of choices in art and home décor, and especially traditional Moldovan tales that are turned into beautiful craftwork by Moldovan craftsmen and much more that you can take back to remind you of your holiday to Moldova.

One of the best gifts to take back from Moldova is from the Chisinau perfumery boutiques, which are quite famous across the world. Moldova's leading perfumery is represented by world-famous names such as Parfum Lux, Capriz and Ovico.

TRANSPORT

Chisinau is the biggest city in Moldova. So, here live many people who need transport to reach the place they need to be in. In Chisinau, there exist several modes of transport: public transport, taxi and private transport.

Public transport includes buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. The most widely spread public transport is minibuses. There are many routes which interconnect all the parts of the city. In the minibuses, you should pay 3 Moldovan leys. Trolleybuses are also widely spread in Chisinau. They are many routes and it takes several minutes to wait for them. However, they are also cheaper. You should pay for the ticket 2 leys. In trolleybuses, you should always be given a ticket. Buses are not widely spread in the capital of Moldova. There are very few routes and it takes ages to wait for them. However, if you are so patient to wait until the bus comes you should pay 3 leys. Like in trolleybus you should be given a ticket.

Taxis are widely spread in Chisinau. There are different taxi services and it may be difficult to choose from. However, you should know that the price for the same trip by different taxi services doesn’t differ a lot. The difference is not higher than 10 leys. Usually, the price of a taxi trip is between 40 and 90 leys. If you come from the airport you should take into consideration that the airport lies outside the city and the price of a taxi may be higher. One more important detail is that taxi is always cheaper if you phone to taxi-office, or use the apps (Yandex, Itaxi) than if you just snag a taxi on the street.

Personal transport is often used by those who need to move from one part of the city to another one many times during the day. Chisinau is not a big city and it takes a maximum of 40 minutes to reach the place you need by the car. In the last years, the number of cars in the city grew. In rush hours there are some jams. In Chisinau nowadays it doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to stay in jam. If you decided that a personal car is the best variant for you and you have no possibility to come by car to the city you may use car rental service. There are several companies in Chisinau which offer such service, as: 4rent.md, maxrent.md or from the Airport you can rent car.