Things to Do in Moldova

No trip to Eastern Europe would be quite complete without a trip to the circus - like it or loathe it, it's a central part of the culture of the region. The Chisinau Circus building was created in 1982 as a permanent structure to host traditional circus performances.

At 89,000 square meters, this labyrinth of passageways and levels is one of the largest cave complexes in the world. Comprised of several large chambers and underground lakes, the caves are the source of a combination of minerals that apparently possess medicinal qualities. Exploration should only be undertaken with a trained guide.

Dating back to 1429, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Moldova. It was originally a wooden structure but was rebuilt in 1545 in stone. Nowadays, it stands as an important symbol of national revival and religious grandeur, surrounded by the beauty of the Capriana-Scoreni Nature Reserve.

Built by the Soviets, this well-equipped performance theater has become a national treasure and a prominent Eastern European cultural center. Now playing host to an international performance schedule, it was once one of the few institutions in the country to maintain its own orchestra, soloists and chorus.

Built in 1905 in an oriental style, this is the oldest museum in Moldova. It has maintained its dual purpose as a center for nature and cultural studies, notably housing a full skeleton of the Gigantisimus dinosaur in addition to its other collections.