Cave Monastery

Moldova


The most impressive sight at Orheiul Vechi is the Cave Monastery, built inside a cliff high above the gently meandering Răut river. It is marked by a small bell tower and a cross standing on the rocks. It was dug by Orthodox monks in the 13th century and remained inhabited until the 18th century. In 1996 a handful of monks returned to this secluded place of worship and restored it to its current state.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Moldova attractions

1. Orheiul Vechi

0.04 MILES

The archaeological and ecclesiastical complex at Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), about 50km north of Chişinău, is an important historical site and a place of…

2. Orheiul Vechi Exhibition Centre

0.38 MILES

Near the bridge over the Răut River, this inconspicuous building houses a museum with objects recovered during archaeological digs around Orheiul Vechi,…

3. Pushkin Museum

19.74 MILES

This is where Russia's national poet Alexander Pushkin (1799–1837) spent three years exiled between 1820 and 1823. You can view his tiny cottage, filled…

5. Parcul Catedralei

20.19 MILES

Dab in the middle of Chişinău, this park is popular with families and canoodling teenagers on benches, and makes for great strolling. The highlight is the…

6. Parliament House

20.19 MILES

Facing Grădina Publică Ştefan cel Mare şi Sfînt is Parliament House, where Parliament convenes.

7. Statue of Ştefan cel Mare

20.24 MILES

Ştefan was Moldavia's greatest medieval prince and ubiquitous symbol of Moldova's brave past. His 1928 statue lords over the entrances to Parcul…

8. Arc de Triomphe

20.25 MILES

Chişinău's own Arc de Triomphe dates from 1841 and marks the centre of the city. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Russian army over the…