Country | Moldova, Republic of |
Population | 532513 |
Area | 123 km2 (47 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+02:00 (EET) |
Coordinates | 47.00556, 28.8575 |
Highest elevation | 85 m (279 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Chișinău, the capital and largest city of Moldova, is a dynamic and vibrant urban center nestled in the heart of the country on the Bîc River, a tributary of the Dniester. Known formerly as Kishinev, Chișinău is the primary industrial and commercial hub of Moldova, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
With a population of 532,513 in the city proper according to the 2014 census, and a total of 700,000 in the Municipality of Chișinău, which includes surrounding communities, the city is home to nearly a third of Moldova’s population. As the most economically prosperous locality in the nation, Chișinău is a vital transportation hub, connecting Moldova to various regions through its central railway station, designed in a distinct Russian-Imperial style, offering direct rail connections to Romania.
Chișinău’s rich winemaking history dates back to at least 3,000 BCE, making it a focal point for Moldova’s annual national wine festival every October. The city has endured significant damage over the centuries, particularly during World War II and from various earthquakes, yet it retains a wealth of architectural heritage. Notably, the city’s buildings often reflect Socialist realism and Brutalist styles, which are evident in various landmarks.
Architectural masterpieces by the Swiss-Italian-Russian architect Alexander Bernardazzi are scattered throughout Chișinău, including the Chișinău City Hall, the Church of Saint Theodore, and the Church of Saint Panteleimon. The central area of the city boasts the Nativity Cathedral, a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture built in the 1830s, symbolizing Chișinău’s historical and cultural prominence.
Chișinău is a hub of cultural and educational institutions. It hosts the National Museum of Fine Arts, Moldova State University, Brancusi Gallery, and the National Museum of History of Moldova, which houses over 236,000 exhibits. The city is also dotted with bustling markets, particularly in its northern areas, and features notable sites like the house where the famous poet Alexander Pushkin lived during his exile, now a dedicated museum.
Overall, Chișinău is a city that beautifully blends its rich historical past with a vibrant present, making it a central point of interest in Moldova for both residents and visitors alike.
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