The Triumphal Arch, Cahul County Travel Guide

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Visit Chișinău's Triumphal Arch, a symbol of 1840 victory, explore Moldova's history & culture in the heart of the Great National Assembly Square.

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The Triumphal Arch

The Triumphal Arch in Chișinău is a historical monument built in 1840 to commemorate the Russian Empire's victory in the Russo-Turkish War. Located in the Great National Assembly Square, it's a focal point of the city's architectural ensemble and a reminder of Moldova's complex past.

A brief summary to The Triumphal Arch

The Great National Assembly Square, Chișinău, Sectorul Buiucani, MD
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Triumphal Arch.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light for photographs and fewer crowds.
Check for local events or concerts happening in the Great National Assembly Square for an authentic experience.
Explore the nearby Nativity Cathedral and Stefan cel Mare Central Park for a more complete experience of Chișinău's city center.
Take a stroll along Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, lined with important buildings, cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.

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Explore The Triumphal Arch on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Triumphal Arch, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Triumphal Arch is located in the heart of Chișinău, in the Great National Assembly Square. If you are in the Centru neighborhood, the Arch is easily accessible by foot. From Stefan cel Mare Central Park, exit towards Ștefan Cel Mare Boulevard and head southeast. Continue walking straight; you will see the Arch and the square in approximately 10-15 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking to the Triumphal Arch.
Public Transport

From various points in Chișinău, you can take a trolleybus or bus to the Great National Assembly Square. Look for routes that stop at 'Piața Marii Adunări Naționale'. Trolleybus numbers 22 and bus number 16 have stops nearby. A ticket costs 6 MDL (approximately €0.30) and can be purchased at kiosks or from the ticket checker on board. Once you get off, the Arch will be right in front of you.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Chișinău. You can hail a taxi on the street or use a mobile app like Hip or Yandex Taxi. A taxi ride from the Chisinau International Airport to the city center typically costs around 150 MDL (€8). From other locations in the city center, a 5km ride will cost around 51.5 MDL. Ensure the driver resets the taximeter before starting the journey. There is no price difference for day, night, and weekend trips.

Discover more about The Triumphal Arch

The Triumphal Arch, also known as the "Holy Gates," stands as a proud symbol in the heart of Chișinău. Constructed in 1840 by architect Luka Zaușchevici, the arch commemorates the Russian Empire's victory over the Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-29. The design was inspired by the Roman Arch.Initially, the arch served as a bell tower, housing a massive 6.4-ton bell cast from captured Turkish cannons. The bell was intended for the Nativity Cathedral, but it was too large for the cathedral's belfry. The arch then became the bell's home and a symbol of victory. The bell bears inscriptions such as “By the kind permission of Tsar Nikolai I in 1838” and “For the Nativity Cathedral in Chisinau”.The 13-meter-tall structure is made of polished white stone and features a square design with four openings. Corinthian-style capitals adorn its four pillars, and the upper tier showcases classical decorations, including a mechanical clock. The arch has undergone several restorations throughout its history, with Soviet-era plaques added and later removed.Today, the Triumphal Arch is a key landmark in Chișinău, serving as a backdrop for national celebrations, military parades, and public events. It is located on the same line as the bell tower and the Cathedral in the city center. The Arch is a starting point for exploring Chisinau's rich history and culture.