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Stephen the Great Monument: A Symbol of Moldovan Identity

A tribute to Moldova's national hero, Stephen the Great, in the heart of Chișinău.

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The Stephen the Great Monument, a bronze statue in Chișinău, honors Moldova's greatest ruler, Stephen the Great, who defended the country from Turkish invasion in the 15th century. Located at the entrance to Ștefan cel Mare Central Park, it's a focal point for national holidays and a key tourist attraction.

A brief summary to Stephen the Great Monument

  • Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt în Parcul Ștefan cel Mare, Chișinău, Sectorul Buiucani, 2012, MD

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best lighting for photographs.
  • Take a leisurely walk around Ștefan cel Mare Central Park to enjoy the gardens and nearby attractions.
  • Look for guided tours that provide deeper insights into the history of Stephen the Great and the monument.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Chișinău's Central Market, head east on Strada 31 August 1989. Continue until you reach Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt. Turn left and walk approximately 1 kilometer. The monument is located in Ștefan cel Mare Central Park. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take a trolleybus, bus, or minibus to a stop near Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare. From there, walk to the monument within Ștefan cel Mare Central Park. A single ticket on any of these options costs 6 MDL.

  • Taxi

    Hail a taxi or use a ride-sharing app. Request a ride to the Stephen the Great Monument, located at Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt in Ștefan cel Mare Central Park. Taxi fares in Chișinău start at 30 MDL, with an additional 4.3 MDL per kilometer. A short trip within the city center should cost around 51.5 MDL.

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Discover more about Stephen the Great Monument

The Stephen the Great Monument stands as a powerful symbol of Moldovan history and national identity. Located prominently at the southern entrance to Ștefan cel Mare Central Park in Chișinău, the monument commemorates Stephen the Great (Ștefan cel Mare), the revered ruler of Moldova from 1457 to 1504. He is celebrated for his military prowess and for successfully defending the principality against Ottoman invasions. The bronze statue, standing at 5.2 meters, depicts Stephen the Great in regal attire, holding a sword, symbolizing his role as a defender. The statue was cast in Bucharest in the early 20th century. The monument replaced a monument to Alexander II of Russia, which was demolished in 1918. The statue's creation involved sculptor Alexandru Plămădeală, who sought an authentic image of Stephen the Great. The monument has a storied past, mirroring Moldova's turbulent history. It was moved to Romania during periods of Soviet occupation and returned to Chișinău at key moments of national revival. Today, the monument is a site for public gatherings, flower-laying ceremonies, and national celebrations. It serves as a reminder of Moldova's heritage and the enduring legacy of its national hero.

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