The Triumphal Arch, Chișinău Travel Guide

The Triumphal Arch, also known as the Arcul de Triumf, is a significant landmark in Chișinău, located on the Great National Assembly Square. Built in 1840 by architect Luka Zauschevici, the arch commemorates the Russian Empire's victory over the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkish War of 1828-29.The arch's neoclassical design features a square plan and stands 13 meters tall. Corinthian-style capitals adorn its four pillars, and the upper tier showcases classical decorations, including a mechanical clock. The arch was constructed using polished white stone and ceramic ornaments.Historically, the arch housed a 6.4-ton bell cast from captured Turkish cannons. The bell, intended for the Nativity Cathedral, was too large for the cathedral's belfry and was instead installed in the arch. The monument has undergone several restorations, with Soviet-era plaques added and later removed. Today, the Triumphal Arch is a focal point for national celebrations and a starting point for exploring Chișinău's rich history and culture. It marks the entrance to Cathedral Park and is near the Nativity Cathedral and the National Museum of History of Moldova.