Background

Valea Morilor Park: Chișinău's Green Escape

Discover Chișinău's Valea Morilor Park: A blend of nature, recreation, and history in the heart of Moldova's capital.

4.7

Valea Morilor Park, established in 1950, is one of Chișinău's largest and most cherished green spaces, featuring a large lake, recreational activities, and historical landmarks. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying nature in the city.

A brief summary to Valea Morilor Park

  • Strada Grigore Alexandrescu, Chișinău, Sectorul Buiucani, MD

Local tips

  • Take a leisurely stroll or rent a bike to explore the 2.5km ring road around the lake.
  • Visit the Summer Theater, the largest open-air theater in Europe, for cultural events.
  • Enjoy water activities like paddle boating or simply relax by the sandy beach.
  • Climb the Cascades Staircase for panoramic views of the park and lake.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the park's open spaces or visit the kiosks and restaurants nearby.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, such as Ștefan cel Mare Central Park, you can reach Valea Morilor Park by bus or trolleybus. Several bus and trolleybus lines connect the city center with the park. Check the Tranzy app or Google Maps for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ride on a bus or trolleybus costs 6 lei.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Hip, Letz, and TaxiClub 14444 are readily available in Chișinău. A short taxi ride from the city center to Valea Morilor Park typically costs between 50 and 80 lei, depending on traffic and the specific company. It's advisable to use a taxi app if you don't speak Romanian or Russian.

  • Walking

    Valea Morilor Park is approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the Triumphal Arch in the city center. Head west along Strada București, then turn left onto Strada Mihail Kogălniceanu, which leads directly to the park. This is a pleasant walk, allowing you to see more of the city.

  • Parking

    If you are driving, there is parking available near Valea Morilor Beach, with free parking. However, spaces may be limited, especially during peak hours. Street parking may also be available nearby.

Unlock the Best of Valea Morilor Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Valea Morilor Park

Valea Morilor Park, located in the Buiucani sector of Chișinău, is a sprawling oasis of nature and recreation. Established in 1950 at the initiative of Leonid Brezhnev, it was initially named the "Central Park of Culture and Rest of the Leninist Komsomol". The park's current name, meaning "Valley of the Mills," comes from the artificial lake at its heart, a nod to the watermills that once dotted the area. Designed by architect Robert Kurz, the park covers 114 hectares, with Valea Morilor Lake spanning 34 hectares. A 2.5-kilometer ring road encircles the lake, offering scenic paths for strolling and cycling. The park is home to diverse tree species, including Canadian poplar, wild chestnut, acacia, and maple. The lake is populated with carp, crucian carp, and ducks. Valea Morilor Park offers a variety of attractions and activities. The "Summer Theater" (Green Theatre), built in 1957, is the largest open-air theater in Europe, with a seating capacity of 6,700. Other attractions include a daytime cinema, a children's town called "Andrieș," a sandy beach, and a boat station. Visitors can enjoy water activities like rowing and paddle boating. In winter, the lake sometimes transforms into an ice rink. Noteworthy features include the Cascades Staircase, consisting of 218 steps, longer than the Potemkin Staircase in Odessa. The staircase and rotunda were recently restored. In 2009, mammoth skeleton fragments were discovered at the bottom of the lake, a significant find for Moldova. While offering a tranquil escape, Valea Morilor Park also has convenient access to public transportation. Buses and trolleybuses provide easy connections to various parts of Chișinău.

Popular Experiences near Valea Morilor Park

Popular Hotels near Valea Morilor Park

Select Currency