Stephen the Great Monument: A Symbol of Moldovan Identity

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A tribute to Moldova's greatest ruler, Stephen the Great, standing tall in Chișinău's central park, a symbol of national pride and resilience.

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Stephen the Great Monument

The Stephen the Great Monument, located in Central Chișinău, stands as a prominent tribute to Moldova's greatest ruler, Stephen the Great. Designed by Alexandru Plămădeală and erected in 1927, the monument has become a focal point for national identity and commemorates Stephen's defense of the country in the 15th century.

A brief summary to Stephen the Great Monument

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

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Stephen the Great Monument.

Visit during national holidays to witness flower-laying ceremonies and public celebrations.
Take a stroll through the adjacent Stephen the Great Central Park for a relaxing experience.
Explore the nearby Aleea Clasicilor (Alley of Classics) in the park, featuring busts of prominent Romanian writers.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

Alley of Classics

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Stephen the Great Central Park

Stephen the Great Central Park: Chișinău's Green Heart

Getting There

Walking

The Stephen the Great Monument is located in central Chișinău, near the main entrance of Stephen the Great Central Park. From most central locations, such as the Nativity Cathedral or the Triumphal Arch, it is easily accessible by foot. Simply head towards the park's main entrance on Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt.
Public Transport

Chișinău's public transportation network is extensive, with buses and trolleybuses serving the city center. Many routes pass near the Stephen the Great Monument. Check local transport apps like map.md or EasyWay for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. A single ride on a bus or trolleybus costs 6 MDL. Pay the conductor on board.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Chișinău. You can hail one on the street or use a ride-hailing app like Yandex Taxi or Taxi 14222. A short taxi ride from anywhere in the city center to the monument should cost approximately 30-52 MDL, plus a base fee of 30 MDL. Ensure the driver resets the taximeter before starting your journey.

Discover more about Stephen the Great Monument

The Stephen the Great Monument is a significant landmark in Chișinău, Moldova, honoring Stephen the Great, the Prince of Moldavia from 1457 to 1504. The monument is located in the central part of the city, near the entrance to Stephen the Great Central Park.The monument was designed by sculptor Alexandru Plămădeală in 1923, with the intention of replacing a monument to Alexander II of Russia that was destroyed in 1918. The statue was cast in Bucharest and completed in 1927, and it was unveiled on April 29, 1928, marking the 470th anniversary of Stephen's victory at the Battle of Vaslui. The total cost of the monument at the time was 4,000,000 lei.The bronze statue itself is 5.2 meters tall and depicts Stephen the Great holding a sword, symbolizing his role as a defender of the principality. The pedestal is made of Cosăuți stone and features inscriptions that honor Stephen's legacy.The monument has had a tumultuous history, reflecting Moldova's complex past. In 1940, before the Soviet occupation, it was moved to Vaslui, Romania, and its pedestal was destroyed. It was returned to Chișinău in 1942, only to be taken back to Romania in 1944. In 1945, Soviet authorities ordered its restoration in Chișinău. Finally, in 1989, it was returned to its original location.Today, the Stephen the Great Monument is a gathering place for public celebrations, commemorations, and official ceremonies. It remains one of the main tourist attractions in Chișinău and a powerful symbol of Moldovan national identity.