Orheiul Vechi: A Journey Through Time
Discover Moldova's ancient heart at Orheiul Vechi: Explore cave monasteries, historical ruins, and breathtaking landscapes in this unique cultural reserve.
Orheiul Vechi, near Trebujeni, Moldova, is a captivating historical and archaeological complex. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Răut River, it showcases remnants of ancient civilizations, including Geto-Dacian fortresses, the Golden Horde, and an Orthodox monastery, offering visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Orheiul Vechi, Trebujeni
- Trebujeni, MD
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring Orheiul Vechi involves walking on uneven terrain and hiking between sites.
- Dress respectfully when visiting the cave monastery (long skirts or pants for women, long trousers or shorts for men, and no tank tops).
- Bring water and snacks, especially during the summer months, as the weather can be hot and dry.
- Consider staying overnight in Butuceni or Trebujeni to fully experience the local hospitality and explore the area at a more relaxed pace.
- Check the bus schedule in advance if using public transport, as services may be infrequent, and confirm the destination (Butuceni or Trebujeni) with the driver.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Orheiul Vechi from Chisinau, take a marshrutka (minibus) from the Central Bus Station (Gara Centrală) to either Trebujeni or Butuceni. Marshrutkas leave approximately every 30 minutes. Look for marshrutkas with signs indicating 'Butuceni', 'Trebujeni', or 'Orheiul Vechi'. A ticket costs around 46 MDL. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. If traveling to Trebujeni, you'll need to walk about 30 minutes from the junction to the Orheiul Vechi complex. If traveling to Butuceni, the walk is shorter, around 10 minutes. Some marshrutkas stop at both villages, so it's best to confirm with the driver. The Central Bus Station in Chisinau is located next to the Central Market (Piața Centrală). To reach the bus station from the Chisinau Airport, take bus 165 or trolleybus 30 to the city center, then walk to the bus station. The trolleybus/minibus from the airport to the city center costs 6 MDL.
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Taxi
A taxi from Chisinau to Orheiul Vechi takes approximately 55 minutes. A one-way trip will cost approximately 230 MDL. Taxis can be found throughout Chisinau, or the YandexGo app can be used. Be sure to negotiate the price or confirm that the meter is running. Note that YandexGo may not be available in Old Orhei for the return trip.
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Driving
Driving from Chisinau to Orheiul Vechi takes approximately 55 minutes via route M21. The distance is about 53 km. Parking is available near the Orheiul Vechi complex for a fee: Bicycles are free, Cars 30 MDL, Vans 50 MDL, and Buses 80 MDL.
Discover more about Orheiul Vechi, Trebujeni
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Paragliding Site
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Old Orhei. Paragliding Site
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Vila Roz
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Старый Орхей
1.2 km
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Старый Орхей
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Tatar Bath Ruins
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Geto-Dacian Monument
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Caves Viewpoint
1.6 km
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Resedinta Rotundu
1.7 km
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Manor of the Balioz family
9.2 km
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Conacul familiei Bogdasarov
11.1 km
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Panorama orașului Orhei
12.7 km
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Orhei Town Hall
13.1 km
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Codru
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St. Dumitru Church
13.3 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Orheiul Vechi, Trebujeni
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Old Orhei Fort
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Trebujeni Viewpoint
0.4 km
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Viewpoint towards Old Orhei
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Orheiul Vechi Cultural and Natural Reserve
0.9 km
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Medieval Church Remains
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Ruine
1.2 km
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Bosie Cave Monastery
1.2 km
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Cave Monastery
1.2 km
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Old Orhei
1.3 km
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St. Mary's Church
1.4 km
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Eco-Resort Butuceni
1.4 km
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Butuceni Ethnography Museum
1.4 km
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Butuceni
1.4 km
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Old Farm Butuceni
1.4 km
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Essential places to dine
AgroPensiunea La Popas
1.3 km
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Agro Pensiunea Butuceni
1.3 km
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Villa Etnica
1.5 km
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Epoca de Piatră
2.7 km
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Magazinul LoryGel
3.3 km
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BLUE RIVER
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Casa Sobarului
11.1 km
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Safari
12.0 km
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Doi Haiduci
12.5 km
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Restaurantul "Primăvara"
13.1 km
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SAMURAI SUSHI & ROLLS TERRACE Orhei
13.2 km
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Select Lounge
13.2 km
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RiverSideResort
13.2 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Valea Stancii
0.2 km
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Restaurant ”de Vis”
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Casa din Lunca Pension
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Casa de sub Stinca Pension
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Agro Pensiunea Casa Verde
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DescOperă
1.3 km
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Magazin Bisericesc Suvenire
1.4 km
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Eco Vila
4.9 km
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Gramma
9.4 km
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Busuioc Ion
10.3 km
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Magazin MARKET
12.0 km
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Relax
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Magazin de fructe și legume
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Dumbrava
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Jardi Market
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
La bar la Senea
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Aici să dau heetsuri purple
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Кафе Сафари этно музей с зооуголок.
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Bere Bună
13.2 km
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Diez Café
13.2 km
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Fan Kebab
13.2 km
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Dolce Vita
13.3 km
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NIPPON SUSHI
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Le Café
13.3 km
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Versailles
13.3 km
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Acropolis
13.3 km
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VinBere
13.6 km
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Zona de odihnă/picnic
13.7 km
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Restaurant Orhei
14.2 km
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Cafenea Orhei
14.2 km
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