Orheiul Vechi
Moldova · Orhei · 120 m
Description
Orheiul Vechi is the one landscape in Moldova that stops people, a limestone gorge where the Răut loops back on itself under cliffs with a cave monastery cut into the rock face. Monks dug the cells and church in the thirteenth century and a small community returned in the nineties, so the church is in use again. A wooden cross on the clifftop marks the entrance. Getae fortifications, a Mongol caravanserai and an Ottoman bath have all been excavated on the plateau above.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Cave monastery cut into the cliff
- Răut river loop under the limestone walls
- Clifftop cross and the plateau viewpoint
- Butuceni village and its guesthouses
- Getae fortifications and the Mongol caravanserai
- Village kitchen and the wood fired bread
- Bell tower on the ridge
- Wine tasting in the village cellars