Moldavia

Moldova

History

Moldavia is a historical region of eastern Romania, distinct from the neighbouring Republic of Moldova, though both share the name and much of their heritage. As a medieval principality founded in the 14th century, Moldavia flourished under rulers such as Stephen the Great, who defended it against Ottoman expansion and endowed it with fortified monasteries. Over the centuries it fell under Ottoman suzerainty, and in 1859 it united with Wallachia to form the modern Romanian state. Its eastern half, Bessarabia, was repeatedly absorbed by Russia and later became the independent Republic of Moldova.

Culture

Moldavia is celebrated for its painted monasteries of Bucovina, whose exterior frescoes glow with vivid blues and reds and are recognised by UNESCO. The region has a strong rural and pastoral character, with enduring folk traditions of music, dance, embroidery and hospitality. Its cuisine leans on hearty dishes like mamaliga and rich soups, and the northern hills are dotted with vineyards and craft workshops.

Language

The language is Romanian, spoken here with a soft Moldavian accent that palatalises certain consonants and has its own warm intonation. A friendly "Bună ziua" (good day) and "Mulțumesc" (thank you) go a long way with locals.

Best time to visit

Autumn (September–October) coincides with the harvest and wine season in the eastern hills.

Places to visit

• Iași — The historic capital of Moldavia and one of Romania's great cultural cities, home to the flamboyant Palace of Culture a…
• Sucevița Monastery — A fortified painted monastery whose exterior walls are covered with exceptionally well-preserved frescoes, including th…
• Moldovița Monastery — A UNESCO painted monastery famous for its vibrant frescoes depicting the Siege of Constantinople against a golden-yello…
• Putna Monastery — Founded by Stephen the Great, who is buried here, this is one of the most revered monasteries in Romanian history. A se…
• Neamț Monastery — One of the oldest and most important Orthodox monasteries in Romania, a major center of medieval manuscript culture. It…
• Ceahlău Massif — A dramatic and legendary mountain massif considered sacred in Romanian folklore, offering excellent hiking to distincti…
• Bicaz Gorge — A spectacular limestone canyon where the road winds beneath towering vertical cliffs, one of Romania's most scenic driv…
• Neamț Citadel — A well-restored medieval fortress perched on a rocky bluff above Târgu Neamț, associated with Stephen the Great's defen…
• Humor Monastery — A smaller but exquisite painted monastery whose reddish-brown frescoes and open porch make it a UNESCO gem. Often visit…
• Cotnari Vineyards — One of Romania's oldest and most celebrated wine regions, famous for its aromatic white wines dating back to medieval t…
• Piatra Neamț — An attractive mountain-ringed city with a medieval church and bell tower built by Stephen the Great, plus a scenic cabl…

Where to eat

• Casa Bunicii (Traditional Romanian, Iași, Centru). Order: Sarmale with mămăligă.
• La Castel (European / Grill, Iași, Copou). Order: Grilled beef tenderloin.
• Trattoria Verdi (Italian, Iași, Palas). Order: Tagliatelle al tartufo.
• Cuptorul Moldovencei (Traditional Romanian, Iași, Palas). Order: Tochitură moldovenească.
• Restaurant Select (Romanian / European, Bacău, Centru). Order: Ciorbă de burtă.
• Pescăria lu' Sică (Seafood / Fish, Bacău). Order: Grilled trout.
• Casa Domnească (Traditional Bukovinian, Suceava, Centru). Order: Bukovina-style pork knuckle.
• Latino Restaurant (Italian, Suceava). Order: Pizza quattro formaggi.
• Conacul Domnesc (Romanian, Botoșani, Centru). Order: Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână.
• Panoramic Restaurant (Romanian / European, Piatra Neamț). Order: Mixed grill platter.
• Casa Pescarilor (Fish / Traditional, Piatra Neamț). Order: Fish soup (bors de peste).
• Vatra Neamțului (Traditional Romanian, Roman, Centru). Order: Papanași.
• Restaurant Belvedere (Romanian, Vaslui, Centru). Order: Friptură de porc cu cartofi.
• Casa Bucovineană (Bukovinian / Traditional, Gura Humorului). Order: Smoked pork with sauerkraut.