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Moldova
Living in EuropeAccess to the culture of the host country/language coursesMoldova

Access to the culture of the host country/language courses

Description

Culture

Theaters appeared a very long time ago, but despite their age they still remain one of the most popular ways to spend your leisure time. There are several theaters in Chisinau that everyone who appreciates culture and art simply must visit. In the theaters of Chisinau you will be able to fully appreciate the performance of highly talented actors in original plays directed by Moldovans.

Theatres

  • The largest theater in Moldova is the national theater Mihai Eminescu. The theater was founded in 1920 and used to be called the National Theater in Chisinau. The plays staged here were mostly by French, Italian, Norwegian, Romanian, and Russian play writers. The actors of the national theater Mihai Eminescu have, on numerous occasions, won the sympathy of viewers at international festivals, including the I.L. Caragiale Festival in Bucharest (1993, 1994), the A.P. Chekhov Festival in Moscow (1998), "Divadelna Nitra" in Slovakia, "Golden Lion" in Lvov. Directors from Russia, Romania, and even Canada came to work with the Moldovan actors at the Mihai Eminescu Theater.
  • There are several other theaters in Chisinau which deserve our attention. The Republican Theater "Luceafarul", "Satiricus" I.L. Caragiale, the Theater of Eugene Ionescu, and the "Ginta Latina" Theater are all places where you can enjoy theater classics staged by Moldovan directors. Sometimes the theaters invite guest performers and you can see plays by foreign troupes.
  • It is worth noting that Ginta Latina has been very successful in making the plays original in several ways–here you can see the most unusual stage decorations, innovative acting styles and very interesting plays.
  • If you would like to see a theater where the plays are performed in the Russian language than you need to go to the Russian Dramatic Theater of A. P. Chekhov. The theater was founded in 1934in Tiraspol, and since then has become one of the best Russian theaters in Moldova. In the 60s the theater moved to Chisinau and is currently located on Vlaicu Pircalab 75, which is downtown. The auditorium has almost 500 seats. You can enjoy theater productions of classical authors, such as Shakespeare, Gogol, Moliere, Pushkin, and, obviously –Chekhov. Places like the National Youth Dramatic Theater from Rose Street falls in a separate category. You will see the performance of young, but very talented actors. The staging is done in a rather contemporary style, which differs considerably from the classical understanding of theater.
  • The National Theater of Opera and Ballet is a real treasure for Moldova. The theater toured all over the world and won many awards. In addition, the National Theater of Opera and Ballet in Chisinau once hosted such legends of opera like Fyodor Chaliapin and Enrico Caruso, the concert hall has outstanding acoustic qualities and great lighting. The cultural and entertainment programs for international delegations visiting Moldova often times include a visit to the National Theater of Opera and Ballet. If you decide to visit Chisinau you should definiTely go check it out.
  • For those who prefer something more unusual we recommend the Poetry theater of Alexei Mateevici, and for children–the Republican Puppet Theater "Licurici".

Language courses

According to the Constitution of the Republic of Moldova, the State language in the Republic of Moldova is the Romanian language, and its writing is based on the Latin alphabet. Pursuant to the same document, the State shall acknowledge and protect the right to the preservation, development and use of the Russian language and other languages spoken within the territory of the State. Communicating in English within the research centers on ordinary issues is not problematic, even though, in conditions of a longer stay in Moldova, it is expected to be acknowledged with the official language for a better integration in the day-to-day life. Some universities render language training courses, teaching the State language and Russian language as well. Another option to learn the State language is to address the services of private companies, as:

http://www.oratorica.md

http://www.alc.md

http://www.iltc.md

http://quo-vadis.md

 

 

 

Sightseeing in Moldova

Chisinau is the capital of the Republic of Moldova, a very modern green and cosy town in the center of our country. The excursion includes visiting the historical center of Chisinau, administrative and cultural edifices on the main boulevard Stefan cel Mare, the main square of the General National Meeting, two central parks, churches and museums of the city, Central Market, market of souvenirs, W.W.II memorial. Duration: 3-4 hours. Way of transport: by foot and public transport.

 

 

SAHARNA monastery complexis situated in one of the most picturesque gorges on the western bank of the Dniestr river near Saharna village, 8 km away from the district center of Rezina, 14 km from the railway station of Ribnitza and at approximately 110 km to the North from Chisinau. The first settlements on the steep banks of the river of the same name were founded by the Gets and are dated to II century B.C. At that time also was erected an earth mound with three earth and one stone bastions and a ditch as well. Covered with forests, the Saharna river canyon as long as 16 km with a large number of more than 30 rapids and cascades will pleasantly surprise even a sophisticated traveler, who is looking for a comparable experience outside Moldova. The largest cascade falls down from a height of 10 meters and it is as wide as 5 meters. It is Moldovan Niagara Falls most impressive in Winter, Spring and Autumn after the rains. Duration: 6-7 hours Way of transport:by public bus from the Central bus station in Chisinau or by a cab from Rezina town.

Themonastic structure of TIPOVA is situated near the village of Tipova and is hewn in a rock of about 100 m height. Built in the XVIth-XVIIth centuries, the cave monastery is a complex architectural ensemble consisting of numerous premises made in three levels.

 

 

 

Cultural Events

Nr.

Event

Place

Period

Organizer

1

International Festival of music „Martisor”

Thetrical and concert institutions

March

Ministry of Culture

2

International Festival of theater schools and film „Class Fest”

Academy of Music, Theatre and Fine Arts; The Republican Theatre "Luceafărul"

April

Ministry of Culture

3

Festival of documentary film „Cronograf”

Cinema „Odeon”

May

Ministry of Culture

4

The international day of Museums "The Night of Museums’"

National Museums

May

Ministry of Culture

5

Light music Festival „The Star of Chisinau, the Star of Moldova”

The National Theatre "Mihai Eminescu"

May

AO "Pasarea Feonix" Train Vasilcau

6

Festival “The Biennial International of the Theatre Eugene Ionesco”

The Theatre "Eugen Ionesco"

May - June

Ministry of Culture

7

Touristic National Festival „DUMINICA MARE”(GREAT SUNDAY)

Domulgeni village, district Floresti

June

National of Rural, Ecologic and Cultural Tourism - "ANTREC Moldova"

8

Ethno-musical Festival "Gustar"

Orhei-Vechi cultural natural reservation

August

Social Association "Sens Muzical" with the support of "East-European Foundation"

9

Cultural and artistic manifestations with the occasion of the

"Independence Day"

Square of the Great National Assembly

27 of August

Ministry of Culture

10

The day of the national language inthe Republic of Moldova ,,Limba Noastra’’ (Our Language)

Square of the Great National Assembly

31st of August

Under the aegis of the Government of Republic of Moldova

11

Republican Festival of ethnicities

Public Garden „Stefan cel Mare”

September

Office of Interetnic Relations in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and the Chisinau City Mayoralty

12

International Festival of Operă and Balet Stars “Invita Maria Biesu”

(Maria Bieshu Invites You)

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet ”Maria Biesu”;

The Organ Hall; The National Palace

September

Ministry of Culture

13

Chisinau City Festival

Square of the Great National Assembly

14 of October

Chisinau City Mayoralty

14

The National Day of Wine; The National Market of Popular craftsmen „Tezaur” (Thesaurus)

CIE „Moldexpo”, str. Ghioceilor 1

October

Ministry of Agriculture

15

International Music Festival „Doua inimi gemene". (Two Gemini Hearts)

National Palace "Nicolae Sulac"

October-November

Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Department of Culture of Chisinau Municipality

National Holiday List

Date

Holiday

Country

Jan 1

New Year

MOLDOVAN

Jan 7

Orthodox Christmas

MOLDOVAN

Jan 8

Orthodox Christmas

MOLDOVAN

Mar 8

International Women's Day

MOLDOVAN

 

Orthodox Easter

MOLDOVAN

 

Orthodox Easter Monday

MOLDOVAN

May 1

Labor Day

MOLDOVAN

May 9

Victory and Commemoration Day

Europe Day

MOLDOVAN

June 1

Children's day

MOLDOVAN

Aug 27

Independence Day

MOLDOVAN

Aug 31

National Language Day "Limba Noastra"

MOLDOVAN

Sep 3

National Army Day

MOLDOVAN

Dec 25

Christmas

MOLDOVAN

 

 

Shopping in Chisinau

Whether you are visiting for the first time or have come before, it is always nice to take a keepsake back with you, and the shops of Chisinau are perfect for finding just the right thing to take back home with you as a memento of a wonderful trip.

If you are looking for a Chisinau souvenir to take back home, then head to the Arts Square, which is an open-air art exhibition.

One store to definitely visit is Fantezia located in the city centre, where you are sure to find some memorable keepsakes. Art and culture play a large part in Moldovan life, so there are lots of choices in art and home décor, and especially traditional Moldovan tales that are turned into beautiful craftwork by Moldovan craftsmen and much more that you can take back to remind you of your holiday to Moldova.

One of the best gifts to take back from Moldova is from the Chisinau perfumery boutiques, which are quite famous across the world. Moldova's leading perfumery is represented by world-famous names such as Parfum Lux, Capriz and Ovico.

 

 

 

TRANSPORT

Chisinau is the biggest city in Moldova. So, here live many people who need transport to reach the place they need to be in. In Chisinau, there exist several modes of transport: public transport, taxi and private transport.

Public transport includes buses, trolleybuses and minibuses. The most widely spread public transport is minibuses. There are many routes which interconnect all the parts of the city. In the minibuses, you should pay 3 Moldovan leys. Trolleybuses are also widely spread in Chisinau. They are many routes and it takes several minutes to wait for them. However, they are also cheaper. You should pay for the ticket 2 leys. In trolleybuses, you should always be given a ticket. Buses are not widely spread in the capital of Moldova. There are very few routes and it takes ages to wait for them. However, if you are so patient to wait until the bus comes you should pay 3 leys. Like in trolleybus you should be given a ticket.

Taxis are widely spread in Chisinau. There are different taxi services and it may be difficult to choose from. However, you should know that the price for the same trip by different taxi services doesn’t differ a lot. The difference is not higher than 10 leys. Usually, the price of a taxi trip is between 40 and 90 leys. If you come from the airport you should take into consideration that the airport lies outside the city and the price of a taxi may be higher. One more important detail is that taxi is always cheaper if you phone to taxi-office, or use the apps (Yandex, Itaxi) than if you just snag a taxi on the street.

Personal transport is often used by those who need to move from one part of the city to another one many times during the day. Chisinau is not a big city and it takes a maximum of 40 minutes to reach the place you need by the car. In the last years, the number of cars in the city grew. In rush hours there are some jams. In Chisinau nowadays it doesn’t take more than 15 minutes to stay in jam. If you decided that a personal car is the best variant for you and you have no possibility to come by car to the city you may use car rental service. There are several companies in Chisinau which offer such service, as: 4rent.md, maxrent.md or from the Airport you can rent car.