Moldova: A Hidden Treasure
RevivEE officially began in Chișinău, Moldova, where we spent ten days in intense training (you can read a full blog about that experience HERE). The training was inspiring and faith-building! But today I want to share about the “tourist” aspect of those days: the moments we had to explore the beautiful nation of Moldova, one of Europe’s most fascinating and underrated countries. In fact, it is Europe’s least visited nation—yet it offers much to see and experience.
Fun Fact: according to legend, the land itself was named after a local king’s beloved dog, Moldova, who drowned in a river that was later named in its honor. Eventually, the whole region took on the name of the river.
Historical Background
Moldova is a landlocked country with rich, fertile soil, known especially for producing some of the region’s best wines. Its flat terrain also made it a natural crossroads for trade and migration between Asia and Europe. Over the centuries, various nomadic tribes lived here before uniting as the Kingdom of Dacia to resist the expansion of the Roman Empire (unsuccessfully). What followed were centuries of invasions: Goths, Huns, the Bulgarian Empire, and later the Mongol Golden Horde. Each wave brought new languages and cultures, leaving a legacy of diversity but also instability.
By the Middle Ages, Moldova became a cluster of small principalities allowed to govern mostly autonomously as long as each paid tribute to the Ottoman Empire. In the 1800s, the land became a battleground for the Ottomans, Russians, and Austro-Hungarians. Part of Moldova was annexed by Russia and renamed Bessarabia, later to be reunited with Moldova, and eventually merged with the Wallachia region to form modern-day Romania. Talk about instability!
In the 20th century, the Soviet Union created the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic, relocating thousands of people from across the USSR. This left Moldova with a diverse but complicated population, furthering political tension and instability. Yet despite its history, Moldova today is remarkably safe and peaceful. The republic today has 32 districts, 3 municipalities, and two disputed regions: Transnistria and Gagauzia.
When I reflect on Moldova’s story, I see resilience. Nations rose and fell, borders shifted, rulers changed, yet life here endured. It reminded me of Daniel 2:21a: “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” God’s hand has always been over history—and it still is over Moldova today.
Exploring Chișinău and Beyond
Though our training schedule was packed, we found some time to explore Moldova firsthand. We stayed in the heart of Chișinău, right next to a peaceful man-made lake and park. Families strolled, kids laughed and played, and people relaxed in the sunshine—it felt like stepping into a slower, simpler rhythm of life. One morning, I even joined an aerial silks class with some women in the park. It was a blast and really remarkable meeting a woman there who had recently lost her job as an English teacher due to the termination of USAID’s educational programs in the region.
One highlight was visiting Cricova Winery, the largest underground wine cellar in the world. To call it a wine cellar is an understatement—it’s a labyrinth, stretching over 120 kilometers and reaching 60 meters underground. Cricova opened its doors in 1952 and is still expanding today. It was also the first winery in Moldova to make sparkling wine, using the traditional French method of manually turning bottles. Walking through those tunnels and learning about the history was incredible.
That same day we visited Old Orhei, an ancient settlement surrounded by breathtaking cliffs. The monastery was closed, but we hiked to nearby caves where we had a time of worship together. To our surprise, the cave walls and ceilings were covered with seashells—a reminder that millions of years ago, this region lay beneath the Paratethys Sea, once the largest lake in Earth’s history. Standing there, singing praises to God in a place that was once under water, I thought of Psalm 104:24-25: “How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number.” Truly, his creation across time and space declares His glory.
Back in Chișinău, we explored more landmarks:
- The “I Love Chișinău” sign in front of the Presidential Palace (once the headquarters of the Moldavian SSR).
- The Arch of Triumph, built in 1840 to commemorate Russia’s victory over the Ottomans.
- The Scara Cascadelor (Waterfall Staircase) in Valley of the Mills Park, overlooking another lake.
The most breathtaking stop was the Nativity Cathedral. On the outside it looked simple, almost plain—but inside it was divine, filled with ornate icons, gold details, and a profound sense of reverence. Built in 1830, bombed in WWII, destroyed again in 1962, yet today beautifully restored—it stood as a reminder of how God rebuilds what is broken.
Impressions of Moldova
Moldova surprised me in the best ways. Though the least traveled country in Europe, it is rich in beauty, history, and culture. The people are reserved yet kind. Women walk with elegance and poise. I felt safe walking alone, and I was deeply moved by the quiet resilience of its people.
For me, Moldova was more than just sightseeing. It was a reminder that God is present even in places the world tends to overlook. He is working in the smallest nations as much as in the largest. He is faithful to those who have endured centuries of change and challenge.
It was an honor to walk the streets of Chișinău, to worship in ancient caves, to see resilience in stone cathedrals and in the faces of the people.
