Moldova-- Where We Are Now (February 2022)

We arrived January 25, 2022 in Chisinau (pronounced Kiss she now) We live in a lovely apartment behind the famous Soviet Architecture "Circus".

The Chisinau Circus was built in 1981 by Ala Kirichenko and Simion Shoyhet. It opened in 1981. It was the largest auditorium in Moldova. Because of economics the Circus closed in 2014. Windows have been broken and the steps have deteriorated. The bus stop is right in front of Circus and we walk up the steps to the right and to our apartment that is directly behind Circus. 

Catedrala Nasterea Domnului (Cathedral of Christ's Nativity) is about a 25 minute walk for us and the center of the city. It was built in 1830, but bombed during WWII. The bell tower (below)  was destroyed in 1962 and rebuilt in 1997. The people were prohibited from worshipping during the Soviet Era and the Cathedral  was used for exhibition purposes. During this period the building was completely "blank" inside but now it has the traditional gold and murals associated with an Orthodox Church. 

The Triumphal Arch was built in 1840. The clock was restored in 1973.

Ciuflea Monastery is a Moldovan Orthodox monastery. It is dedicated to St. Theodore of Amasea. It was consecrated in 1958. It became a monastery in 2002. 

Two brothers, Anastasi Ciufli and his brother Teodor Ciufli, financed the structure. They are both buried at the monastery.

The Red Mill (Moara Rosie) was one of the first steam mills in Chisinau. It was built between 1850-1860. This was the tallest building in the late 19th century. It had 3 floors and even an elevator. 

In 1901 a fire broke out and destroyed some of the floors. It was rebuilt using red fireproof brick, thus calling it "Red Mill". 

Over the years it became dilapidated. It is still on the historical list but boarded up. 

We just discoverd Valea Morilor Park  The park has a walking path around the lake. People can fish in the lake but not swim. 

The park also has significant archaeological importance due to the discovery of mammoth bones. There is also a summer theater.