Old Orhei Archeological Complex, Orhei District, Moldova
4.5 (119 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Trebujeni Speciality Museums
Long waiting
We came there quite early and we went first to the ethnic village and then the church above the village. After that we were waiting to see the caves. There was no sign about opening hours, but other (Moldovan) tourists said that it should be opened in about ten minutes. But then we had been waiting more than a hour. When the monk finally came he opened the door and let us enter. He was not very friendly as he was shouting at some tourists. Anyway, visiting the cave was a very nice experience.
Address
, Trebujeni, Moldova.
Website
http://moldova-online.travel/2013/07/the-museum-complex-orheiul-vechi/
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 0:11
User Ratings
4.5 based on (119 reviews)
Excellent
62%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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5Shootingstar0123 5:00 PM Jan 28, 2017
Very nice quite place with hidden gems
There are buses from the central bus terminal that is well hidden in the main market. Once you find buses, it took a few minutes to locate the right bus. I wrote the destination on a piece of paper and asked people where to find the bus. First local experience getting on maxi bus from Chișinău to Butuceni to visit Orhei Vechi Monastery. It took approx 01:30hr to get there and 26 lei. You pay at the end to the driver. Buses don't run frequently. We got the bus at around 10:30 in Chișinău and took the return bus at 16:15 from Butuceni. Be warned. If you don't get a seat, be ready to get squashed by incoming people. Even when 1 person gets off, 4 people will come in and squash you further. There seems to be no limitation on the number of passengers. Once we got to the destination, we had 4 to 5 hours to spend there so we walked around, as it was a lovely sunny Autumn day. Found a supermarket and drunk wine in the field, went to monasteries. Like may orthodox monasteries, they were pretty, full of colourful pictures. If the cave is open, go there.
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5Xenia C 5:00 PM Mar 27, 2013
A must see while visiting Moldova!
Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) is one of the most beautiful archaeological and historical complexes in Moldova, and the closest one to Chisinau. You can opt for a taxi or private driver, but there are also minibuses going there 3-4 times a day from the central bus station located on Thigina str. You need to take the minibus going to Tebujeni and Butuceni, and the ride doesn't cost you more that $2-$3. The earliest bus leaves at 10AM, and the last one returns from Old Orhei at 4PM, it gives you plenty of time to research the area. Aside from the beautiful cave monastery and The Birth of the Holy Virgin Church, the complex has a large area of hills and rocks (75 to 150 metres high) with many caves, natural springs, places of exceptional beauty for hiking and the Raut river, of course. It should take you at least 6 hours to explore the whole territory. When you're finished roaming the hills, stop by Butuceni, a village located at the foothill, check out the restaurants and little hotels where you can rest and have a delicious traditional meal. Most of the villagers would rent out their backyard for travellers who want to have a barbecue. Last time we paid around $30 to rent out a yard with a grill for 4 hours. This is a perfect one day visit if you want to detach from your routine and feel the liberating air of wilderness and intact nature.
