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1. Codru Forest & Monasteries
Trip starts in the village of Codreanca, about 46 km from Chisinau. The route takes you through the forested part of central Moldova, called Codru, offering a healthy ride with cultural content.
The Tiganesti Monastery is surrounded by an ancient forest and a clear spring. Not far from the monastery there are artificial lakes and a rest area, all surrounded by forest. From here, we continue up and down the forested hills to the monastery Curchi. This Monastery is undergoing major restoration. According to plans, you will not see any ancient stone when completed. But don't worry, we know of some hidden places along the way which are not planned for major restoration.
After the monastery, we head through the forested hills, up and down, to meet some wild pigs before entering the village of Dolna with its freshly refurbished church. The tour is complete after a couple more forested hills.
Typical
duration: 9 hours Distance
from Chisinau (start and finis point): 46 km
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2. The "Cross of the Codru"
This is a unique biking trail for Moldova. It offers good roads with almost no traffic, excellent views, clean air, plenty of forest and several small villages.
The main attraction of this tour are the four monasteries (Frumoasa, Reciula, Hirjauca, Hirbovat) located in the Codru forest. Two of the monasteries are for nuns, while the other two for monks. What is unique is that while facing the sunrise to the East, the four monasteries form a cross.
After the monasteries, in Hirjauca we find an old log church. It was removed from its initial location near an old cemetery. Neighboring this site for the log church is the "Parent's house" museum, with plenty of artifacts and art pieces from rural life.
Typical
duration: 12 hours |
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3. Condrita and Capriana
The Capriana monastery is only 30 km from Chisinau in a forest. The neighboring village by the same name is known for summer camps. Just on the other side of the hill is a Presidential retreat.
On our trip through the Codru, the trail leads to a second monastery, Capriana. The name comes from "Deer", symbolic of the ancient forest. You will see that this monastery is undergoing fresh restoration, financed by the current administration.
After the new looking Capriana monastery, we will overlook some cleared forest which opens a strategic view. You will also have the chance to see ancient wooden stairs which still are in good shape. Also, in the forest valley south of the monastery, there is an old oak tree that has survived so many revolutionary changes. According to a sign, Stephan the Great, the historic ruler of greater Moldova and one of the founders of the monastery, rested near the tree. From there, we have a steep road before ending the tour.
This trip has the strange effect of stitching together past and present leadership of Moldova.
Typical
duration: 6.7 hours |
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