1 km away from highway Chisinau-Balti, 38 km North from Chisinau is the starting point of the hike - Monastery Tiganesti, district Straseni.

It was established in 1725, initially as a small wooden church to hide Christians from Tatar invasions. During the WWII hundreds of soldiers were buried here, Romanians, Germans, Soviets. In times of USSR the monastery was closed, icons & books burnt. Between 1960-1992 premises were used as a Hospital for physically and mentally disabled. This brought the state of affairs to the ground.

In September 1992 the monastery was re-established.

The path will lead us through forested hills, picturesque rural environment to the other Convent Frumoasa ('beautiful'), district Calarasi, established initially as a monastery for monks in 1804 with support of three priests from Neamt monastery in Romania. Church was built in 1806, initially a wooden one, and in 1850 in stone. The name "beautiful" was given after the place where it was settled.

In Soviet times was closed for "not being able to pay state taxes". Between 1946-1994 was used as: orphanage; boarding school for deaf-mute children; colony-jail for minors; special school for mentally disordered children. In 1986 the main church burned after a "successful" New Year Party.

Re-activated in 1994. Since 2003 started the refurbishment, which is now almost completed. Nowadays it is a convent with over 20 nuns.

It is also assisting in running summer camps for children in the picturesque vicinity.

Approx. length of the trail 15 km. Typical duration: 9,5 hours = 5 hours hike through the forest + 1 hour lunch & sightseeing + 1,5 hours visiting monasteries + 2 hours roundtrip from Chisinau Distance from Chisinau : 38/58 km

Participants need to have hiking shoes and comfortable hiking clothing, small backpack. Food and water (min. 1,5 liter) - on your own.

Price options (per person), Lei MD :

To make a reservation please pay a non-refundable deposit of 100 lei.

Price includes transportation, English-speaking guide.

Contact person - Leonid (tel. 0,69258006)

Departure at 8:30 from intersection of Pushkin and Columna streets, at the corner of the Cathedral park (see the map below). Return to the same place by 18:00