Travel Guide to Orhei Vechi, Moldova

Ra's Travel Guide to Orhei Vechi

A new up and coming city located in the center of Moldova; a complete travel guide to Orhei Vechi.

Table of Contents

Not to be confused with Orhei city, Orhei Vechi is a city located in the central area of Moldova, a 45 minute drive from Chisinau. Old Orhei is primary referred to as Orhei Vechi or Orheiul Vechi (The Old Orhei), but it may also be called Trebujeni or Butuceni, which are the cities that are part of Old Orhei. Here, you can explore a variety of archeological complexes, museums, hiking, outdoor activities, traditional workshops, and more! This is definitely one spot that you will not want to miss when visiting Moldova! Use this complete travel guide to Orhei Vechi to help plan or navigate your trip!

Getting to Orhei Vechi, Moldova: Transportation Options and Travel Tips

When visiting Orhei Vechi, it is very similar to visiting other cities in central Moldova such as Orhei city. You will first need to come through Chișinău, the capital of Moldova. Regardless of where in Chișinău, you will need to find your way to Gara Suburban/Central (Central Bus Station). If you’re coming from the airport, you can take bus mini-bus 165 or trolleybus 30 to the city center. Once in the city center, you can walk to the Central bus station which is located next to Piața Central. Marshrutkas/buses leave every 30 minutes to Trebujeni or Butuceni, which will take you to the general area of Orhei Vechi. If you’re staying overnight in a hotel or ecolodge, be sure to ask which bus it is best to take. At this time, the minibus and trolley bus cost 6 Moldovan lei per ride. If you’re not coming from the airport, omit the part of the instructions that refer to the airport and follow the rest.

Another easy way is to use Google Maps and select the bus icon, which will show you the trolleybus route you need to take from where you are in order to reach the Central Bus Station. Note that Google Maps will not show the minibus routes. However, if you’re not comfortable or confident with public transport you can always call a taxi/grab a taxi, or use the app YandexGo either to get to the Central Bus Station directly to Orhei Vechi (I will explain more about taxis below).

Once at the Bus Station, you will need to purchase a bus ticket to Trebujeni or Butuceni from the Casa Billet (Ticket House). Depending on the times, the Ticket House may direct you to mashrutkas that have the name of either city on the sign or explain that you need to go to one that stops at the city along the way. For the marshrutka timetables, visit the official Autogara website here. If you’re not flying into Chișinău, or would like more assurance for your travel route, consider checking on Rome2rio, to compare travel methods and prices.

Where to Stay in Orhei Vechi, Moldova?

The most popular accommodation in Old Orehi are the eco-villages, which are traditional Moldovan houses on a single property that offer traditional handicraft or cooking workshops, swimming, breakfasts, and tours. Think of them as a resort style-getaway in nature that embrace Moldovan traditions. There are many eco-villages, cottages, and guesthouses to choose from, which all specialize in their own unique themes and designs that are located in Trebujeni and Butuceni. Some are more suited for groups to rent out together, some are more private, and some are the communal experience where you share bathrooms and kitchens.

When I visited Old Orhei, I stayed at Casa Verde which is an eco-village in Trebujeni. I had an amazing experience staying and speaking with the hosts and immersing myself in all the greenery. I highly recommend staying in an eco-village or cottage when visiting Old Orhei for the true authentic experience. However, if this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, there are a few hotels located 10 minutes out from the Old Orhei area of Trebujeni or Butuceni.

It is also possible to visit Old Orhei in a day trip, especially if you’re commuting round trip from Chișinău because there are many mashrutka times to choose from. A roundtrip from Chișinău costs 80 Moldovan lei at this time, approximately $4. If you would like to take a taxi, you will need to grab the taxi number from your driver from Chișinău or use one of the numbers above since YandexGo is not in Old Orhei.

Guides to Moldova

Travel Guide to Moldova’s National Wine Festival

Guide to Hederlez, the Gagauzian Horse Day Celebration

Getting Around Orhei Vechi, Moldova

Car

For convenient exploration of the Moldovan countryside and various cities, rent a car from Chișinău airport, avoiding reliance on limited and sometimes challenging public transportation, especially in Orhei Vechi. Prioritize familiarizing yourself with road signs and laws before driving.

Bus/Mashrutka

Discover Trebujeni and Butuceni cities with ease through mini-numbered marshrutkas in Orhei Vechi, though route information may not always be posted on the bus, so inquire with drivers, locals, or your accommodation. Enjoy the cost-effective city routes at 6 Moldovan lei.

Bike

Embrace the local bike culture for city commuting, but remember that roads lack dedicated lanes and may not be fully paved. Some accommodations offer bike rentals, ensuring a unique experience while staying safe with a helmet.

Horse Carriage

Experience the authentic charm of traditional wooden carriage wagons, pulled by a single horse, as still used by locals in the countryside. Your accommodation can arrange this delightful mode of transportation to explore key tourist attractions in Orhei Vechi.

Taxi

In Moldova, there is no Uber or Lyft service, so rely on the local taxi number, iTaxi app, or YandexGo for transportation, though the apps are primarily available in the capital city, making it advisable to call the local taxi number for Trebujeni: +387 65 644-425 or 387 65 865 585. Ensure safety by choosing marked taxis from reputable companies and confirming price estimates before starting the journey, especially if you're unfamiliar with the local languages.

Walking

Enjoy the best way to discover the archaeological wonders scattered throughout the small cities of Orhei Vechi and the surrounding municipalities. Embrace the Moldovan walking culture and embark on a pleasant hike, encountering friendly locals along the way.

What to Do in Orhei Vechi, Moldova?

Cave Monastery

One of the most iconic sites in Old Orhei are the cave monasteries, which are visible as little holes from the outside. These 11 monastic cells were carved into the rock in the 11th century. Today, you can walk a cave monastery dating back to the 18th century, by entering under the large bell tower on the cliff.

Tartar Baths

Also known as “Feredeu,” Spa Resort or City Bath, this is the location of 3 Tartar Baths by the Raut River. In the 1900s, archeologists discovered that these baths had a build in heating system built with hot vapor exhaust pipes and a wide water supply network.

Archeological Museum

This is a free museum located in the Welcome Center by the entrance to the cliff with the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God. It may only be one room, but it has a large collection of artificats and skeletons dating back to the Stone Age.

Kayaking

Explore Old Orhei from kayaking the Raut River while visiting the main tourist spots of Old Orhei and some hidden locals-only spots. As the sun goes down, enjoy a coffee under the stars after a long day of rowing. For more information visit Kayaking Tours Moldova.

The Orhtodox Church of The Nativity of The Mother of God

The most famous scene from Old Orhei is this church, bell tower, and a Cross stand tall. In the 15th-16th centuries, the chuch was originally a small wooden church that worked with the cave monastaries. In 1905, the church was consecrated and reopened. Hike along the cliff and explore these 3 main points of interest. Legend has it that if you face the cross, close your eyes, make a wish, and then touch the cross in the center, your wish will come true.

Pîrcălabului Bosie Monastery

Another cave monastery composed of 9 monastic cells in the rock of the cliffs dating back to 17 AD. Inside are medieval inscriptions of Russian and Romanian written in Cyrillic.

Paragliding

What better way to see the cliffs than flying above and through them? Starting 100 meters high, you can get in touch with your thrill-seeking side and go paragliding! See Moldova from a different perspective. For more information, visit the company’s website here.

Geto-Dacian Fortress

The oldest fortified site in Old Orhei dating back to 5th century BC. At first, the site only consisted of a citadel, which was eventually turned into a full fortress.

Hermitage of Pârcălabului Albu-Machcăuti

A site of 20 monastic cells, built on 5 different levels, originally 70-80 meters above the water line. Today, the caves have suffered damage from natural erosion and have since then have limited access to tourists. However, it is still a cool site to visit and take pictures of!

Abandoned Soviet Bunkers

There are no signs that fully explain these structures, so this is the name of the site given by locals. These structures are large wholes, some connected, within the cliffs of Trebujeni and are apart of the hiking trails fo Old Orhei. The path up to the bunkers is very slippery at points and dangerous, so be sure to wear hiking shoes. Once inside, you can explore the caves looking at the graffiti, or watch the sunset or sunrise over the cliffs in Butuceni.

Take a step back in time and visit iconic sites of Moldova with this travel guide to Orhei Vechi.

Travel Tip

Moldova is primarily a cash-based economy, so you will need to always have cash available. Bus tickets are purchased in cash.

My Playlist for Orhei Vechi, Moldova

"D.G.T (Off and On)" by Theodor Andrei

"We Are One" by Wild Youth

"Samo mi se spava" by Luke Black

"My Sister's Crown" by Vesna

"Tattoo" by Loreen

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