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Moldova
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Chisinau
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Tours & Activities
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Old Orhei and Kurki Monastry Tour from Chisinau
6 h
About this activity
Old Orhei is one of the most remarkable monuments of the dim and distant past. On the Eastern outskirts of the fully stocked wood, in a valley formed by the rocky banks of the river Reut, at the Cape Pestere ("cave"), is Old Orhei.
The history of Old Orhei brings us back to the far past during the fifteenth century on the reign of Stefan cel Mare. In the Summer of 1470 the construction of the fortress of Reut was completed. The city's population was about two thousand inhabitants. Orhei reached its greatest prosperity as a handicraft and trade center of the Moldavian Principality. Artifacts were found during excavations that tell us about the development of pottery, leather craft, shoe-making, and jewelry. After the attack of the Crimean Tatars in 1499 and in 1510 Orhei was never restored to its former glory but attempts to revive the city were taken on by Hospodar (Lord) Jeremiah Movila.
The Curchi Monastery got its name from the founder of the monastery, monk Ioan Curchi. The monastery is associated with many legends tying into the Moldavian ruler Stefan cel Mare si Sfint. A local resident of the village of Morozeni, named Dumitras is also tied to this place. There are also legends relating to Ioan Curchi himself and to his brother Mihail. The legends of the Curchi monastery may be regarded as a religious epic intertwining fiction and truth.
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The history of Old Orhei brings us back to the far past during the fifteenth century on the reign of Stefan cel Mare. In the Summer of 1470 the construction of the fortress of Reut was completed. The city's population was about two thousand inhabitants. Orhei reached its greatest prosperity as a handicraft and trade center of the Moldavian Principality. Artifacts were found during excavations that tell us about the development of pottery, leather craft, shoe-making, and jewelry. After the attack of the Crimean Tatars in 1499 and in 1510 Orhei was never restored to its former glory but attempts to revive the city were taken on by Hospodar (Lord) Jeremiah Movila.
The Curchi Monastery got its name from the founder of the monastery, monk Ioan Curchi. The monastery is associated with many legends tying into the Moldavian ruler Stefan cel Mare si Sfint. A local resident of the village of Morozeni, named Dumitras is also tied to this place. There are also legends relating to Ioan Curchi himself and to his brother Mihail. The legends of the Curchi monastery may be regarded as a religious epic intertwining fiction and truth.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional Guide
- Car/BUS with air-condition
Not included
- Food and drinks
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 2 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts, sleeveless tops or t-shirts allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. Women must wear a head scarf. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- Technical information: Length of the route both ways - 170 km, duration - 6 hours, sanitary stops at refuelling stations and on the monastery’s premises
- Shoes can be chosen at the tourists’ discretion, clothing for men: trousers covering the knees, shirts with at least short sleeves (no T-shirts), clothing for women: skirts, blouses without a deep cleavage, shoulders covered, and a head scarf
- It is allowed to have water and some food for a snack
- One may bring sunflower oil, wheat flour, wine, and bread for the monastery (optionally).
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
75%
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