Located 60 km from the capital city Chisinau is the ancient archeological complex of Old Orhei, known as Orheiul Vechi in Romanian. It is situated near the Trebujeni and Butuceni villages, on the left bank of the River Raut in the Orhei district. During the Middle Ages two towns were established here, the Sehr-al-Cedid, which occupied most of the settlement and was the stronghold of the Golden Horde in the 14th century. The other town was that of Orhei, which was smaller in area and was founded between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Apart from the two towns, a mosque, three bathhouses, two mausoleums and a caravan-seraglio were found on the settlement. A 12th century monastery built atop a hill is still functional and tourists can visit it and learn the history of the time. Also there is a 20th century peasant house in the Butuceni village that has been converted into a museum for public viewing. You can get to Orhei via public bus that is available at the Central Bus Station in Chisinau. At Orhei, you will have to do the sightseeing on foot.
Photo by dbotez provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by dbotez provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by dbotez provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by dbotez provided courtesy of Panoramio.com
Photo by dbotez provided courtesy of Panoramio.com