Milestii Mici
Wine paradise in Moldova
If you are interested in the world of wines, Mileștii Mici in Chisinau in Moldova will almost imagine yourself in paradise. The state domain of Mileștii Mici comprises 1.5 million bottles, is considered the largest in Europe and was included in the Guinness Book in 2005.
The golden collection
But it is by no means the sheer number of wines that takes your breath away, but the collection of rarities. About 70 percent of these fine wines are red wines, white wines make up 20 percent, the rest are dessert wines. Mileștii Mici is particularly proud of the so-called Golden Collection from the 1969 harvest, which costs up to 2000 euros per bottle
Mine as a wine cellar
This highly unusual collection began with PK Kazimir, a Bessarabian oenologist who made history with his wine production at the beginning of the 20th century. From the beginning he used an old mine, the Coquina mine, as a wine cellar. Careful vinification in old oak barrels and the unusual underground storage produce such valuable wines that well-funded collectors from all over the world pounce on the precious drops.
Underground tasting
The huge wine complex extends over 200 km, of which around 55 km are used for technical purposes. You can even drive your own car into the tunnel, which is between 30 and 85 meters deep underground. The number of cars is limited and in the first vehicle there is a wine expert who stops at the different tunnels and chats interesting things from the wine box. Each tunnel is named after the types of wine stored there. In addition to the fine wines, you can also admire the skills of wood carvers, locksmiths and ceramic artists who were responsible for the design of the underground wine universe. This of course also applies to the tasting rooms, where wood, stone and water dominate as decorative elements.
Dendrarium Park
Nature and tranquility all year round
The Dendrarium Park in Chisinau, Moldova is an oasis in the midst of the hectic world of the 21st century. A tour through the park, which is more like a garden, is a must for every nature lover when visiting Chisinau. There are large herbaceous beds, a separate rosarium and trees that are otherwise seldom to be admired in nature. Including the gigantic Metasequoia, in German primeval sequoia or Chinese redwood (up to 50 meters high), which can only be found in the wild in Chinese mountain regions.
Decelerating away from the streets
Seating invites you to linger, drinks and snacks can be found in the entrance area. In general, the park is also a highlight for photographers, admission is also very cheap for regional conditions. The garden is considered to be very clean and safe, cyclists, for example, have no access, trash cans are strategically placed, the beds are tended regularly. There are three lakes and a small hippodrome. The Dendrarium Park is therefore also suitable for an evening stroll with your partner after a long day. There is also the possibility to book a guided tour.
Seasons change
Incidentally, a visit to the park is worthwhile all year round. The park is naturally in “full bloom” in spring and summer, but autumn with its colors and its slightly earlier sunsets also creates a romantic atmosphere. The Dendrarium Park in Chisinau is a special experience, however, dressed in winter: when it has snowed, the inclined tourist feels as if he has been transported into a fairy tale.
Stefan cel Mare Park
Where lovers meet
It is popularly known as the “Lovers’ Park”. In reality it is called Stefan cel Mare Park, also known as Pushkin Park in earlier times. Many names for this huge seven hectare green landscape in the heart of Chisinau in Moldova.
Alexander I. as the client
If you stop in Chisinau on your journey through Moldova, you should take the time to visit this magnificent park, which was created in 1818, while Alexander I was still in power. No wonder that in this park landscape, it is the oldest in the whole country, not only more than 50 types of trees grow, but also mulberry trees and acacias that are between 130 and 180 years old can be found. In its early days, the green area was surrounded by a cast iron fence to prevent uninvited animals from gathering.
Pushkin, prominent park visitor
Today the winding park paths are lined with hundreds of acacias, linden trees and flower beds. Carousels, swings and pavilions provided entertainment for young and old visitors. Even a theater was not missing, in the place of which there is a cinema today. After the great poet Pushkin frequently strolled in the park, a memorial was erected in his honor in 1885. After the Second World War, however, it was removed from its original location and relocated to the tree-lined Klassik-Avenue in the park, which is its own complex with busts of prominent artists. In 1928, the sculptor Alexandru Plămădeală designed a statue of Stefan cel Mare, one of the most important rulers of the forerunner states of early Romania. Today the monument stands at the entrance to the park to greet visitors.
Focus on fountain
In the course of time a high school was built in the green area and a huge greenhouse, which delights the guests with unusual plants. In the center of the enchanted park landscape, however, there are four fountains, in the center of which all the paths in the park meet. The youngest fountain was built in 1983 for the 165th anniversary of the Lovers’ Park.
