Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi)

Name: Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi)
Address: Old Orhei, Moldova, Orhei, MD
Price range: budget
Rating: 4.8

Old Orhei Cultural-Natural Reserve — Moldova's #1 archaeological-religious site, Răut meander with Dacian relics + rock monasteries.

4.8 · 367 reviews· Orhei

Budget< 300 leiOutdoor practical60 min from ChișinăuBoth

What makes it worth it

Archaeological tour + Belvedere photo + Cave Monastery + Butuceni village (4-6h).

The story

The «Old Orhei» Cultural-Natural Reserve (Orhei district, 60km from Chișinău) is Moldova's most significant cultural-historic site and UNESCO candidate. Covers the spectacular Răut river meander with millennium-old archaeological vestiges: Dacian camp (3-2c BCE), Roman settlement, medieval city Şehr al-Cedid built by Tatars in the 14th century (with Turkish baths, mosque, pârcălab's palace), medieval Moldovan settlement. Spiritual component: Butuceni Cave Monastery (13-14c, rock-cut), Pârcălabul Bosie Hermitage, St. Maria Butuceni Church. Trebujeni Belvedere is the postcard photo spot.

What to expect

Best at

MorningAt sunsetAfternoon

Duration2-5 h

Ideal group1-30 people

LanguagesRO · EN · RU

SeasonApr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct

Good for

Cultural discoveryNature adventureFirst-time visitorTourist weekendAs a coupleSmall groupRelaxed eveningWith family

Gallery

What people love

Moldova's #1 archaeological site
UNESCO candidate
photogenic Răut meander
Dacian + Roman + Tatar + medieval vestiges
rock complex with 3 monasteries
Trebujeni Belvedere — postcard photo

Photo moments

Răut meander at sunset from belvedere
rock monastery carved in stone
crest path with rare stones
Tatar Bath ruins in grass
Butuceni village with shingle roofs

Ambiance

Family-friendlyGroup-friendlyRomanticInstagrammableWalk-ins OKParkingCards OK

g0er reviews

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What visitors wrote

“Moldova emphasizes rural culture, wine traditions, and hospitality. Orheiul Vechi is a historic cave monastery complex. Why visit: Wine tasting, cultural immersion, and scenic landscapes. How to visit: Fly into Chisinau; guided tours recommended. When to visit: May–September. Where to visit: Orheiul Vechi, Cricova Winery, Soroca Fortress. Investor insights: Wine tourism and bou…”
— Ajantha Senarathna 4
“Going to Orheiul Vechi makes a good day trip from Chisinău. You can easily go there using a minibus. From Chisinău, take a minibus to Butuceni. In Butuceni, the visitors' centre for Orheiul Vechi is located. This is where you pay an admission of 20 MDL (March 2025). As of March 2025, the minibus from Chisinău to Butuceni departs at 10:20 and costs 41 MDL. In the afternoon, the…”
— Josef Kolbitsch 5
“A group at place to learn about the history of this unique region!”
— Briana Keeling 5