Old Orhei Reserve · Rezervația Orheiul Vechi

Name: Rezervația Orheiul Vechi
Address: Moldova, Orhei, MD
Telephone: +373 676 11 711
Price range: budget
Rating: 4.8

UNESCO-candidate archaeological complex on the Răut meander

4.8 · 2422 reviews· Orhei

Budget< 300 lei60 min from ChișinăuOutdoor

What makes it worth it

Trekking the Răut meander + rock monastery access + Visitor Centre

The story

Old Orhei Cultural-Natural Reserve spans 220 ha on the spectacular Răut river meander between Trebujeni, Butuceni and Morovaia villages — a landscape with 5000 years of human continuity: Geto-Dacians (4th c BCE), Tatar-Mongol Shehr al-Cedid fortress (14th c), Moldovan Orhei fortress (15th c), rock-cut monastery (10th-12th c) and the traditional Butuceni village with restored merchant houses. On the UNESCO indicative list since 2017, accessible via marked paths climbing Butuceni Rock (300 m vertical, 360° panorama), descending to the rock monastery and passing through Butuceni museum-village with the 1816 St. Mary Church. The Visitor Centre hosts an archaeological exhibition.

What to expect

Best at

MorningAfternoonAt sunset

Duration2-5 h

Ideal group1-50 people

LanguagesRO · EN · RU

SeasonMar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov

Good for

Cultural discoveryFirst-time visitorTourist weekendWith family

Gallery

What people love

Absolutely spectacular view of the Răut meander
2,000-year-old historical site, impressive cave monastery
Authentic Butuceni village at the foot, traditional houses
Beautiful hike, route accessible for everyone
Free · only 20 lei monastery ticket

Photo moments

The Răut meander from the ridge
Entrance to the cave monastery
Butuceni village with white houses
Limestone rock with a cross at sunset

Ambiance

Family-friendly

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What visitors wrote

“Amazing cultural and natural reserve. Exceptional tour we received from the passionate guide Angela.”
— Simone Sbrescia 5
“Amazing landscape One of the most popular destinations for the people of Moldova. Many more visitors started visiting this area for the past few years. It's getting developed very fast. It's a must visit for people of cultural and natural interests. A 55 km far from Chisinau the capital. Don’t forget to visit the museum as well.”
— Abu Firas 5
“The ancient church is on a hill overlooking a large and brighter valley. In the valley there are large fields of agricultural crops. The church is located next to the city of myself, an hour western travel to the capital city of Chisinau. The church is over a thousand years. From the parking lot there is a neat walking path of 700 meter moderate rises until head of the hill. Th…”
— Reuven Eliasi 5