The city has a centuries-old history with a strong Hungarian flavor. It was primarily named after the Hungarian word Őrhely meaning guard post. According to others he got it from Orheiul Vechi which is a monastery near the village of Ivancea. Be that as it may, it is a city strongly connected with the history of Hungary, while over the years it was occupied by Romanians (after World War I) and by Soviets (in 1940). It is about an hour’s drive from the capital Chisinau.
Currency: Moldovan Leu
Calling Code: +373
Nearest airports from city center: Chisinau Airport (60km), Iasi Airport (177km), Odessa Airport (242km), Bucharest Airport (467km).
TOP – 10 SIGHTSEEING
*** VASILE LUPU MONUMENT (strada Mihai Eminescu, Orhei)
It is considered one of the most famous sights of the city with Vasile Lupu as the central protagonist who was on the Moldavian throne for twenty years from 1634.
*** MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHY (Muzeu, strada Renașterii Naționale 23, Orhei)
If you want to know everything about the history of the city and the country, then you are in the most ideal place.
*** JEWISH MUSEUM (Strada Șoimarul 1, Orhei)
It is worth visiting a place that is the Jewish Synagogue and gathers many visitors every year.
*** CURCHI MONASTERY (Curchi 3524, Orhei)
It is one of the most important architectural monuments and was founded at the end of the 18th century. The monastery has a huge history in religious and cultural past.
*** OLD ORHEI
It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites and with beautiful natural landscapes of the country. It is an archaeological complex with strong elements from the Trypylian culture. There are findings from the Paleolithic, Eneolithic and Iron Age. Visit the Orthodox Monastery that is on the top of the hill and the wonderful caves that function as chapels.
*** PARKU IVANOS
It is a beautiful public park, in which it gives you the opportunity to relax with a walk in every part of it.
*** CHATEAU VARTELY (Strada Eliberării 170/b, Orhei)
If you want to discover the history, traditions and culture of wine, then you have come to the right place. Definitely visit it.
*** ZEMSTVA DIN ORHEI (Zemstva Orhei, strada Vasile Mahu 156, Orhei)
At the local history museum you will have the opportunity to discover important pieces of the city’s history.
*** CODRII ORHEIULUI
It is one of the oldest refuges in Moldova and the natural scenery is magnificent. Countless valleys, ravines and endless greenery make you feel like you are hiking.
*** ASSUMPTION OF THE VIRGIN MARY CHURCH (Biserica romano-catolică „Adormirea Maicii Domnului”, strada Vasile Mahu 117, Orhei)
It is one of the most beautiful Catholic churches and it is worth visiting to enjoy its interior.
ΤΗINGS TO DO
*** St. Dumitru Church is worth a visit.
*** Catedrala „Sfântul Nicolae” is another church that we would recommend you to visit.
*** Biserică is a Christian church with special architecture.
*** We would recommend that you make the trip of about one hour to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.
FOOD AND DRINK
Orhei is famous for its very tasty cuisines. Try sarmale and succulent mititei which are grilled ground meat rolls. Order borscht soup, polenta with cheese and sour cream, stuffed bell peppers, kebaps, meatballs, fish fried which is fried fish, chicken noodle soup and moldovan pie. Try the traditional pastas, coltunasi reminiscent of ravioli and the delicacies of the meat dishes. Orhei has excellent wine. So, don’t hesitate to accompany your food with the local wine.
WHERE TO STAY
It has very few hotels and apartments to stay. Many prefer surrounding areas within 20 km or even Chisinau for their accommodation.
FUN AND SHOPPING
*** OrheiLand is the most ideal place to have a wonderful time with your children. It is an amusement park that offers everything.
*** Vasile Lupu street has many shops along it.
*** Unirii, Piatra Neamț and Mihai Eminescu streets are streets with shops for your shopping.
HOW TO GET AROUND
The most beautiful way to get around the city is on foot or by taxi.
CITIES NEAR ORHEI
Major cities close to Orhei are Chisinau (53km), Iasi (173km), Odessa (245km), Galati (281km), Braila (300km), Bucharest (473km).