Moldova is a small Eastern European country bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south. It is a place with a mix of old and new, where busy city life meets quiet town simplicity. In Moldova, you can wander through the capital city of Chișinău, where something is always happening, or relax in smaller towns where life moves at a slow pace. Each city in Moldova offers a chance to see how people live, celebrate, and keep their traditions alive.
List of cities in Moldova
Let us take a look at some of the cities in Moldova:
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Chișinău, Chișinău Municipality
Chișinău is Moldova's capital and largest city. It is known for cultural activities, beautiful parks, and historical sites. The city is also a major economic centre with numerous educational institutions and a vibrant nightlife.
- Area: 123 km²
- Population: 635,994
- Cost of Living: 11,302.3 Leu (L) (one person)
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Tiraspol, Transnistria
Tiraspol is the administrative centre of Transnistria, known for its Soviet heritage and strong cultural identity. The city is a significant commercial hub with industries that range from manufacturing to services.
- Area: 55.56 km²
- Population: 157,000
- Cost of Living: 5309.25L (one person)
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Bălți, Bălți Municipality
This city is often referred to as the northern capital. It is a key industrial and cultural hub. Bălți hosts several festivals annually and attracts visitors with its rich tradition of music and arts.
- Area: 78.00 km²
- Population: 125,000
- Cost of Living: 20295.67L (one person)
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Bender (Tighina), Bender Municipality
Bender is close to Tiraspol and famous for its historical fortress and diverse community. The city's riverside location makes it a scenic spot for both locals and tourists for walks and picnics.
- Area: 97.29 km²
- Population: 110,175
- Cost of Living: 5468.53L (one person)
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Cahul, Cahul District
A major cultural and economic centre in southern Moldova, renowned for its music festivals and vineyards. The city is also known for its thermal spa resorts, which attract visitors looking for health and relaxation treatments.
- Area: 33.91 km²
- Population: 55,455
- Cost of Living: 6371.10L (one person)
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Soroca, Soroca District
Soroca is known for its historical Soroca Fortress. It is also referred to as the "Roma capital of Moldova”. The city is celebrated for its rich cultural tapestry and annual "Festival of the Roma", which draws participants from across Europe.
- Area: 11.88 km²
- Population: 27,423
- Cost of Living: 4689.84L (one person)
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Orhei, Orhei District
Notable for its ancient cave monasteries, Orhei is a centre of history and archaeology. The area is famous for its scenic landscapes and Orheiul Vechi, which is a historical and archaeological complex.
- Area: 8.5 km²
- Population: 24,918
- Cost of Living: 5645.51L (one person)
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Dubăsari, Transnistria
Dubăsari is crucial for its geopolitical significance and is strategically positioned along the Dniester River.
- Area: 381.2 km²
- Population: 23,254
- Cost of Living: 4689.84L (one person)
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Comrat, Găgăuzia
Comrat is the administrative centre of Găgăuzia, and it celebrates Gagauz culture and traditions vividly. The city hosts the annual Gagauzian wine festival, which showcases local wines and traditional foods. It draws visitors from across the region.
- Area: 164 km²
- Population: 22,911
- Cost of Living: 6477.29L (one person)
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Ceadîr-Lunga, Găgăuzia
Ceadîr-Lunga is a culturally rich town in Găgăuzia, known for its diverse population and local industries. It is particularly famous for its vibrant market days, where local artisans and farmers sell their goods.
- Area: 9.61 km²
- Population: 22,700
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Strășeni, Strășeni District
Strășeni is an essential centre for agriculture and industry. It contributes significantly to Moldova’s economy. This city also has several cultural landmarks like museums and churches, reflecting its rich historical heritage.
- Area: 730 km²
- Population: 19,225
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Hîncești, Hîncești District
Hîncești offers a mix of scenic landscapes and historical estates. It also shows a bit of Moldova's noble history. The city is noted for its annual cultural festivals that celebrate Moldovan folklore and traditions.
- Area: 1484 km²
- Population: 16,900
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Drochia, Drochia District
The city is renowned for its productive vineyards and orchards. It supports a burgeoning ecotourism industry, with several farms offering agritourism experiences.
- Area: 1000 km²
- Population: 16,080
Laloveni, Laloveni District
Laloveni is embedded in one of Moldova’s key wine-producing regions known for its rich viticultural heritage. This city holds wine events every year that draw wine lovers from all over the country.
- Area: 31.6 km²
- Population: 14,915
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Fălești, Fălești District
Fălești is a lively town known for its strong community and cultural festivals. The city also works hard to keep Moldovan folk music and crafts alive. It holds various events throughout the year to support traditional arts.
- Area: 1073 km²
- Population: 14,377
*Note that data related to the cost of living and population are subject to change depending on the various factors, including the economic situation.
Interesting Facts About the Cities in Moldova
Now, let us grasp some interesting facts about the cities in Moldova:
- Chișinău is home to one of the largest Jewish cemeteries in Europe and contributes up to 60% of Moldova's GDP. The city's extensive wine collection can be found in the cellars of the local Mileștii Mici winery, which claims the largest wine collection in the world.
- Tiraspol feels like a place out of time with its Soviet-era monuments and museums that show its complicated political past.
- Moldova's towns have unique traditions and businesses. For example, Bălți's factories are important for the economy in the northern area, while Cahul is famous for its hot springs that draw people looking for health treatments.
Conclusion
Before you start exploring Moldova's beautiful cities and countryside, make sure to arrange travel insurance. It is a crucial financial safety net against unexpected events, like medical emergencies, flight delays and cancellations, lost passport, etc. Having travel insurance means you can explore the culture and landscapes of Moldova stress-free. You know that you are covered no matter what happens.
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