Moldova's most impressive monasteries are not in the cities but on the steep bank of the Dniester, in the Rezina district. Two of them, Saharna and Țipova, lie a few kilometres apart and can be seen on the same day.
Saharna
Saharna sits at the end of a narrow canyon, through which a stream runs and forms a string of waterfalls. The complex has a monastery and a hermitage on the rock, and is at once a place of pilgrimage and a hiking route. The climb alongside the waterfalls, through the forest, is the finest part of the visit. The place is bound up with legend — it is said that an icon of the Mother of God appeared here, which is why it draws so many pilgrims.
Țipova
A few kilometres away, Țipova shelters the oldest cave hermitage in Eastern Europe — cells and a church carved directly into the limestone wall above the Dniester. Access is on foot, along a path that descends towards the rock, and the view over the river is memorable. A local legend links the place to Ștefan cel Mare, who is said to have been married here.
Why carved into the rock
The soft limestone was easy to work, and the height and difficulty of access offered the monks shelter in troubled times. That is how the cave hermitages of the Dniester came about over the centuries, hidden in the flank of the bank.
Getting there
Both are some 100-120 km from Chișinău, roughly two hours by car. They can be combined in a single day, perhaps with a stop at a winery or at Orheiul Vechi on the way. Public transport reaches them with difficulty, so a car or an organised tour are the most practical options.
Visiting tips
- Wear comfortable shoes; both involve walking on paths and climbing.
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered, a headscarf for women inside the churches.
- The monasteries are active — respect the quiet and the monastic timetable.
See also the other monasteries of Moldova.
Other monasteries worth seeing in the area
If you have more time, the north and centre of Moldova are dotted with places worth a detour. Curchi Monastery, nicknamed the Jerusalem of Moldova, impresses by its sheer scale; Căpriana, one of the oldest, is linked to Ștefan cel Mare; and Japca, on the bank of the Dniester, is the largest convent in the country. Many have cellars, orchards and their own produce that you can buy.
How to combine them
A well-planned day can link Saharna and Țipova with a stop at a winery or at Orheiul Vechi. Set out in the morning, take water and food, since the options along the way are few, and allow time for the back roads, which require patience.
