ORHEI VECHI MUSEUM

The museum is at the entrance of the Orhei Vechi site and lists the remains discovered by archaeologists since 1947. The exhibition follows a chronological path and tells the story of the different periods and successive civilizations that have occupied this place since the Stone Age, Neolithic, Bronze Age and the Middle Ages. More than 6,000 objects are on display, including tools, weapons, glass and precious metal jewellery, coins, ceramics and everyday objects. It is possible to take a guided tour. The museum is housed in a modern building, not really adapted to the beauty of the place but it certainly represents a very interesting stop, especially after a visit of the whole archaeological site.

Before arriving on the site an interesting panorama is offered to you, on the valley of Orhei Vechi. On the roadside you can see the foundations and the bottom of ancient walls. On this site stood an ancient Gothic-Dacian fortress (6th to 1st century B.C.) which was later occupied by the Tatar warriors of the Golden Horde (14th century). In the lower part of the valley, near a small bridge over the river Răut, one can see the ruins of former public baths used by the Tatars. The valley and its cliffs were also inhabited by many monks who had retreated to this enchanting place. Different populations have occupied the site over the centuries and the museum's collections give a good insight into them. Near the museum, there is a picnic area.