How to Visit Curchi Monastery from Chisinau

If you’re planning a trip to Moldova, one of the most interesting places to visit from Chisinau is the Curchi Monastery. It’s set in a peaceful rural valley surrounded by forest, and this Orthodox monastery is not only a place of worship but also one of the country’s most beautiful architectural landmarks. In this post, I’ll share exactly how to visit Curchi Monastery, from transport options to what you’ll see when you arrive. Think of this as my guide to visiting Curchi Monastery — practical, no-nonsense advice for making the most of your visit, along with a touch of history and cultural context.

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You can combine exploring Curchi Monastery with a visit to Old Orhei or enjoy it as a peaceful escape on its own. The monastery complex is beautifully restored, the grounds are immaculate, and the surrounding countryside adds to the sense of calm. It’s a perfect cultural break from the capital.

Why Go to Curchi Monastery

Curchi Monastery is one of Moldova’s most impressive religious complexes, with striking architecture, a serene setting, and centuries of history. It’s not only a stunning complex architecturally, it has a unique history and is located in the glorious Vatici Valley. It’s easy to reach on both public transport and on a tour from Chisinau (read my guide to Chisinau here).

What is Curchi Monastery

Curchi Monastery is an Orthodox monastic complex in northern Moldova, about 55 kilometers from Chisinau.  It’s one of Bessarabia most important monuments that dates mainly from the 18^th and 19^th century and consists of five churches, two buildings with living quarters for monks, a hermitage, guest wing and an orchard.  The churches here are built in different styles, so its an opportunity to explore the different architectures.  It is a working religious site as well as a cultural landscape.

History of Curchi Monastery

The origins of Curchi Monastery date back to the 18th century when Iordache and Mihail Curchi  founded a wooden hermitage here.  The first church, which was also wooden was dedicated to St. Great Martyr Demetrius, was built about 1775 and followed by stone churches in the 19th century.  The main church was consecreated in 1810.

Over the years, it became one of the most significant religious centers in Bessarabia, expanding into a large complex with multiple churches and monastic buildings. During the Soviet era, the monastery was closed, its churches damaged, and the grounds repurposed as a psychiatric hospital from 1959 to 1995. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Curchi Monastery was gradually restored, with major reconstruction beginning in the early 2000s. Today, it has regained its status as an active monastery and spiritual landmark.

What to see at Curchi Monastery

The highlight is the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God, a striking red-and-white church with five domes, built in the 19th century in neo-Byzantine style.   It was inspired by the Kyiv’s St Andrew’s Church and has the highest dome in Moldova – it reaches 57 meters.

Surrounding it are several smaller churches, including the Church of St. Demetrius and the Church of St. Nicholas, each showcasing different architectural traditions. The grounds are immaculately maintained, with tree-lined pathways, landscaped gardens, and an orchard that reflects the monastery’s self-sustaining past.

You can enter the churches, but not the living quarters, and wander the gardens. 

The Practicalities of Visiting Curchi Monastery

Here’s everything you need to make your visit smooth and enjoyable.

Where is Curchi Monastery?

Curchi Monastery is located in Orhei District, about 55 kilometers northeast of Chisinau. It sits in a quiet rural valley surrounded by forest and orchards, making it feel far removed from the bustle of the capital. The nearest village is Curchi, and the monastery is just a short drive from the more famous archaeological site of Old Orhei.  My guide to visiting Old Orhei is here.

How to get to Curchi Monastery

Getting to Curchi Monastery from Chisinau takes around one hour by road, depending on traffic. You can travel independently using public transport, hire a driver, or join an organized tour that includes other nearby attractions. The most budget-friendly option is to take a marshrutka (minibus), while tours offer the convenience of transport, guides, and multiple stops in a single day. Read my guide to independent travel in Moldova to get a sense of what its like.

This is a great place to visit on a day trip Chisinau, here are four other recommendations for you.

Getting to Curchi Monastery via marshrukta

You’ll need to take the marshrutka from Chisinau to Tabara Village, it stops at Curchi Monastery.    You can find the timetables here.  Tell the driver you want to get off at Curchi Monastery, which is a short walk up the land from the stop.   The journey usually takes just under 2 hours, depending on traffic. The ticket costs 47.25 MDL each way. You *may* be able to buy the tickets online (see here), if not you’ll need cash to pay the driver, so check out my guide to currency and ATM fees in Moldova.

Getting to Curchi Monastery on a tour from Chisinau –

If you’d prefer a more comfortable and hassle-free option, then joining a guided tour is a great way to visit Curchi Monastery. Most tours from Chisinau combine the monastery with other top sights nearby, such as Old Orhei and the Cricova Winery, making it a full day out, but helping you maximize your time in Moldova. Transport is included, along with a guide who can share the history and context of each place you visit. This is the easiest way to see multiple highlights in one trip without worrying about marshrutka schedules. You can book a tour online in advance, such as this one which includes Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei, and Cricova Winery: Curchi Monastery, Old Orhei and Cricova Winery Tour.

What to wear to visit Curchi Monastery

As Curchi Monastery is an active place of worship, it’s important to dress modestly and respectfully. Women are expected to cover their heads with a scarf when entering the churches, and both men and women should avoid shorts or sleeveless tops. Comfortable shoes are a good idea too, as you’ll spend time walking around the grounds and climbing the short lane from the marshrutka stop. Bringing a light jacket or shawl can also be useful, as church interiors are often cool, even in summer.

Opening Times of the Curchi Monastery

Curchi Monastery is open daily from 06:00 until 21:00. The grounds and churches are generally accessible during these hours, though specific buildings may occasionally close for services or private events. If you want to experience the monastery at its most peaceful, plan to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening.

Final Words on Visiting Curchi Monastery

Visiting Curchi Monastery is a fabulous day trip from Chisinau. Whether you come by marshrutka for the authentic local experience or join a guided tour for convenience, the journey is well worth it. The monastery’s mix of architecture, history, and peaceful surroundings makes it stand out as a cultural highlight of Moldova. Take your time to walk the grounds, step inside the churches, and enjoy the serenity of this rural setting. And do get that shot of the church and complex grounds from across the lake.

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