15/12/2025
A Summary for our English speaking network about Chisinau through the eyes of an Italian travel writer. For those who can’t read Italian, here are the key impressions from her experience, and why Moldova deserves a place on your travel radar. ☺️
1. Authentic urban rhythm
Chișinău struck her as a capital that breathes, where modern life and tradition coexist, and the city gently reveals itself through parks, cafés, and everyday moments rather than through loud tourist attractions.
2. Flower market as a cultural symbol
The central flower market, open 24/7, is more than commerce, it’s a metaphor for Moldovan warmth and generosity. Vendors smile at any hour, and flowers are part of everyday life and celebration.
3. Local markets speak of life and memory. At the main municipal market, the author experienced authentic daily life: fruit piled into perfect pyramids, honey like amber, fresh cheese, and the earthy scent of walnuts just picked — all underscored by human connection over transaction.
4. Healthcare tourism — practical and welcoming.
Chișinău is also gaining recognition as a destination for dental and aesthetic care, modern clinics with multilingual staff and prices often significantly lower than in Italy with service that balances competence with hospitality.
5. Creativity and community
A local artist’s gallery-studio became a highlight: not a sterile exhibition space, but a living creative environment where art is made, shared, and taught even to children, reflecting Moldova’s communal and imaginative spirit.
Chișinău may not shout for attention, but it quietly earns it through genuine smiles, shared experiences, and simple beauty. The journalist concludes that Moldova isn’t just visited it’s lived.
I hope this summary motivates more people to explore Moldova, a destination that rewards those willing to look beyond stereotypes and discover a community proud of its hospitality and culture. ❤️
Full article in Italian:
Chişinău tra arte, mercati e sorrisi ritrovati: il viaggio in Moldavia si chiude tra colori, profumi e incontri autentici