Cities and regions／Moldova
Place of interest ·

Orhei

Orheiul Vechi is an inhabited archaeological landscape in the Răut valley, with remains from different periods, rock monasteries and villages. It is explored on foot; a leisurely visit takes in both the valley and its history.

Răut River meander beneath the limestone cliffs of Orheiul Vechi.
Photo by Iurieph Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC0
The place

What makes it special

  • The Pe urmele trecutului circuit covers 7.5 km and is described as easy, taking about three hours to walk.
  • Butuceni brings together viewpoints, a church, a rock monastery and the visitor centre.
  • The landscape preserves traces of prehistoric occupation, Getic fortifications and medieval towns.
Trebujeni
Photo by Анатолий Зубанюк Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 3.0
Orhei
Photo by Анатолий Зубанюк Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 3.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Orhei

Guides to this place

1 article

Orhei

journal.travel Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Răut River meander beneath the limestone cliffs of Orheiul Vechi.

Orheiul Vechi trails, villages and ancient cities in Moldova

Orheiul Vechi is best understood as a broad landscape of ruins, rock-hewn hermitages, villages and riverside paths. Here is how to choose between a day trip from Chișinău and an overnight stay in Butuceni or Trebujeni.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 29/09/2026