Together we DIG an awesome history
The Round Table Moldova Association aims to raise 7000 euros for a feasibility study in Butuceni, Orheiul Vechi Reserve. Your contribution will help initiate archaeological excavations in the former Citadel Palace and Medieval Church area, restoring the cultural heritage of this historic location.
a place full of history, legends, and natural landscapes that will take your breath away.
Located in central Moldova, just a short 45-minute drive from Chisinau, Old Orhei (Orheiul Vechi) is a must-see destination for people interested in history, archeological sites, beautiful nature and local culinary traditions.
Medieval Mosque and Caravanserai
The architectural ensemble of the Medieval Mosque and Caravanserai were built during the Mongol domination between 1350-1365. The Mosque was a place of Muslim worship and the Caravanserai a place for the storage of goods for traders and caravans. The religious complex of the mosque consisted of: the enclosure protected by the stone wall, the portal or entrance to the mosque, the minaret or tower of the priests, and the mihrab which is the axis of the sanctuary. According to the Arabic inscription: “this mosque was built by order of the pious benefactor Alih..san.”
The Caravanserai was a rectangular building complex used for storing goods and hosting traders. Based on excavations and archaeological analysis, you can see drawings below of how the Medieval Caravanserai and Mosque looked when they were built and used in the mid-14th century.
How to visit the Medieval Mosque and Caravanserai:
The location of these medieval buildings is close to the main road which connects the villages Butuceni and Trebujeni. It is one of the points of interest list from the hiking route, the Core of the Reserve.
The Medieval Citadel
This fortress made from stone was built in the architectural style characteristic of the second half of the 14th century. The Medieval Citadel was the residence of the Mongul ruler between 1366-1369. The monumental complex was built in a typical oriental architectural style.
The Tatar Bath
Along with the founding of the oriental city Șehr the Geadid on the territory of Old Orhei by the Tatar-Mongols, there started to appear baths. Bath number II or the Turkish bath, is the largest of the three urban baths that were discovered in the archaeological excavations. Local tradition has maintained its intended purpose of a bath attached to the document of 1574, under the name of the “feredeu” (Hungarian – Turkish bath). The Tatar Baths was built in the medieval period (mid-14th century) by the Tatar-Mongols (the Golden Horde) after they settled in this area after conquering it in 1241. The Tatar Baths were an important element of the infrastructure of the city. The Tatar Baths are done in typical oriental Hammam construction, with a hypocaust system based on the circulation of hot air under the floor. It includes six basic rooms and 23 built-in sections that were used for heating, bathing, and other cleaning rituals.
The entrance to Tatar Baths is from the west where the street of the city passed and pointing to the passage above Rau Rivert with the tank and outbreak being on the other side. Each bathroom is equipped with compartments and similar to the Roman baths they have been conventionally called, tepidarium, caldarium and laconium.
How to visit the Tatar Baths:
The location of the Tatar Baths is near the entrance to the village of Trebujeni. This location is part of the points of interest list from the hike route called the Core of the Reserve.
