More than eleven percent of Raionul Strășeni is covered by protected natural areas. This gives the region a distinctive setting for exploration: ancient forests and landscape reserves meet a monastery, museums, and regional crafts. For planning your trip, this creates a balance between nature and history. You can focus on protected areas and their landscapes, or discover cultural heritage through themed routes and collections.
Nature among forests and protected areas
The Căpriana–Scoreni Landscape Reserve offers opportunities for hiking, ecotourism, and observing local flora and fauna. The Codrii Scientific Reserve in Lozova offers a different focus: ancient forests and numerous protected species shape the landscape here. At the same time, Codrii is one of the region’s main tourist attractions. The focus therefore differs: Căpriana–Scoreni highlights specific activities and nature observation, while Codrii centres on forests and protected species.
Oaks estimated to be 200 to 300 years old grow in the Țigănești Reserve, which covers 680 hectares. The Dolna Landscape Reserve offers a different perspective on time: it has been under state protection since 1975 and covers 389 hectares. The oaks’ age is an estimate, while Dolna has a specific year marking the start of its protection—two distinct perspectives on the region’s natural history.
A part of Raionul Strășeni extends into Orhei National Park through the localities of Codreanca, Țigănești, and Romănești. The Bâc River flows through Bucovăț, Strășeni, and Vatra, providing another geographical reference point. Two ancient forests also lie around Codreanca, offering opportunities for hiking and observing local flora and fauna.
History, collections, and regional culture
The Strășeni–Pănășești–Căpriana themed route brings together regional history, spirituality, and significant rural heritage. For a different historical perspective, the story of the founding of Țigănești Monastery reaches far back: around 1725, Boyar Lupu Dencu and a group of Răzeși from Codreanca founded it. The monastery’s libraries preserve books that are more than a hundred years old. Its founding and its collection of books provide two distinct points of reference in the monastery’s history.
The Strășeni History and Ethnography Museum has seven exhibition halls and a collection of more than 2,000 objects. The number of halls describes the exhibition space, while the collection size provides another measure of the objects preserved there. The “Vatra Dumeniului” Museum in Vorniceni displays traditional objects and evidence of everyday life in the village’s old centre. Its focus on everyday life adds a local perspective to the story of regional culture.
The “La Chetrărie” geo-palaeontological monument is also near Vorniceni and is of scientific and scenic significance. In Negrești stands the Ivanus family manor, built in the mid-19th century. In Lozova, meanwhile, you can explore the old Hartonica road on foot or by bicycle. These sites represent different things: geological heritage, a historic building, and an old road to explore on foot or by bicycle.
The Strășeni Tourist Information Centre introduces visitors to regional crafts and local culture. It also promotes local destinations and connects them to national and international tourist circuits. If you are interested in regional crafts, the culinary scene offers discoveries of its own: at Panificio Mia, you can learn to make wild sourdough bread under the guidance of Angela Rabacu and taste freshly baked bread. Conacul Mierii offers honey-tasting workshops where you can learn more about beekeeping and sample natural honey. Arrange these activities in advance.
Discover more destinations: Scoreni, Dubasari, Ștefan Vodă District, Glodeni District, Balti, Călărași District, Transnistria, Cahul District
For the overview of the wider region: Moldova.
