Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Landmark
Map Pin
Strada Alexei Mateevici 113/2, Chișinău, Moldova
POI 23 Tour Image
Alley of Classics
Here is the Alley of Classics, a row within the park that features busts of famous Moldovan and Romanian writers, poets, and cultural figures. Established in 1958, it initially included only Soviet-approved figures, but after independence, it was expanded to honor Romanian and Moldovan literary figures. Some of the most notable names include: Mihai Eminescu – Romania’s national poet, Alexander Pushkin – Russian poet who lived in Chișinău and whom we just learned the park was once briefly named after, Vasile Alecsandri – Romanian writer and playwright, and Dimitrie Cantemir – Moldovan-Romanian historian and scholar.

The park is also known for its majestic century-old trees, including oak, linden, and chestnut trees. Some of these trees are said to be over 150 years old. According to local legend, if you sit beneath certain trees at night, you might hear whispers—said to be the voices of poets and writers whose statues stand along the Alley of Classics.

  https://www.himoldova.md/en/md/alley-of-classics/
Place #2
Distance: 0.62mi , Attraction : Puppet Theater
Map Pin
Bulevardul Ștefan cel Mare și Sfînt 50, MD-2000, Chișinău, Moldova
POI 31 Tour Image
Licurici Republican Puppet Theater
Something a bit more lighthearted and fun for the whole family is just next door, the Licurici Republican Puppet Theater! One of the most beloved cultural institutions in Chisinau, Moldova, bringing joy to children and families for generations. Known for its artistic creativity, beautifully crafted puppets, and engaging performances, the theater has become a key part of Moldova’s theatrical tradition.

The theater was founded in 1945, shortly after World War II, to bring joy and entertainment to children in difficult times. Initially, performances were held in temporary venues, but in 1982, the theater moved to its current building, which was specially designed for puppet performances. Over the decades, the theater has gained international recognition, participating in festivals across Europe, Russia, and Asia.

The Licurici Puppet Theater performs a mix of classic fairy tales, Moldovan folklore, and original productions. Some of its most famous shows include: "Harap Alb" – A Moldovan classic, based on Ion Creangă’s famous Romanian fairy tale, this show follows a young prince on a magical adventure, meeting mythical creatures and overcoming challenges, to something more widespread such as, "The Adventures of Pinocchio" – A lively performance based on Carlo Collodi’s famous character, featuring colorful puppets and humorous storytelling.

The theater’s puppets are designed by skilled artists and craftsmen, with each puppet handmade and carefully painted. Some shows feature marionettes, shadow puppets, or even life-sized puppet costumes.

Many Moldovans have fond childhood memories of watching puppet shows at Licurici. Some even bring their own children years later, continuing the tradition.

Read More

  https://visit.chisinau.md/en/obiective_turistice/teatrul-licurici/
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Alley of Classics
Map Pin Place 2 Licurici Republican Puppet Theater
Map Pin Place 3 National Museum of Fine Arts of Moldova
Map Pin Place 4 Saint Theodora of Sihla Church
Map Pin Place 5 State University of Moldova
Map Pin Place 6 Moldova State University Museum
Map Pin Place 7 Triumphal Arch
Map Pin Place 8 Stephen the Great Monument
Map Pin Place 9 Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity
Map Pin Place 10 Maria Biesu National Opera & Ballet Theatre
Map Pin Place 11 National History Museum of Moldova
Map Pin Place 12 Parliament of Moldova
Map Pin Place 13 Stephen the Great Central Park
Map Pin Place 14 Government House of Moldova
Map Pin Place 15 Cathedral Park
Map Pin Place 16 Chisinau Water Tower



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Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural

+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 16 stops, covering top attractions such as Alley of Classics, Licurici Republican Puppet Theater, National Museum of Fine Arts of Moldova, Saint Theodora of Sihla Church, State University of Moldova.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Alley of Classics (Address: Strada Alexei Mateevici 113/2, Chișinău, Moldova). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include Triumphal Arch, Stephen the Great Monument, Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ’s Nativity, Maria Biesu National Opera & Ballet Theatre, National History Museum of Moldova and Parliament of Moldova. In total, the tour has 16 points of interest along the route.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!