Cities and regions／Moldova
Place of interest ·

Orheiul Vechi

An archaeological and cultural valley along the Răut River, with trails, ancient fortifications, historic cities, rock monasteries and the villages of Butuceni and Trebujeni. Allow time to explore it.

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

What makes it special

  • A 7.5-kilometre easy central circuit.
  • Rock monasteries, viewpoints and remains of historic cities.
  • Lived-in landscape of Răut meanders and limestone promontories.
Entrance to the Butuceni cave monastery at Orheiul Vechi.
Photo by Guttorm Flatabø from Sogndal, Norway Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 2.0
Marked trail through the rural limestone landscape of Orheiul Vechi.
Photo by Guttorm Flatabø from Sogndal, Norway Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY 2.0
Travel atlas

Articles in Orheiul Vechi

Guides to this place

1 article

Orheiul Vechi

Viajalo 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: 13/09/2026