Old Orhei, Archaeological site in Trebujeni, Moldova
Old Orhei is an archaeological site featuring a monastery complex carved into white limestone cliffs along a bend in the Răut River. The location includes several caves, chapels, and living quarters built into the cliff face.
The site has been inhabited over thousands of years, starting with early human settlements from the Stone Age. Later came fortifications built by the Geto-Dacians and a settlement of the Golden Horde in the 14th century, followed eventually by the monastery.
The Orthodox monastery carved into the limestone cliffs reveals how monks have made their home in this remote location for centuries. Today, visitors can see the chapels and living spaces where this religious life continues.
The grounds are best explored through guided tours or with local guides who show the way and provide information about the site. Walking through the caves and monastery areas requires careful steps, as the ground is uneven and can be slippery in places.
Inside the cave chambers are old Slavonic inscriptions from the 1600s that tell of a time when refugees sought shelter in these cliffs. These writings offer glimpses into the lives of people who hid here.
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