Orhei, city in Moldova, seat of Orhei District
Orhei is a city in central Moldova that serves as the administrative center of its district. Located about 48 kilometers north of the capital Chișinău in the Răut River valley, it is home to roughly 25,000 residents and sits near the Old Orhei archaeological site, which displays layers of history spanning from ancient Geto-Dacian times through medieval cave monasteries.
Orhei developed as a strategic settlement that changed hands multiple times, from Mongol control in the 1300s to Russian annexation in 1812 and later Soviet rule beginning in 1940. The city underwent significant urbanization during the Soviet era with factory development, and gained stability after Moldova's independence in 1991.
The name Orhei likely originates from a Hungarian word meaning guard post or fortress. The city displays a blend of Orthodox churches, including St. Dumitru Church, alongside remnants of its once-substantial Jewish community, now marked by a memorial museum and an active synagogue.
Orhei is easily accessible by minibus from Chișinău with an affordable hour-long journey. The city is small enough to explore on foot, and marshrutkas provide local connections, though asking locals for directions is helpful since routes can be unclear.
OrheiLand, an amusement park with rides and games, opened in 2018 and draws families with children. The park operates seasonally and provides a contrast to the historical sites that otherwise define the city.
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