The fantastic Tipova Cave Monastery (entrance 10 MDL) is built into cliffs that tower some 200m above the Dniestr River’s right (west) bank, in the tiny village of Tipova some 95km northeast of Chişinău. The monastery consists of three religious chambers and monastic cells linked by precarious steps built into the rock face. The oldest of the three chambers, the Elevation of the Holy Cross cave church, is thought to date from the 11th century. Long before the feudal state of Moldova was formed, a community of monks was established here. Some say that in the 10th century some cells were dug inside the steep cliffs. In 1776 a prosperous period started when the monastery was divided into large parts, separated by massive columns. During the Soviet period, the monastery was closed and destroyed. In 1975 the ruins of the Tipova monastery were protected by the State and in 1994 religious services resumed. It is said that the wedding of our great Ruler Stefan cel Mare and his wife Maria Voichita was held in this monastery. Another legend says that the mythological poet Orpheus spent his last years on these hills and is buried in a nook of a waterfall.
Parking location – Tipova: 47.603134N 28.984289E