Măzărache Church, Chisinau
The Church of the Mother of God is the oldest surviving religious building in Chisinau. It features traditional Moldovan architecture from the 15th and 16th centuries, although it was built in the 18th century. It is also known as Măzărache Church after its founder, the merchant Vasile Măzărache.
About this building
The church was built and consecrated in 1752. The graveyard surrounding the church is the oldest burial place in the city of Chisinau, dating back to the 15th-16th centuries. The church was spared during Soviet times as the authorities decided to give it to the Orthodox Old-Rite Church in exchange for their Cathedral, which was demolished during the construction of the Grigore Vieru Boulevard.
Legend has it that Vasile Măzărache was summoned by the Turkish governor of Tighina following an anonymous complaint. The governor of Tighina was known for his severity, as no one who was brought before him on a complaint was ever acquitted. Mazare prayed to God before making his way to the governor's house, promising that if he returned to Chisinau, he would build a church. And so it happened. The governor decided to acquit him and let him return to his city. Mazare kept his word and built a fortress-like church on top of a hill.
The church is not open to visitors, but you can walk around it.
