Codru: Local History, Church and Natural Heritage

Codru brings together a long local history and named cultural and natural heritage topics. When planning your trip, you can consider different questions separately: When was Codru first mentioned and founded as an urban locality? What architectural and social history does the “Sfinţii Trei Ierarhi” Church tell? And what specific information about the oak, park or bus route is relevant for a possible visit? If you are looking for a hotel in Codru, this guide can help you choose the topics that suit your stay.

Local history and development

Codru was first mentioned in a historical document on August 4, 1641. It was officially founded as an urban locality in 1945. More than three centuries lie between these dates, but they represent different milestones: 1641 marks the first mention, while 1945 marks its official founding as an urban locality. An important phase in the development of the area around Codru was associated with the establishment of the Costiujeni Psychiatric Hospital between 1893 and 1895. The hospital is near Costiujeni; its complex remains a cultural heritage landmark in Codru. The hospital’s establishment falls chronologically between the two dates in Codru’s history and adds a distinct phase of development to the timeline.

Church and architectural history

The “Sfinţii Trei Ierarhi” Church began operating on August 30, 1904, under the name “Alexandr Nevschi”; since 1993, it has been known as “Sfinţii Trei Ierarhi.” The design is by architect Alexandru Bernardazzi, and the construction work was led by engineer-architect Nicolae Ţiganco. The church was intended as a place of prayer and comfort for the sick. The year 1904 therefore marks its opening under its former name; it has been known by its current name since 1993.

A more recent cultural landmark

The Museum of Patients’ Works, “Between Past and Present,” opened on July 10, 2026. This opening date is much later than the local and architectural history dates mentioned above and provides a more recent point of reference. If you would like to include the museum in your travel plans, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

English oak in the Schinoasa area

The centuries-old English oak “Stejarul secular din Codru” is located on the boundary of the Schinoasa area. A report dated May 31, 2026, stated that a new wooden and glass information board had been installed. At the time of the report, access to the tree was restricted to a distance of about 2 to 3 meters from the trunk to prevent accidents. This approximate distance applied at the time. Check local access conditions before visiting.

Park and getting there

“Scuarul Codru” Park is located on Costiujeni-Grenoble Street in Codru, within Chișinău Municipality. Check the current status of the reconstruction project before visiting. An older local route listing includes urban bus route 9 for Codru. Check before travelling whether the service is currently running.

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