Discover Rezina: Dniester landscapes, monasteries and history

Rezina brings together the landscapes of the Dniester with waterfalls, gorges and historical remains from widely separated periods. The destination appeals to a range of interests: streams and cascades shape the scenery in the Saharna Nature Reserve, hikes in Țipova lead to waterfalls, and monasteries and archaeological sites tell the story of the region’s cultural history. If you are planning a hotel stay, these different highlights provide a helpful guide to shaping your trip.

Landscapes between the Dniester and the cascades

The city of Rezina stretches for 13 km along the banks of the Dniester and is surrounded by three deep gorges. The Great Ciorna Gorge on the Ciorna River forms a distinct landscape: it is about 4 km long, and its highest slope exceeds 200 m.

The Saharna Nature Reserve lies on the Dniester Plateau. There, the Saharna and Stohnaia streams form a large natural amphitheatre. The Saharna stream creates 22 cascades. The largest, “Groapa Țiganului,” is 4.5 m high and has a 10 m-deep pool. This series of cascades makes Saharna a specific nature destination for anyone wishing to explore waterfalls and their surrounding landscapes.

In the Țipova Landscape Reserve, you can hike to waterfalls. The hike offers views of the Dniester, cliffs and gorges. The nature experiences described here are distinct: Saharna is defined by its series of cascades and their stated measurements, while Țipova offers a hike through a landscape of cliffs and gorges.

Monasteries and archaeological traces

Saharna Monastery is one of Moldova’s largest pilgrimage centres; the relics of Saint Macarius are kept there. Another complex in Rezina is “Vatra Rezinei.” It includes the foundation stone “Piatra de temelie” and the chapel “Acoperământul Maicii Domnului.” In 2024, the rock monastery in Țîpova, Rezina District, was selected for restoration and conservation work. It is advisable to check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

Archaeological sites also give the region a layered historical profile. Rezina is home to the archaeological stele “Cetăţuia getică,” dating from the 4th–3rd centuries BC. At the Getic fortified settlement of Saharna Mare, a previously unknown entrance flanked by a bastion was discovered. A double burial dating to the 10th–9th centuries BC was discovered at the Saharna “Țiglău” site. At Saharna “Rude” in Rezina District, a citadel measuring about 70 metres across was discovered.

Another glimpse into the past reaches back to geological history: the complete, six-metre-high skeleton of a Dinotherium Gigantisimus, which lived there about five million years ago, was discovered near Pripiceni-Răzeși. In 2006, a unique complex of springs with five sources was renovated in Trifești. Rezina is also home to the “Țîpova-Saharna” museum complex.

More recent cultural history includes the Easter carol festival “Hristos a Înviat!”: its 17th edition took place in Țîpova on 22 April 2025; the festival was described as a popular tradition.

Travel planning guide

A railway line passes through a railway tunnel carved into the rock in Țipova. Road improvements also provide a practical point of reference: a project to modernise 20 km of public roads was completed in November 2024, making it easier to reach Lalova and Țîpova Monastery. Nature, culture and history offer a range of highlights to consider when planning your stay in Rezina.

Discover more destinations

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