Durlești brings together archaeological settlements from several eras, historic buildings and a written record of the town dating from 1600. The city lies northwest of Chișinău and is separated from Chișinău by Hotinului Street. Visitors planning their stay around their interests can focus on archaeological periods and buildings; forest trails and routes in the surrounding area add a nature-focused dimension.
Local History Across Several Periods
Durlești developed on the sites of the two old settlements of Cartușa and Durlești. Archaeological dating reaches back to much earlier periods: Durlești III belongs to the second Iron Age and is dated to the 5th to 3rd centuries BC. Durlești II encompasses phases of the second Iron Age and the late Roman period; Durlești VI is a settlement from the late Roman period, the 3rd to 4th centuries AD. Durlești I – “La vie” dates from the 11th to 12th centuries AD. The dating points to different settlement phases: two periods are identified for Durlești II, while each of the other settlements mentioned here is assigned to a single period.
Cetățuie in Grozești Forest
The archaeological monument Cetățuie is dated to the 4th to 2nd centuries BC. An archaeological report from 2024 places the fortification about 1.5 kilometres northwest of Durlești and about 0.5 kilometres south of European route E581. It is located in Grozești Forest, also known as Durlești Forest. The roughly circular enclosure measures about 50 × 45 metres. A ditch remains in front of the rampart, about 6.0 to 7.5 metres wide and 1.0 to 1.4 metres deep. The dating, shape and measurements provide different clues for understanding the site: the dating places it in a historical period, while the measurements describe its extent.
Churches, Art and Other Historical Connections
The Church of “Sf. Arhanghel Mihail,” a historic monument built between 1818 and 1825, is located at 5 Bisericii Street. Durlești is also home to the rectory where sculptor A. Plămădeală was born. The cemetery in Durlești contains a folk sculpture; a necropolis dating from the 2nd to 4th centuries is located on Livezilor Street. These connections range from religious architectural history and an artist’s biography to archaeological and folk-art themes.
Plan Forest Trails and Your Journey
A notice dated May 3, 2025, reported that the first signposts and markers for tourist trails had been installed in Durlești Forest. A report from May 2025 also mentions tourist trails in the area around Durlești as recreational options. The forest and surrounding area thus add a nature-focused aspect to the historical highlights. If you plan to use forest trails, check the current route beforehand.
Durlești has a bus station; route timetables are published on autogara.md. Check the relevant timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Chișinău, Vatra, Vadul Lui Vodă, Codru, Ghidighici, Trușeni, Tohatin.
For the broader travel overview: Chisinau.
