Orhei

Sister cities

• Horishni Plavni
• Bergama
• Bicaz
• Smila
• Focșani
• Piatra Neamț
• Dolyna

History

Orhei is believed to derive its name from the Hungarian word Őrhely, meaning “guard post” or “lookout post,” and could be linked to a Hungarian army outpost guarding the gyepű. Locally, orhei was understood to mean “strengthened hill,” “fortress,” or “deserted courtyard.” The town historically served as an important defensive outpost on Moldavia’s eastern border. In the 14th century, the Crimean Tatars established a settlement at Orheiul Vechi (Old Orhei), constructing baths, mosques, and other buildings, leaving a lasting cultural influence. By the early 15th century, the area was incorporated into the Moldavian principality, and Orhei gradually shifted to its present location, with the first documented mention in 1554 during the reign of Alexandru Lăpușneanu. After centuries under Moldavian rule, Orhei was ceded to the Russian Empire in 1812 following the Russo-Turkish wars. Like the rest of Bessarabia, it became part of the Kingdom of Romania after World War I, was annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940, briefly recaptured by Romania in 1941, and re-occupied by the USSR in 1944 during the Uman–Botoșani offensive. After World War II, the town was rebuilt, and in 1991 it became part of the Republic of Moldova. Before 2003, Orhei served as the capital of Orhei County, a large administrative region, until the country was reorganized into smaller raions (districts). The St. Dumitru Church, constructed by Vasile Lupu, is located in the town. Lupu, who ruled from 1634 to 1653, is credited with ushering in the town's so-called golden age, and a statue in the central square honors his legacy. Orhei has gained national and international attention as a political stronghold of fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor. Since his election as mayor in 2015, Shor built a network of…

Most-observed species

• Great Tit

  Parus major Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  87
• Gray/Purple Heron

  Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  77
• Common Raven

  Corvus corax Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  74
• European Goldfinch

  Carduelis carduelis (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  70
• Barn Swallow

  Hirundo rustica Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  70
• House Sparrow

  Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  64
• European Greenfinch

  Chloris chloris (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  60
• Common Buzzard

  Buteo buteo (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  57