Hotel Tourist mosaic – Chișinău – Moldova

Unfortunately, this mosaic is not in the best of conditions with there being quite large sections that have entirely fallen off the side of the hotel building.

What can be made out is the city’s cathedral and other churches in the city centre; the distinctive circular circus building; some high rise buildings (demonstrating modernity) of the 1970s vintage; the main entrance to the city’s railway station – which is worth a visit just to see what its like inside – there are a few tropical fish tanks, something I’ve never seen in a train station; the Old Prison Castle; I’m sure the Triumphal Arch is there somewhere – but it might be a fragment; other historic mansions and public buildings from pre-Soviet times; and an aurochs’ head – with a five pointed star between the horns and flanked by a rose and a crescent moon – the ancient (possible 14th century) symbol of the country. From what I’ve been able to learn there may be an error here. As far as I can see it should be a waning crescent moon whereas what we have here is a waxing crescent moon. Basically the image, if it is to follow the traditional design, should be reversed.

There’s a great deal of damage on the top, left hand side, with a large section of the mosaic missing. Whether this is by wear and tear or deliberate I don’t know. I’ve not been able to come across (yet) a photograph of this mosaic in its prime. My speculation (and it’s nothing more than that) is that this could have been the Soviet emblem of the Republic of Moldova – although what still exists does question that interpretation. If not a Soviet emblem than perhaps a sun and what we see are flames coming from the surface?

The hotel used to be the city’s Inturist Hotel – build specifically for foreign visitors – and still operates as a hotel. The mosaic is on the south west facing end of the building.

Location;

Grigore Vieru Blvd 9

GPS;

47.03058 N

28.84018 E

How to get there;

The hotel is within walking distance of Cathedral Park. Just head north-east along the main road and the hotel is on the left just after the roads from the centre form a dual carriageway, just opposite the Monument to the Heroes of the Leninist Komsomol.

More on Moldova – on the Post-Socialist Countries – Eastern Europe and Asia page

Soviet-era mosaics in Cahul – Gagauzia

Soviet Mosaics – Bălți – Moldova

VI Lenin and Palace of Culture Mosaic – Ribniţa – Pridnestrovie