Transnistria, the postcards from country that doesn't existe

There's a land, stuck directly between Romania and Ukraine. Moldova, Romania's little brother, that got seized as part of USSR. Where people are bilingual, speaking both Romanian and Russian. The least visited country in Europe, with probably the most affordable prices. And there, inside this forgotten piece of land, as a small stripe next to Ukranian border lies Transistria, the country that officially doesn't exist.

T-34 at the memorial platform

Once the big state of Soviet Union felt apart, Transnistrian people basically decided they still want to be part of it and more or less kept living like if nothing ever happened. With Russian as their official language and architecture from the past, they run their own government, use their own currency, Transnistrian rubbles, and have their own army.

Transnistrian rubbles

The impact and love for Russia shows up everywhere, with flags placed on all the major buildings and monuments, and beside that, the Soviet union is here still much alive. Symbols of hammer and sickle can  be spotted all around, including on their flag, and there are several statues of Lenin.

I spent my Transnistrian day in their capital Tiraspol. You can take a regular bus from Chisniau and an hour and a half long journey will cost you approximately 2€. As a foreigner you need to visit an immigration office at the border control, where you receive your 10 hour pass. Extending it for several days shouldn't be of a problem either, and the officers there are fluent in English.

Main bus and train station of Tiraspol

Before noon I've arrived to the main bus station, located at the north of the city, from where you have a leisure 15 minutes walk to the center, passing their local distillery Kvint. Once reaching the main street of  "25th October", I started at it's East end with the state theatre, passing the buildings of  state university and statue of Jurij Gagarin and soon arrived to the city hall ''House of Soviets'', where the first bust monument of Vladimir Lenin is located.

House of Soviets city hall, with Lenin's bust in front

I continued my journey towards the post, where I've exchanged some money. Exchange rate is almost the same as Moldovan Leis, one interesting thing they're having is a 25 note of Transnistrian Rubbles.

And then, passing the ''Palace of Republic'' concert hall, I made it to the main square, dedicated to general Suvorov,  who at the end of 18th century founded the fortress at the border of Russian empire that later developed into the city of Tiraspol.

Statue of general Suvorov

At the square we can find the chapel, the cinema, palace of culture, youth center Pioneer palace, and of course a big statue of general Suvorov, who never lost any battle, surrounded by flags of different regions.

Almost opposite of it, above the river Dniester, is located a memorial platform with another chapel, T-34 tank and great monument with ever burning fire in memory of victims of great patriotic war during WWII.

Second world war memorial

From there you can also spot the parliament building, with grand statue of Lenin standing several meters above the ground, his coat blowing in the wind. Certainly a majestic sight to see and one not to be missed.

Parliament and supreme council building, with statue of Lenin

I continued my exploration further west, descending to the river, where you can find a nice sandy beach, and then all the way to the last remains of the Tiraspol fortress, the powder cellar. Inside is a small museum about creation and development of the city trough time, and a friendly local explain ed me stories behind different exhibits.

Last remains of Tiraspol fortress

On my way back I crossed my paths with a local supermarket, in which you can find variety of Russian and Ukrainian brands (for me the most impressive was the crisps shelves with incredible diversity of flavours).

I stopped in the hipe local cafeteria Provence coffee, with extremely cute interior and amazing coffee, freshly brewed on the sand (beside many other delicious options).

inside the Provence coffee

And lastly, before my 10 hours were almost over and I was ready to depart, I've entered the post office and send out to the world some greetings from the country that doesn't exist.