Transnistria, Moldova Travelogue

Transnistria

Приднестровская Молдавская Республика

Church in the Transnistria war zone

March 26, 2004

From Tiraspol, we turned off to see a bridge crossing over into Moldovan-controlled lands; it was destroyed during the 1992 war, so European countries raised money too rebuild it, the nicest stretch of road in Moldova, but as soon as it was finished Transnistria blocked it so no car has actually crossed the road. We approached and asked to cross, knowing we would be denied, but of course were denied because "the road is closed," so left.

We again headed north and crossed the area where (along with Tiraspol/Bender) was the worst fighting and war trenches were everywhere still today. This area Moldova won so we crossed the border into Moldova well before reaching the river and continued to the west. Before reaching the Moldovan guards we took a detour to see a badly damaged church. It was amazing; completely shot up. The villagers watched us watch the church in awe. From here the trip was easy and soon got back to the embassy, just in time for dinner.