Butuceni - Piatra Trail

Orheiul Vechi cultural-nature reserve

Orheiul Vechi reserve is a natural, cultural landmark of national significance in Moldova. It is located in the center of the country, along the Raut river’s gorge. It covers an area of 11k km2.

• The reserve is categorized as Category IV through the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), for the protection of the reserves natural habitat.
• Due to its uniqueness, the Orheiul Vechi Archaeological Landscape is included in the UNESCO Indicative List.
• The reserve is part of the Orhei National Park.
• Home to about one-third of Moldova’s bird population, the reserve provides shelter for more than 100 species of birds.

Sights along the trail

• Sehr al Cedid Ruins: built by Tatar Mongols, Golden Horde in the XIVth century and the Orhei medieval town dating back to the XIV and XVIth centuries.
• Tatar Bath Ruins: dates back to the XIVth century. Accessible for visiting.
• Caravanserai Ruins: remains from the XIVth century. Accessible for visiting.
• Medieval Church Ruins: historic church remains from the XVIth century. Accessible for visiting.
• Bosie Cave Church: dates back to the XVIth century. Visible from the trail and accessible by climbing an unpaved path. Difficulty level: medium, slip risk.
• Assumption Monastery: stone church, dating back to 1904, carved into the Pestera cave, where the monks resided in the XVIth century. Visible from the trail; direct access is not available.
• Medieval Spring: grab a drink of water fresh from the spring. Accessible for visiting.
• Trebujeni-Scoc & Piscul Ciobanului Archaeological Sites.
• Lazo Family Mansion: museum dating back to the XIXth century. Accessible for visiting.
• Izvorul Morii Spring: a hydrological monument, located on the left bank of the Raut river. Permission from environmental authorities is required.
• Migla Rock: a natural monument of geological and paleontological importance, it is located at the end of the trail as you exit Piatra village. Accessible for visiting.

Important information

• The trail is located between Butuceni and Piatra villages. It is recommended for hiking along the Raut river gorge and can be started from the start or endpoint, as the trail makes a full loop. Parts of the route can also be crossed by bicycle.
• The trail area on the left bank of the Raut river, between the villages of Butuceni and Trebujeni, runs along an unpaved path, which at times can be very narrow. In the summer, after heavy rains, the path can be covered by vegetation. Use caution, as some snakes can be seen along the trail.
• It is necessary to pay attention to the bridge between Piatra village and the Raut river bank.
• Proceed with caution along the rocky area around Trebujeni, as there is a high amount of erosion and loose rocks along the trail.
• Public transport to Chisinau and Orhei is available from Piatra and Furceni villages. More details can be found on https://autogara.md

Rest stops

Medieval Spring (Trebujeni village), the guest house in Trebujeni village, as well as anywhere along the route.

Birds

The trail provides an opportunity to observe birds in their natural habitats nestled in the rocks, meadows, water and agricultural fields.

Equipment

• Binoculars. Orheiul Vechi Reserve, as well as the Butuceni and Trebujeni village guest houses have binoculars for rent. Contact the reception desk for details.
• Riflescope.

What to bring

• Cap or bandana in the warm seasons
• Hat and gloves in the cold season
• Loose and comfortable clothes; dressing in layers is recommended: shirt, blouse, sweater, vest, jacket, depending on the season
• Long hiking pants
• Waterproof clothing
• Field shoes (hiking boots or hiking sandals, depending on the season)
• Backpack
• Water
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock

When birdwatching, we should follow several rules:

These rules are at the cornerstone of birdwatching and are aimed at both beginners and advanced birdwatchers. Observance of these rules is primarily about the respect for the nature, wildlife and the rights of other beings. We assure you that you will be more successful in your birdwatching if you will abide by them!

1. The safety of wild fowl comes first, therefore we cannot behave in a way that would scare them away or endanger their lives:
   • do not follow them
   • do not get too close to them or their resting place
   • do not stay too long near their nests and do not bother the clucking birds or birds with hatchlings in no way
   • do not listen to music at full volume
   • do not yell
   • do not make chasing away gestures
   • do not try to catch them to make photos or to have a better look at them
2. The habitat is the home of wild animals; hence we should not damage or pollute the place where we birdwatch. The following are strictly prohibited:
   • Littering on the route
   • Cutting down trees
   • Dislodging rocks
   • Taking any object as a memento
   • Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages
   • Any other behavior that will lead to the damaging of the habitat following your visit.
3. Respect the privacy and property rights of the local people, therefore do not use your binoculars to look into people’s courtyards and houses, do not divert from the marked route and focus only on the things you are interested in.

Further reading

• Binoculars
• Tent camping tips
• Field equipment tips
• Other birdwatching trails