The Chisinau Gateways as the USSR legacy

Soviet buildings are quite widespread in modern Chisinau, even if those times are far behind. This fact is common for many post-Soviet cities, such as Moscow, Minsk, Kiev, and many others. Those buildings are very interesting and original, making a great part of the USSR legacy. However, these kinds of structures in Chisinau are not well kept, and only a few people care about their preservation. Still, we, the residents of the capital, have a list of favorite Soviet buildings, and the Chisinau Gateways are among the most often mentioned ones. 

Each photographer’s dream

Just imagine - it’s night, and you are on the 24th floor, being 70 meters above the ground. This hight offers you a splendid view, that will permanently sink into your soul - a true photographer’s dream. Each of the citizens wants to have this chance, but those 24 floors make up the residential complex "Gates of the City", and it’s quite hard to get there. However, it is nice to have an example of the late architecture of the former Soviet Union building, kept in the modern architectural realities of Chisinau. It brings charm and strange mystery to the capital.  

Two Atlantes who support the city

The Chisinau Gateways have been for a long time a hallmark and informal symbol of our capital. It is a multi-storey residential complex located at the entrance to Chisinau, on the Dacia Boulevard. If you arrive in the capital by plane, you will surely pass between these two high-rise buildings with 24 floors. They were built between 1977 and 1980, according to the project of Iury Tumanyan. He considered this complex to be a grandiose and simply innovative project for those times. Afterwards, the architects planned to build similar complexes in other parts of the city, but they stopped only in the Botanica district. Eventually, "the Gateways" became the two Atlantes who support the city, considering to be the most recognizable architectural symbol of the city.

The Chisinau gateways rumors

Like many places the city, the Chisinau Gateways have their own rumors and legends, covered with shadows of mystery. Actually, the whole Dacia Boulevard is a bit scary, especially in the late evening and night. The huge and almost giant blocks of flats along the whole street create an unusual feeling. That is why there are a lot of stories about the ghosts that live there, and even in the Gateways. Psychics say that those blocks are infused with negative energy. Perhaps, the reason lies in the fact that earlier here, really close to the "Gates of the City", was a cemetery. Perhaps, there are only legends, but people who live there say that it’s really so. Sometimes, they hear strange voices and shouts. 

A rare case of perfect harmony

This residential complex is a rare case where the high-rise block of flats perfectly fit into the view of the city, even decorating it and bringing the harmony. Actually, the Chisinau Gateways become the first building in the capital that is so high. This is the perfect example of the USSR architecture legacy. Until now, it is a block of flats where people really live. Nowadays, this is one of the most famous places, which is familiar to every resident of our capital. We still dream to climb on the roofs of those buildings and have a look over the city no matter what, because the pictures and impressions are incredible!

Chisinau "Gateways"

Bulevardul Dacia 50, Chişinău 2062, Moldova