Alexander Nevsky Park

Alexander Nevsky Park represents one of Bendery’s most ambitious and successful recent urban development projects, successfully uniting the historic citadel and the military church near its walls into a single cohesive complex. The park opened on October 7, 2018, timed to coincide with the eve of the 610th anniversary of the first chronicle mention of Bendery — a fitting way to mark this significant historical milestone.

At the heart of the park stands a bust of the great Russian prince and celebrated military commander Alexander Nevsky, previously positioned at the walls of the military church, now occupying a central place within the broader park composition. From this monument, pathways radiate outward like rays of light, leading visitors toward the military church and citadel, an exhibition hall, a stage, a playground, a rollerdrome and various other park facilities. In early 2019, the distinctive Old Bastion hotel and restaurant complex, designed in authentic old Turkish style, opened within the park not far from the historic Main (Tsaregrad) Gate, adding a hospitality dimension to this already comprehensive cultural destination.

The exhibition hall, situated adjacent to the Church of Alexander Nevsky and spanning more than 500 square meters, houses the permanent “Liberator Soldier” gallery. This remarkable exhibition presents sculptures of soldiers in uniforms from different historical periods, alongside exact copies of regimental banners and detailed informational stands — together creating a comprehensive visual journey through the military heritage of the region. Beyond this permanent collection, the exhibition hall regularly hosts cultural and educational events and rotating art exhibitions. The inaugural exhibition shown on the park’s opening day was “Orthodox Pridnestrovie,” comprising approximately 130 works including paintings, frescoes, mosaic compositions and photographs — a suitably ambitious introduction to what has become one of Bendery’s most dynamic cultural venues.

Location: Petra Panina Str., Bendery