Catherine Park

Created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the republic, Catherine Park transformed the very heart of Tiraspol into one of the most beautiful and beloved public spaces in the entire capital. The park’s name carries deep symbolic significance, honoring the Russian Empress who signed the decree founding Tiraspol itself — connecting this modern green space directly to the city’s imperial origins more than two centuries ago.

At the center of the park stands the monument to Catherine the Great — a majestic 4.5-meter bronze sculpture weighing half a ton, depicting the Empress seated upon the throne of the Russian Empire. In her right hand she holds the orb symbolizing monarchical power, while her left hand grasps a document ordering the construction of the Sredinnaya Fortress — the fortification around which Tiraspol grew. Positioned directly opposite the bronze monument to Alexander Suvorov on horseback, the two founding figures of Tiraspol face each other across the park’s central space, creating a remarkable historical dialogue in bronze.

Elegant arched entrance groups unite both sides of the park into a single cohesive composition, functioning as portals that mark the transition into this distinctive green sanctuary. Six fountains, beautifully illuminated each evening, are scattered throughout the grounds alongside charming rotundas that evoke the atmosphere of past centuries. Two lakes add further natural beauty: the smaller lake is surrounded by sports facilities — football and basketball fields, jogging tracks, table tennis tables, pull-up bars and a rollerdrome — while the larger lake is home to a graceful family of white swans. Near this second lake, a detailed miniature of the Sredinnaya Fortress recalls the founding of Tiraspol more than 200 years ago. The children’s amusement park “City of Miracles,” decorated with forged characters from beloved cartoons, ensures the park delights visitors of every age.

Website: ekpark-tiraspol.ru