Powder Cellar of the Saint Vladimir Bastion

The Powder Cellar of the Saint Vladimir Bastion holds a unique distinction as the oldest surviving construction in Tiraspol and the only remaining fragment of the former Sredinnaya Fortress — the very building whose construction is considered the founding moment of the city’s entire history.

The fortress was laid down on June 22, 1793, designed by engineer-architect François Sainte de Wollant and constructed with the personal participation of the legendary commander Alexander Suvorov. Within its grounds stood three bastions, a military hospital, a commandant’s house, powder cellars, barracks, stables, equipment and provisions warehouses, and the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called — a comprehensive military complex that formed the nucleus around which Tiraspol would gradually grow.

Of all this original 18th-century infrastructure, only this powder cellar has survived the centuries. In 2014, the Museum of the History of Tiraspol Fortress opened within its ancient walls, transforming this remarkable survivor into an accessible cultural destination where visitors can connect directly with the city’s origins. In recent years, the site has taken on additional civic significance, becoming the traditional starting point for festive events on City Day — linking the very birthplace of Tiraspol to its most important annual celebration.

Address: 28v, Fedko Str., Tiraspol
Phone: +373 533 53772