Cycling route around Grigoriopol

This historic 19th-century building, situated right in the heart of Grigoriopol, holds official recognition in the State Register of Monuments of Local Importance of Pridnestrovie — a testament to its enduring architectural and historical significance. Early 20th-century documents reference the building as the Alekseevskoe school, marking the beginning of its long educational legacy.

According to local historians, the building’s history before the revolution included service as a town council, before transitioning in the 1920s into a mixed gymnasium under the Odessa school district. By 1935, it had become a Ukrainian school, reflecting the shifting educational and administrative currents of the era.

Today, the building continues its educational mission as School No. 2, now bearing the name of Andrey Stoev — a native son of Grigoriopol who fell as a defender of Pridnestrovie during the period of Moldova’s military aggression. The school’s name stands as a lasting tribute to his sacrifice, ensuring that his memory remains woven into the daily life of the very community he gave his life to protect.

This small Orthodox chapel, dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God of Three Hands, was constructed specifically to honor the founding of Grigoriopol — a meaningful initiative spearheaded by Bishop Justinian of Tiraspol and Dubossary, alongside Yu.E. Nilov, P.G. Denisenko and the head of state administration, I.I. Tsynnik. The chapel was erected on the very site where the city itself was founded on July 25, 1792, creating a direct physical and spiritual connection between the chapel and the origins of Grigoriopol.

The date holds particular significance within the Orthodox calendar: July 25 marks the Feast of the Icon of the Mother of God of Three Hands, and this revered icon is considered the patroness of the entire town. Fittingly, an icon representing her was installed within the chapel itself, making this modest sacred space a powerful symbol of the spiritual protection believed to watch over Grigoriopol since its very founding more than two centuries ago.

The Central Park of Culture and Recreation stands as a true visiting card of Grigoriopol, serving as one of the most beloved gathering places for local residents. The park regularly comes alive with celebrations, concerts and even marriage registrations, making it a vibrant hub of community life throughout the year.

In 2005, a meaningful memorial sign — a granite stone bearing an informational plate — was installed in the park to commemorate the founding of Grigoriopol. History has preserved not only the exact founding date, July 25, 1792, but also rich details of the festivities surrounding this momentous occasion. A pier was specially constructed along the bank of the Dniester River, where approximately two dozen ships moored as distinguished guests arrived to participate in the town’s founding celebration.

On the very site of today’s central square, a triumphal arch once stood, bearing the monogram of Russian Empress Catherine II. This arch, elaborately carved and adorned with greenery and flowers, served as the gathering point for guests and residents alike when Vasiliy Kakhovsky, ruler of the Ekaterinoslav Viceroyalty, formally read out Catherine II’s decree establishing the town of Grigoriopol. As part of the ceremony, six symbolic stones were laid to mark the town’s foundation: four stones designated the boundaries of the town itself, one stone was placed beneath the foundation of the Cathedral Church, and the final stone was laid under the main building — the town council.

Nestled within the lush green Tomashlyk valley just outside Grigoriopol, this striking 10-meter waterfall stands as one of the area’s most treasured natural jewels. The story behind its formation is as fascinating as the waterfall itself: roughly 200 years ago, this valley was home to the flowing waters of the Chernaya River. Over the centuries, the river gradually dried up completely — yet in an unexpected twist of nature, this very process gave rise to the rare and beautiful three-tier waterfall that visitors can now observe and admire, transforming what was once a riverbed into one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the entire Grigoriopol district.