Official Name

Бендеры (Bendery). That's the Russian name of the town - the Moldovan name is completely different: Tighina. The spelling Bender is often used as well. When traveling around Moldova, it's better to use [ Tighina ]. When traveling in the PMR, it's better to use the Russian name [Bendery].

Location

	Bendery

Tighina is the one and only Transdniestran town on the right (western) bank of the river Nistru (Dniestr). This river separates the plateau in the west from the wide plain in the east. Bendery sprawls along the edge of the plateau. Right behind Bendery on the top of the plateau, there's the border between the →Republic of Moldova and the →PMR (Transdniestr). To →Chişinău to the west it's less than 60 km, to →Tiraspol it's around 10 km.

Population

About 125,000 inhabitants. The netto growth rate is negative. Therefore, Bendery is the second largest town of the →PMR and the fourth largest town of the →Republic of Moldova.

Orientation

Bendery is a large industrial town, with several factories in the outskirts and a few dull residential areas. It's also the gateway to Transdniestr, since one of the few bridges spanning the river Dniestr lies in the centre of town. The bridge is guarded by Russian peacekeeping forces, which check every vehicle superficially. Behind the bridge on the right side (as seen from the bridge) there's a fortress towering above the river and the plain, on the left there's the town itself. The trolleybus station is only 200 metres away from the bridge on the left. The main bus station is hidden in the town, but also not far from the bridgehead. The train station is further away to the west.

As many other towns in the area, Tighina has a chessboard-like grid of streets. Along the river bank, there are several small houses and allotments. The centre of town can be found on the corner of ул. Ленина (ul. Lenina, Lenin rd) and ул. Калинина (Kalinin rd). Not far from there you will find the large Колхозный рынок (Kolkhoz market). Generally spoken, the town is quieter but dirtier than →Tiraspol. Here and there, traces of the secessionist war in 1992 are visible, but most of the damage has been repaired.

Getting there / transportation

All buses and trains running between →Chişinău and →Tiraspol stop in Bendery, so there's no problem to get there and away. The ride to Chisinau takes around 1 hour, by bus it costs 7 rouble (€ 0.8). Additionally, trolleybuses No 1 and 19 connect the town with Tiraspol. This takes less than 30 minutes, the fare is 70 kopeek, to be paid on the bus. Additionally there are also direct buses to →Comrat and →Bălţi.

Actually, Bendery has a very interesting history. During the 14th century, a Genuese colony called Tigin was built here. Obviously, the Moldovan name 'Tighina' derives from the old Genuese name. In the 16th century, Ştefan cel Mare (Stephen the Great) erected a large fortress at Tigin. However, the fortress as well as the rest of Bessarabia was invaded by the Ottoman empire in 1538. The new rulers renamed the town Bendery. There are several theories about the meaning of the name. Some say it means 'belonging to the Turks', others say it might mean 'port'. In 1812, the Russian empire took over. Between the two World Wars, Bendery became a Romanian town and was renamed Tighina. Since 1944, it belonged to the Moldovan SSR. In 1992, Bendery became the main battlefield of the war between the secessionist Transdniestran (+Russian) army and the Moldovan army (see →History of the PMR). After the war, parts of the 14th Russian army remained in town, but it looks like Russia has withdrawn its army. Today, only Russian peacekeeping forces are stationed in and around Bendery to secure the precious but fragile peace.

	War Memorial and Eternal Flame in Bendery

The main attraction of the town used to be the large fortress right next to the bridgehead. Since 1992, the fortress seems to be abandoned. Before, it was used as a military base. Unfortunately, it's still closed to the public. And it's still a military object, which means that it's not recommended to take pictures - at least you should be really careful. The fortress is very time-worn and riddled with bullets.

Opposite the street and the bridge there's a new memorial park dedicated to the victims of the war in 1992. The small park at the riverside includes a tank, an eternal flame, a wall of fame and the usual stuff. In front of the park there's a large hoarding saying 'Слава тебе, ПМР', which means something like 'Glory to the PMR'.

	Kolkhoz Market: No, you can't buy the scales!!!

Walk from the Memorial Park along ul. Kotovskii and pass the dull and dark apartment blocks on your right. When you turn into ul. Liazo, you will soon get to the large Колхозный рынок (Kolkhoz market). There, everything that is grown in the area as well as clothes etc are sold inside the hall as well as outside. But obviously the hall is too big for the town - wide parts are not used at all, leaving a somewhat sad impression. Marshrutkas (microbuses) run from the street in front of the market hall to all the villages in the vicinity.

	The main church of the town

Opposite the market hall stands the Преображенский собор (Preobrashenski Sobor, Church of the Transfiguration of Christ). It looks like the church has been restored only a few years ago. Surprisingly, service in the church is well frequented. Behind the church there's the grey, large city hall. In front of the city hall runs ul. Lenina, where several shops line up along the street. The shops mainly sell Transdnistran, Russian and Ukrainian products. For some reason, Moldovan products are rare.

	The City Soviet (Council) of Bendery at ul. Lenina

Walk up Lenin rd westwards for a few minutes and you will get to the train station. From the market hall, ul. Sovietskaya leads northwards to the rundown bus station. Bendery is a rather rural town with little attractions, but it's still worth a stopover when traveling around the PMR.

There are two hotels in towns. As far as I've heard, it's not necessary to register with the local police when you stay in Bendery, but I'm not sure if this is true - at the border post they'll ask you whether you intend to stay overnight, so somehow you will have to register anyway. However, there's no real reason to stay overnight, since →Chişinău is very close. And there's still a curfew, so you shouldn't leave the hotel between 11 pm and 5 am.

Leogrand Hotel & Convention Center
2012 Chisinau · 77. Mitropolit Varlaam street
Since: 2002 Location: Map Number of floors: 7 Number of rooms: 143 Rates from: US$149 Rating: 8.3/10 More Information	Leogrand Hotel & Convention Center is conveniently located in the popular Chisinau area. Featuring a complete list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property a comfortable one. Facilities like shops, elevator, laundry service/dry cleaning, car park, room service are readily available for you to enjoy. Designed and decorated to make guests feel right at home, each room comes with non smoking rooms, bathrobes, in room safe, bathtub, television LCD/plasma screen. To enhance guests' stay, the hotel offers recreational facilities such as fitness center, jacuzzi, massage, sauna. Friendly staff, great facilities and close proximity to all that Chisinau has to offer are three great reasons you should stay at Leogrand Hotel & Convention Center.

Mesogios Hotel
MD2012 Chisinau · 23. Armeneasca
Since: 2002 Location: Map Number of floors: 4 Number of rooms: 18 Rates from: US$101 Rating: 8.3/10 More Information	The 4-star Mesogios Hotel offers comfort and convenience whether you're on business or holiday in Chisinau. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. All the necessary facilities, including bar/pub, laundry service/dry cleaning, smoking area, elevator, room service, are at hand. Internet access – wireless, non smoking rooms, shower, bathrobes, air conditioning can be found in each guestroom. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. For reliable service and professional staff, Mesogios Hotel caters to your needs.

Weekend Boutique Hotel
MD 2025 Chisinau · 7. Arborilor
Since: 2009 Location: Map Number of floors: 5 Number of rooms: 23 Rates from: US$120 Rating: 7.7/10 More Information	Set in a prime location of Chisinau, Weekend Boutique Hotel puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Take advantage of the hotel's family room, room service, car park, 24hr room service, safety deposit boxes. Guestrooms are designed to provide an optimal level of comfort with welcoming decor and convenient amenities like non smoking rooms, air conditioning, mini bar, satellite/cable TV, internet access – wireless. The hotel's peaceful atmosphere extends to its recreational facilities which include massage. For reliable service and professional staff, Weekend Boutique Hotel caters to your needs.

Business & SPA Hotel OLSI
MD 2070 Chisinau · 26/3 Bernardazzi
Since: 2009 Location: Map Number of floors: 3 Number of rooms: 10 Rates from: US$110 Rating: 7.0/10 More Information	Business & SPA Hotel OLSI is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Chisinau. Both business travelers and tourists can enjoy the hotel's facilities and services. All the necessary facilities, including family room, bar/pub, room service, salon, laundry service/dry cleaning, are at hand. Designed for comfort, guestrooms offer satellite/cable TV, mini bar, shower, washing machine, desk to ensure a restful night. To enhance guests' stay, the hotel offers recreational facilities such as spa, sauna. For reliable service and professional staff, Business & SPA Hotel OLSI caters to your needs.

Europa Hotel
MD2008 Chisinau · 16 Vasile Lupu
Since: 2009 Location: Map Number of floors: 7 Number of rooms: 56 Rates from: US$99 Rating: 6.8/10 More Information	The 3-star Europa Hotel offers comfort and convenience whether you're on business or holiday in Chisinau. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the hotel provides all you need for a good night's sleep. Safety deposit boxes, pets allowed, family room, restaurant, meeting facilities are there for guest's enjoyment. Television, air conditioning, satellite/cable TV, hair dryer, desk can be found in each guestroom. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service are what you can expect during your stay at Europa Hotel.

Bella Donna Hotel
2001 Chisinau · str. Bucuresti 9
Since: 2008 Location: Map Number of floors: Number of rooms: 17 Rates from: US$95 Rating: 6.7/10 More Information	Bella Donna Hotel is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Chisinau. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. To be found at the hotel are Wi-Fi in public areas, restaurant, smoking area, bar/pub, pets allowed. Relax in your comfortable guestroom, featuring air conditioning, hair dryer, internet access – wireless, jacuzzi bathtub, internet access – wireless (complimentary). The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. For reliable service and professional staff, Bella Donna Hotel caters to your needs.

Stella de Lux Hotel
MD2001 Chisinau · 26, Bulgara
Since: 2005 Location: Map Number of floors: 3 Number of rooms: 10 Rates from: US$122 Rating: 6.7/10 More Information	Stop at Stella de Lux Hotel to discover the wonders of Chisinau. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Laundry service/dry cleaning, coffee shop, car park, tours, restaurant are just some of the facilities on offer. Guestrooms are designed to provide an optimal level of comfort with welcoming decor and convenient amenities like shower, mini bar, refrigerator, television, non smoking rooms. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Chisinau, Stella de Lux Hotel will make you feel instantly at home.

Gloria Hotel
2024 Chisinau · 9/1 Pietrariei Str
Since: 2006 Location: Map Number of floors: 3 Number of rooms: 22 Rates from: US$122 Rating: 5.7/10 More Information	Located in Chisinau, Gloria Hotel is a perfect starting point from which to explore Chisinau. Featuring a complete list of amenities, guests will find their stay at the property a comfortable one. Smoking area, airport transfer, tours, car park, Wi-Fi in public areas are there for guest's enjoyment. Non smoking rooms, desk, satellite/cable TV, internet access – wireless, balcony/terrace can be found in each guestroom. Entertain the hotel's recreational facilities, including jacuzzi, indoor pool, outdoor pool, garden, steamroom. Gloria Hotel is an excellent choice from which to explore Chisinau or to simply relax and rejuvenate.

Jolly Alon Hotel
MD 2004 Chisinau · 37, Maria Cibotari street
Since: 1991 Location: Map Number of floors: 6 Number of rooms: 81 Rates from: US$153 Rating: 5.3/10 More Information	Stop at Jolly Alon Hotel to discover the wonders of Chisinau. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at the Jolly Alon Hotel. Designed and decorated to make guests feel right at home, each room comes with internet access – wireless, bathtub, air conditioning, mini bar, in room safe. To enhance guests' stay, the hotel offers recreational facilities such as massage, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steamroom. For reliable service and professional staff, Jolly Alon Hotel caters to your needs.

Jumbo Hotel
MD2015 Chisinau · 23/3. Decebal
Since: 2008 Location: Map Number of floors: 8 Number of rooms: 39 Rates from: US$131 Rating: 5.3/10 More Information	Ideally located in the prime touristic area of Chisinau, Jumbo Hotel promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Take advantage of the hotel's room service, car park, 24hr room service, safety deposit boxes, business center. The well-appointed guestrooms feature desk, bathtub, hair dryer, bathrobes, mini bar. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. No matter what your reasons are for visiting Chisinau, Jumbo Hotel will make you feel instantly at home.

• www.factmonster.com/ce6/world/A0848722.html A small factsheet about Bendery from the "Factmonster", English.
• manila.djh.dk/borders/ Small but interesting article about the PMR, Tiraspol and Bendery. In English.

Do you have or do you know a good website about Balti? Don't hesitate, let me know! After checking it, I would love to add it to the link list. You can submit a link by using the →contact form. Note that commercial websites will be treated differently.