Transdniestr or Transnistria or Pridnestrovie is the name for the non-recognised Republic on the eastern bank of Dniestr river. Known by foreign travelers as the museum in the open-air of Communism and Soviet Union, with many Soviet relics on the main streets of its industrial towns and also for being a state that does not exist. Tiraspol and Bender / Tighina towns are the 2 biggest in the Republic situated in the close proximity on different banks of the Dniestr river. Nice and cozy towns, second biggest after Chisinau. In the center of Tiraspol, one can see 2 monuments to the father of the communism Vladimir Lenin, streets with soviet names, House of Soviets, Memorial to 3 wars (W.W.II, Afghan war and Civil war), nice parks and boulevard.

Bender town is a much older town, being even older than Chisinau. There is a Medieval fortress in the center of the town that is now served as the base of the Transdniestrian army. In XVIII century the Swedish king Carol has resided in Bender for 4 years asking support from Ottomans and trying to create an alliance against the Russians. The symbol of Carol, the Golden Lion, is still present on the flag of the town. During the Civil War in 1991-1992 Bender town and its citizens has suffered the most.

The War Memorial in the center and the Administration building with bullet holes in it keeps the memory of those bloody days. Duration : 5-7 hours Way of transport : by public bus / minibus from the Central bus station in Chisinau