TravelswithCharie

The wayside shrines in Moldova have fascinated me since my first visit in 2023. I wanted to take photos then of the simple crosses I saw along the way to Chișinău but woefully didn’t  take any.  I was lucky to have been given a second chance this year to take a few images of these unique sanctuaries that dot the bucolic landscape. These shrines often consist of a simple  Troiță  (cross) found at intersections or entrances to a village and along country roads. Often it is just a simple wooden crucifix. These shrines can be seen not only in Moldova but also in neighboring countries. They mark a sacred place or a memorial. The cross is also a manifestation of gratitude and devotion. ( The troiță above is actually inside the Ciuflea Monastery in Chișinău. I show it here for reference purposes.) These shrines I’m posting here are more elaborate miniature chapel shrines with gilded domes and frescoes. The domes are reminiscent of the architecture of Christian Orthodox chur...