Inside Moldova’s smallest museum reviving village traditions
The smallest museum in the Republic of Moldova, the Vatra Dumeniului Cultural Complex, is located in the village of Vorniceni, Strășeni district, and is run by Elena Lazarev. The site offers visitors hiking routes, traditional cookery workshops, and hands-on activities in eco-friendly fibre crafts.
“We’ve been open since 2019. Our aim is to bring authenticity back home. My parents passed away – there are two of us sisters, and one lives abroad. This was the last house in the village, and we wanted to show people that it can be done,” said Elena Lazarev.
Speaking on Radio Moldova’s “Dimineața” programme, Lazarev explained that she and her family had turned her parents’ home into a “museum of traditions.”
“Our story goes back to 1420, to Alexander the Good, who stopped here on his way to Căpriana Monastery. That’s where our hiking trail begins. Today, you can see five villages from here. We’re working on developing tourism in the area. Vorniceni has the oldest wooden church in the district, which was restored this year with support from the Ministry of Culture, European funds and the District Council,” she said.
The museum operates according to visitors’ requests.
“We have a Facebook page and a tasting room where guests can sample local products. We hold various masterclasses there. There’s also a summer amphitheatre where we host cultural events, such as the Bread Festival from the Hare – this year it was already the sixth edition. We organise summer camps and bring together the diaspora and local residents. We explore creative themes such as ‘Photography through Grandparents’ Eyes’ or ‘From Grandmother’s Chest’. Visitors can also see the local archaeological site and go on hikes – including a seven-kilometre route to Căpriana Monastery,” the entrepreneur added.
Lazarev admits she has thought about leaving Moldova several times.
“Still, we try to keep our roots here. My son now owns the property and lives on the land with his family. He’s a designer whose creations are available online, while my daughter-in-law bakes sourdough bread. Even my mother’s sisters help in the kitchen,” she noted.
The culinary workshops are inspired by traditional recipes that have yet to be rediscovered by younger generations, while weaving with natural fibres remains a fascinating activity for children. Another favourite among visitors is chocolate-coated walnuts – a local delicacy.
“We had many walnut trees, and the nuts often went uneaten. I decided to coat them in chocolate and add a variety of spices. It’s an authentic taste. We try to create something beautiful at home. Yes, it’s not easy to sell products these days – the market is competitive – but we have loyal customers who trust us. We’ve started offering deliveries, and perhaps our grandchildren will come up with something new,” Lazarev said.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
