This administrative center of Gagauzia has 28,000 residents and serves as the cultural hub of Moldova's Gagauz people, with its National Assembly and Orthodox Cathedral.
Comrat, the capital of Moldova's autonomous Gagauzia region, has 20,000 residents and serves as the center of Gagauz culture. Walk down Lenin Street to find the 19th-century Vinuri de Comrat winery, open-air markets with local cheese makers, and the Regional History Museum. The city's main square includes both a Lenin statue and a modern cultural center, reflecting the region's complex identity.
Climate and Visiting Seasons
Temperatures in Comrat reach 25°C (77°F) during summer and drop below 0°C (32°F) in winter. Snow falls occasionally from December to February, while summer months stay mostly dry. Plan your visit in April-May or September-October when mild temperatures make walking tours comfortable.
Getting Around Comrat
The city center extends along the Ialpug River, with Lenin Street as its main artery. You can catch a marshrutka from Chisinau's Southern Bus Terminal every 30-40 minutes - the journey takes three hours. Walking from one end of the central area to the other takes about 15-20 minutes.
Wine Production and Tasting
Vinuri de Comrat, established in 1897, makes red wines and muscats using grapes from local vineyards. You can visit their cellar and tasting room, or eat at the Bessarabian Province restaurant inside the complex. The surrounding area includes nine additional wineries that form part of Moldova's southern wine region.
Markets and Local Food
Visit the central market early in the morning to find vendors selling seasonal produce, homemade cheese, and Gagauz specialties. Many sellers communicate in Gagauz, Romanian, and Russian. During the Kasym festival, local cooks set up additional stalls to prepare traditional Gagauz dishes.
Industry and Development
The city's economy centers around its oil processing plant, food processing facilities, and furniture manufacturing. Recent municipal improvements include new parks and public buildings funded by EU programs. The agricultural sector maintains strong trade connections with Russia, particularly for grain and wine exports.
