Stefan cel Mare Blvd, Chisinau

Stefan cel Mare Boulevard is arguably the most prominent streets of the Moldovan capital. The 3.8-km thoroughfare is lined with numerous buildings of social and political importance, cultural institutions, shops, and restaurants.

Historically, it is believed to have stemmed from the road that led into the city from the Russian military camp stationed to the west of Chisinau in 1789. Long before the city plan was adopted by Russian Emperor Alexander II in 1834, the construction of the Nativity Cathedral started together with the Public Garden (now known as Stefan cel Mare Park) and many other locations nearby.

Over the years, the street has changed several names, starting from Millionnaia in the early 19th century to Moskovskaia (between 1840 and 1877), followed by Aleksandrovskaia (between 1877 and 1924), then Alexandru cel Bun Boulevard (between 1924 and 1931), King Carol II Boulevard (between 1931 and 1944), Lenin Street (between 1944 and 1952) and Lenin Boulevard (between 1952 and 1990) until finally, following the country's independence in 1991, becoming Stefan cel Mare Boulevard – named after of the ancient ruler of Moldova, prince Stephen the Great during 1457 to 1504.