Tiraspol derives from classical Greek roots and means “the town on the Dniester”. The country´s capital dates back to the year 600 B.C. when a settlement called "Tyras" was originally founded on this location.

In its modern form, Tiraspol appeared on the map in 1792 during the Russian and Turkish battle near Bender Fortress. In just a few months, a fortress with 3 towers was constructed to strengthen the positions of the Russian Army lead by Alexander Suvorov.

Tiraspol and Pridnestrovie has traditionally been on the faultline between a clash of civilizations. The Dniester River has for ages represented a border where civilizations meet, and in 1792 it was the case of Muslim vs Christian Orthodox forces. Tiraspol, on the Christian side, was the outpost in the fault line war between the Ottoman Empire (Turkish forces) and the European civilization (represented by Imperial Russia). After the Russians consolidated its dominance over the area, the fortress was transformed into a prison (where, during the Czarist regime, many Decembrists were held). It was later destroyed. Today we can see the ruins of only one tower.

Tiraspol is a green city with a beautiful leisure zone on the banks of the Dniester. There is an old Tree Garden in the centre of the town. You can also visit The History Museum, T.G. Shevchenko University, the Drama Theatre, and statues of Alexander Suvorov and the Decembrist Vladimir Raevsky. The locals are very fond of their resort area near Lake Kuchurgan.

WHAT'S RELATED: Tips for the visitor: Getting here and around [0] A visit to Pridnestrovie: What life is really like here [0] Travel information: Visit Pridnestrovie [0] Tiraspol, capital of Pridnestrovie [0] Voshod in winter [0]

EXTERNAL LINKS: Map of Tiraspol (PMR) [1] Tiraspol info from VisitPMR.com (travel website) [2] Current weather in Tiraspol [3]