The Donici family mansion in the village of Dubăsarii Vechi, Criuleni district, a historical monument of national importance associated with the name of astronomer Nicolae Donici, is set to be restored and highlighted. The situation of the 19th-century building and the solutions for conserving the heritage complex were analyzed during a working visit by the Minister of Culture, Cristian Jardan, according to the MOLDPRES agency.
During the official visit, the authorities evaluated the technical and administrative options for the restoration and capitalization of the complex. Minister Cristian Jardan emphasized that protecting this objective is an essential cultural duty for preserving historical memory. On the territory of the local church, there is also the Macri-Donici family vault, built between 1882 and 1883 according to the design of architect Alexandru Bernardazzi, an objective already restored with the support of the European Union through the UNDP ‘Confidence Building Measures’ Program. Also in the locality, the festive hall of the House of Culture is undergoing capital rehabilitation through the ‘European Village’ National Program, with the investment value rising to nearly EUR 762 thousand.
The historical complex has a strong symbolic value, being directly linked to the astronomer Nicolae Donici, a descendant of a famous boyar family and great-grandson of the fabulist Alecu Donici. The scientist built his own astronomical observatory in Dubăsarii Vechi in 1908, where he conducted reference research on eclipses, the Sun, and the planet Mercury. Author of about 80 scientific papers, Donici settled in France in 1944, and his memory is recognized including in Chișinău, where a high school bears his name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nicolae Donici?
Nicolae Donici was a prominent Moldovan astronomer, a descendant of a famous boyar family, who built an observatory in Dubăsarii Vechi and conducted significant research on eclipses and the Sun.
What other historical monuments are in Dubăsarii Vechi?
The locality features the Macri-Donici family vault, designed by architect Alexandru Bernardazzi and restored with EU support, as well as a House of Culture currently undergoing rehabilitation.
How is the restoration of the Nicolae Donici Mansion being planned?
The Ministry of Culture is evaluating technical and administrative options to restore and preserve the 19th-century mansion as an essential cultural heritage site.