The yellow palace
French classicism on a slope.
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The Manuc Bey Mansion is a 19th-century historic complex in the town of Hîncești in west-central Moldova. It holds a yellow palace with columns and loggias on a hillside, a red-brick hunting castle with small towers, the steward's house, the countess's building and a watchtower, all within an old park. The complex carries the name of Manuc Bey Mirzayan, the Armenian merchant and diplomat who lived from 1769 to 1817. He bought the estate in 1817 and died soon after, so it was his son Murat and then his grandson Grigore who built it. It is on the national register of monuments, and parts of it, including the hunting castle, have been under restoration for years. The palace was designed in the spirit of French classicism, with wide windows and loggias. Because it sits on a slope, it shows two storeys from the top of the hill and three from below. The red hunting castle, with its arched windows and towers, is the most striking building, and bricks stamped with the year 1881 can be found on the estate. A long alley leads from the entrance to the palace. The complex is 30 km in a straight line south-west of Chișinău. An older report gives a museum ticket of 15 lei, which may have changed. Some buildings may be closed for restoration, so ask at the entrance.
French classicism on a slope.
Red brick and turrets.
A long alley to the palace.
South side of Hîncești, on the edge of the park
Some may be closed for restoration; ask at the entrance.
30 km in a straight line south-west.