The church was originally constructed in 1642 in Hirișeni, Telenești district.
It survived the Soviet era when it was repurposed as a grain warehouse, which paradoxically helped preserve the structure by preventing total demolition.
The 2009 relocation involved a meticulous dismantling and reassembly process to save the church from complete decay in its original site.
It is considered a landmark of the 'Old Moldovan' style, characterized by steep shingle roofs and narrow apertures.
The structure is built almost entirely of oak and beech wood, using traditional joinery techniques without metal nails in the original load-bearing frame.
The Intercession of Virgin Mary Wooden Church, originally built in 1642 in the village of Hirișeni, was relocated and restored within the Village Museum complex in Chișinău. It is one of the oldest wooden religious structures in Moldova, showcasing traditional 17th-century Moldovan craftsmanship. The church features a tripartite plan consisting of a pronaos, nave, and altar, topped by a tall, slender steeple. Much of the original timber was salvaged during the translocation process in 2009 to preserve its historical integrity. It serves as an active place of worship while functioning as a primary exhibit of rural religious architecture. The interior preserves original mural painting fragments and traditional iconographic arrangements.
The path approaching the entrance, which captures the symmetry of the roof and the steeple against the sky.
Walk the perimeter of the museum grounds to see the contrast between this wooden structure and the nearby 20th-century urban developments.
Check for local Orthodox holiday schedules, as the church holds services on significant feast days.
Avoid touching the painted interior walls, as the pigments are aged and fragile; do not take photographs during active religious services.
Operating as a living museum exhibit; services may not be held daily, but the site is generally accessible during museum visiting hours.
Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; women are often expected to wear head coverings, and men should remove hats upon entry.
