Codru, Moldova
Codru is a town in Chișinău municipality, Moldova, and the second-largest suburb of the capital after Durlești. It lies directly on the southwestern outskirts of Chișinău, separated from the city proper only by Grenoble Street. Codru is home to Costiujeni Psychiatric Hospital, a historic and prominent institution in Moldova.
Demographics
According to the 2024 census, 18,310 inhabitants lived in Codru, an increase compared to the previous census in 2014, when 15,934 inhabitants were registered.
Administration
The city is governed by a local council and a mayor, currently Stelian Manic of the Party of Action and Solidarity.
Transport
Multiple public transport options operate within Codru. The city is served by two bus lines — the 14 and 15 buses of Chișinău Municipality — as well as several minibuses, most notably the 178 minibus line, which also covers a large area of Chișinău, particularly the city center.
Costiujeni Psychiatric Hospital
According to a legend recounted by Irina Cantacuzino, during a heavy blizzard a wolf pack killed two children, Constantin and Eugene, and their mother subsequently lost her mind and soon died. Their father became a monk and built a small monastic hermitage, which over time became known as “Kostea-Jenea.” In 1895, the clinical psychiatric hospital Costiujeni was founded nearby, soon to be recognized as one of the leading institutions of its kind in Eastern Europe.