Bender City
The city of Bender lies in Southeastern Moldova in the buffer zone between the autonomous territory of Transnistria and the rest of the country. Although it is a separate administrative unit and does not belong to Transnistria geographically, Bender City is virtually controlled by the breakaway republic. The municipality, which comprises the city itself and its larger urban area, is situated on the right bank of the Dniester River. It is the centre of a rich agricultural region, but in the Soviet era a couple of heavy industrial plants were built. Today the area, which is predominantly populated by Russians, is largely unknown as a tourist destination, and offers some decent sites and attractions. The landmark of the city is the medieval Bender Fortress. The nearby lying ruins of the Tighina Fortress also deserve attention. Multiple city parks and gardens cater for the well-being of citizens and guests of the city.