Getae stood from the eighth to the second century BC and was abandoned after an invasion by a Germanic tribe, the Bastarnae.

A medieval fortress of earth and wood was later constructed near the former site of Getae, which stood from the 12th to the 14th century AD.

During the 14th century, the Golden Horde occupied the region; the town was conquered, and its name changed to Shehr al Jedid.

At the end of the 14th century, the Horde were driven out and the empire dissolved; the eastern city evolved, acquiring Moldovan characteristics.

During the reign of Stephen the Great the stone city was repaired, equipped with artillery and became the residence of Orhei's governor.

About 1600, Prince Ieremia Movilă unsuccessfully attempted to rebuild the city, and in 1665 a cave monastery was built in the area.

Two-thirds of the annual precipitation falls as rain from April to November, and about one-third as snow and sleet from December to March.

The Nistru River (Dniester) has been harnessed for irrigation in the villages of Jora de Mijloc and Vîșcăuți.

Near the village of Biești, geological surveys have found an aquifer large enough to supply the city of Orhei.

The percentage of residents voting for the PCRM has dropped steadily over the last three elections, and the AEI increased 100.6 percent.