Soroca - the only Fortress in Moldova

Soroca Fortress, gypsies, Cosauti monastery   are the top three things that come to our mind when we say the name of this city. But Soroca means much more.

A trip to Soroca must begin with a beautiful panoramic view of the city and the Dniestr river with its rocky and wooden surroundings. One of these places specially arranged, is the Candle of Gratitude (Lumanarea Recunostintei). To get to this monument we have to climb 658 steps.

The next point of itinerary is the fortress itself,  the only fortress in Moldova. Soroca fortress is fully restored, boasting  with  a museum,  opened  to the public, and the best guide in the country, which captivates all travelers, regardless of age, with stories about war, rulers or about attractions in the area.

A special charm offers Bechir's Hill called by locals «Gypsy Hill» due to the huge, kitchy  houses and palaces owned by the gipsies  and the property of the  Moldovan Gypsy baron.  In the vicinity of the city, the hill and the Dniester river we find the Bechirs’ Valley (Ripa lui Bechir)  placed on the list of natural monuments under state protection.

If you want to see what Cosăuţi stone means you should go 7 km to reach the village. Right at the entrance, on the left, you'll see carvers workshops. One  tip: do not be scared of the dozens of tombs, the merchandise is selling like hot cakes.

The Cosauti town has some more attractions: a monument dedicated to Jewish natives executed during the  World War II by the fascists; a monastery built in the Middle Ages, a natural monument formed by the Dniestr River  and the only in Moldova granite quarry.