Day 3: Discovery of Tipova and Saharna Monasteries – an unusual landscape with many waterfalls
In the morning, you will hike from Lalova to Tipova (~10 km) where you will visit Tipova Cave Monastery. Located near Tipova village, the monastery with the same name is considered one of the oldest monastic establishments on the territory of Moldova. The heritage, which consists of 18 rooms, dug into the rock at an astounding altitude, represents an impressive museum in the open air. The Tipova River, on its flow to the Dniester, creates many waterfalls with the height above 10-16 meters, which a long time ago used to move the millstones of the numerous watermills.
In the afternoon, you will have lunch at Tipova Monastery.
After lunch, you will hike from Tipova to Saharna (~12 km) where you will discover Saharna Monastery - one of the oldest monasteries in the country. The monastic complex is composed of a cave monastery (the Annunciation) and a stone monastery (the St. Trinity). The complex is located in a picturesque valley on the right bank of the Dniester River, near Saharna village. It is surrounded by rocks covered by forest. The legend says that the Virgin Mary left her footprint on the highest rock, named Grimidon. The history of the monastery is little known. The first prior of the holy place is considered the monk Bartholomew (1776-1790) who settled in a deep gorge, built a church, a few cells and enclosed the monastery with a stone wall. In Saharna you will enjoy the beautiful landscape created by the waterfalls. The Saharna River has 22 waterfalls on its way. The biggest waterfall is 4.5 m high.
Then, you will be transferred from Saharna to Socola where you will have dinner at a local guesthouse and will check in at the guesthouse or set up tents.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Tipova Cave Monastery,
Saharna Monastery