Day 1: Excursion at Soroca Fortress, visit of Gypsy Hill and hike to the Candle of Gratitude

In the morning, you will travel to Soroca town and visit Soroca fortress, the “pearl of fortification art” built by the Moldovan Prince Stephen the Great in 1499. It was a unique historical monument of defensive constructions architecture of medieval Moldova composed of a huge tower holding five smaller towers surrounding it. Currently, it is an important attraction in Soroca, having preserved cultures and kept the old Soroca in the present day.

Soroca is also famous for the most numerous Gypsy community in Moldova. It influenced the architecture of the city. After the excursion at Soroca Fortress, you will visit the Gypsy Hill (gypsy style chateaux being an imitation of famous buildings, such as Capitol building in Washington and Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow). The Gypsy houses impress by their variety, diversity of colors, contrasts and luxury. About 20 hundred Gypsies live in Soroca.

In the afternoon, you will have a traditional lunch at a restaurant in Soroca.

After lunch, you will visit the Candle of Gratitude monument, erected on a steep cliff on the bank of the Dniester river. The visitors who get here will be rewarded with picturesque and unforgettable views after climbing 600 steps that start at the Dniester River. Inscription before the way up as follows: “Traveler, stop! There is a Candle of Gratitude on top. And if you consider thankful to someone in this life – get up, pray and continue your way!”



HIGHLIGHTS: Soroca Fortress, Gypsy Hill, Candle of Gratitude