which comprised four fortresses on the Nistru river, two on the Danube and another three in the northern part of the country. With this "stone belt of fortresses", the country borders were well protected. DESCRIPTION: Soroca fortress was built at the Nistru river crossing, on older fortifications. In 1499, on the order of Stefan cel Mare, a square wooden fortress was built, on the site of a former Genovan fortress called as Olihonia (Alciona). Between 1543–1546, while Petru Rares ruled the country, the fortress was completely re-built in stone, and in the shape one can see it today – a perfect circle, the diameter of which is 37,5 m and with 5 bastions situated at equal distances. When designing the fortress the builders incorporated the supreme law of harmony “the golden section”, which makes the fortress unique among examples of European defensive architecture. Soroca’s fortress is also famous for being the place where the Moldovan army, commanded by the famous statesman Dm. Cantemir, and the Russian army, led by the Tsar Petru I, met and consolidated their forces during the Prut campaign against the Turkish hordes in 1711. Along history, the fortress has been visited by Bogdan Hmelnitski, Timush Hmelnitski, Alexander Suvorov, and others. The fortress is the only medieval monument in Moldova, which has been preserved entirely as it was designed by its builders. Above the entrance gate one can visit the small military church. Visitors to Soroca can also visit the stone hermitage located in the Bechir canyons, which dates from the IX century; the "The hill of sedentary gypsies" – the gypsy quarter with its eccentric houses; the county hospital (XIX century); girls’ gymnasium (XIX century); the museum of the Soroca region; “T. Stratilat” church (XIX century, eclectic architecture); and "Adormirea Maicii Domnului" church (1842). Only 7 kms to the North lies a famous village of stonemasons. * * * * * The town of Soraca and return is a full days drive allowing 3 hours there. ( it is the second largest town but no where near the size of Chisinau's supposed 1 million) Soraca is situated on a river ( Niestre) and had strategic significance, and the view across the river is very impressive and picturesque. In the town there is a large old circular fort, which is quite high .. about 4 stories and the wooden roof that would have covered the central area, has long ago collapsed. It has large entry doors.The central courtyard is about 20meters in diameter. You can get an idea of how people must have lived in this fortress by walking around the catwalks on the inside of the walls to the sentry points and rooms on the top of the walls, and look out along the river, as the guards would have done centuries ago. I found no English or English tour guide. Even in getting there by car, it was not clearly signposted in the local languages, but Moldova changes by the day. Take some food. The standard of food in the nearby cafe/hotel/reception rooms, is basic, and there are mounds of smelly rubbish from past functions in its coutyard. Also serving time is slow in the extreme, even if you are the only customer. I think the waiter changes his uniform and does the cooking , then changes back and serves.. there were lots of scuttling noises from the kitchen ... Fawlty Towers ?? If you must eat there, beware !!. There is a small fee for foreigners to enter the castle. Its a long tireing, but nice drive from Chisinau. The road improves every year. If you cannot read Romanian or Russian, you will not be able to understand the basic information on the exhibits which are basic even in those languages. For example .. "Knife" or " cup" and the date it was from !! The difference in prices and standard of building upkeep and dress of the people, between Chisinau and Soraca makes you realise the extremely skewed standard of living across Moldova. Something easily forgotten while strolling along the tree covered Stephan cel Mare and other streets of Chisinau !! Soraca is Moldova as it is, and was !! |
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