Soroca – Culture, History and Excursions

Soroca Fortress was originally built of wood in the 15th century by Ștefan cel Mare and later rebuilt in stone in the 16th century by Petru Rareș. Its perfectly circular layout and five defensive towers shape the city’s historic character.

The Soroca Museum of History and Ethnography has existed for more than a century. Fifty display cases have been installed there. The renovation also created a multipurpose hall and an exhibition gallery. Road M2 connects Soroca with Chișinău over a distance of 160 km.

The fortress is the city’s clearest historical landmark. Its development from the wooden structure of the 15th century to the stone reconstruction in the 16th century also reveals different phases of its history. The circular complex with five defensive towers distinguishes it from a rectangular fortification.

The religious buildings also reflect different architectural and historical periods. The Church of “Sfântul Dumitru” was built in 1814 and combines national architectural features with Neoclassicism. The Church of “Sfântul Teodor Stratulat” was built between 1914 and 1916. The episcopal Cathedral of “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” in Soroca celebrates its patronal feast on the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

For a day of sightseeing, the two aforementioned facilities should be noted as having different weekly schedules. The “Candle of Gratitude” is a branch of the Soroca Museum of History and Ethnography at the entrance to the city and opened in 2004. It is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; it remains closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

The fortress has its own weekly schedule: it is open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; there is a break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. It remains closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Recreational options in Soroca include the city beach, the forest and the settlement’s green spaces. Thus, alongside the historic sights, open areas are also available within the city. Another excursion leads to “Dealul rromilor”.

Bechir Cave is one of the nature- and history-related destinations around Soroca. It is located 800 m from Soroca, directly at the entrance to the city. It was created by human hands and once served as a small monastery site in the rocks.

For travel by road, M2 connects Soroca with Chișinău over 160 km. In addition, there is a longer water route with its own temporal and spatial dimensions. It leads via Naslavcea, Rudi, Cosăuți and Soroca; the route covers 75 km and takes four days.

Which opening days distinguish the two points of interest?

The fortress is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the “Candle of Gratitude” is closed on weekends.

How far is Bechir Cave from Soroca?

Bechir Cave is located 800 m from Soroca, directly at the entrance to the city.

Which spaces were added during the museum renovation?

A multipurpose hall and an exhibition gallery were created during the renovation.

For the higher-level travel overview: Soroca District.