Situated along the Nistru River in the northeastern end of Moldova and 160 km from the capital city Chişinău, lies the Moldovan stronghold, Soroca. It is also the administrative capital of the Soroca District. The medieval town is best known for its stronghold, founded by Stephen the Great, a Moldovan Prince in 1499. The fort was originally built of wood and formed a crucial link to the other four forts on the Nistru, two along the Danube and three others in the northern region of Maldova. During the rule of Petru Rareş from 1543 to 1546, the fort was rebuilt in stone as a circular fort consisting of five bastions placed at equal distances.
The well-preserved fort still retains its original design and is the only medieval fort remaining in Moldova. There is a tiny Military Church located just above the entrance that visitors can see too. As the fort is the only place of tourist interest in Soroca, you can venture to the nearby areas and explore some of the sites there. The Stone Hermitage in Bechir Canyons from the 9th century is worth paying a visit. The gypsy quarter, the Soroca Museum, the 19th century T. Stratilat Church and the Adormirea Maicii Domnului Church are some other places that one can visit. Also of interest is a stonemasons’ village lying 7 km north of Soroca.
Apart from the fort, Soroca is also popular for its wines and therefore it becomes imperative to taste some of its highly praised wines. Moldova is not an expensive country and so you can buy food and drinks very cheap. Soroca is disappointing as far as restaurants are concerned, so you cannot be choosy about where or what you want to eat. The town is largely inhabited by the Romas or gypsies, who were originally brought into Moldova as slaves. However, a large part of the Roma population today is very wealthy and live in an exclusive area of the town with mansions built on a hillside overlooking the river and across to the picturesque Ukranian border on the other side.
Visiting Soroca as a day trip from Chişinău is a more feasible option, as there is not much that one can do here. It can be included as one of the towns to be visited in your itinerary when you are in Moldova. Buses ply from the capital to Soroca and therefore it is not difficult getting to the town and back the same day.
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