Soroca Fortress
Cetatea Soroca
A perfectly circular stone fortress on the Dniester, built under Stephen the Great, and Moldova's best-preserved medieval castle.
Soroca Fortress was begun in 1499 under Stephen the Great. It was originally a wooden fort and was rebuilt in stone in the mid-16th century by Petru Rareș, becoming an important stronghold on the Dniester frontier of the Principality of Moldavia. The fortress has a circular plan about 37 m in diameter, with five towers spaced evenly around it, and walls about 20 m high. In the courtyard, visitors can climb the walkway along the walls for views over the river and the Ukrainian village on the opposite bank. Restored after 2015, it houses a small exhibition, and medieval-themed events are occasionally held in summer. Tickets cost about 10–20 lei. Opening hours are rather irregular in winter. The fortress sits on the riverbank in the city centre and is within walking distance.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–17:00 (often closed Mondays; winter hours vary)
Nearby sights
- Dniester Riverfront
- Soroca History and Ethnography Museum
- Gypsy Hill (Dealul Romilor)
- Candle of Gratitude
- Cosăuți Monastery
- Cosăuți Landscape Reserve
- Rudi-Arionești Landscape Reserve
- Rudi Monastery