Centre
First-timersThe small centre, with the market and guesthouses.
Soroca town guide
Things To Do In Soroca
A round medieval fortress on the Dniester, a hill of extravagant Roma mansions above the town and Ukraine across the river. A long day trip or a quiet night in northern Moldova.
5
Towers on the round fortress
1499
The first fortress on the site
2.5–3 h
By bus from Chișinău
A fortress on the river, and a hill of palaces
Soroca is a small town in northern Moldova on the Dniester, which forms the border with Ukraine. Its fortress, a perfect stone circle with five towers, guards a river crossing: Ștefan cel Mare, Moldavia's great prince, built the first wooden fort here in 1499, and his son Petru Rareș rebuilt it in stone in the 1540s. It is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the region.
The town is also known as the unofficial capital of Moldova's Roma community. On the hill above the centre, wealthy Roma families have built extraordinary mansions, some modelled on famous buildings, which have become a sight in themselves.
Soroca is a long way from Chișinău for a day trip but manageable. It suits anyone who wants to see a quieter, rural Moldova.
Where to stay
The town is small. Places to stay are few, mostly small guesthouses in the centre.
Fortress
SightsThe round fortress on the riverbank.
Gypsy Hill
ArchitectureThe hill of Roma mansions above the town.
Map © MapTiler © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Things to do
Things to do in Soroca
Visit the fortress by the river, a circular stone castle with walls several metres thick and a courtyard inside. It is small and can be seen in an hour.
Walk up to the hill above the town, known as Gypsy Hill, where Roma families have built grand, ornate houses with columns, domes and towers. They are private homes; look from the street and be respectful.
Climb or drive to the Candle of Gratitude, a white monument on the cliff above the river, with a view over the Dniester valley and into Ukraine.
Walk along the river, with Ukraine on the far bank.
Free things
Free things to do in Soroca
The view from the Candle of Gratitude is free, and so is walking Gypsy Hill and the riverbank.
The fortress charges a small entry fee.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Soroca
Soroca has a few cafés and restaurants serving Moldovan food: mămăligă, sarmale, soups and grilled meat. Meals are very cheap, a few euros.
The town's market is the place for fresh produce and cheese.
Nightlife
Going out in Soroca
Soroca is very quiet at night. A few cafés and restaurants stay open in the evening.
Getting around
Getting around Soroca
Buses and marshrutkas run from Chișinău to Soroca, taking about two and a half to three hours. Services are more frequent in the morning.
The town is small and walkable, though the hills are steep.
Ukraine is across the river. Do not approach the border area or try to cross here; the regional situation can change, so check current advice.
Costs
What Soroca costs
Soroca is very cheap. Guesthouses are the main option, and meals cost a few euros.
A day, including transport from Chișinău, costs €20 to €30.
Carry cash; cards are less widely accepted outside the capital.
Safety
Staying safe in Soroca
Soroca is safe for ordinary travel.
The Dniester is the border with Ukraine. Do not approach the border area, photograph border installations or try to cross. The war in Ukraine can affect the region; check your government's current advice before travelling.
The Roma mansions on Gypsy Hill are private homes. Be respectful when photographing them.
Emergency number is 112.
Day trips from Soroca
Northern Moldova has cave monasteries and quiet river valleys.
Chișinău
The capital and the wine cellars.
What's on
What is on while you are there
The national holidays are marked here too.
1 March
Mărțișor
Nationwide
Red and white tokens to welcome spring.
27 August
Independence Day
Nationwide
The national holiday.
First weekend of October
National Wine Day
Chișinău
The best weekend of the year, in the capital.
When to go
May, June and September are best.
Jan
Cold
Feb
Cold
Mar
Thawing
Apr
Spring
May
Excellent
Jun
Warm
Jul
Hot
Aug
Hot
Sep
Harvest
Oct
Autumn
Nov
Grey
Dec
Cold
Bar height is temperature. Colour is how busy it gets:
quiet
busy
peak
Average highs. Continental climate, cold winters and hot summers.
What your trip will cost
Pick how you travel. Per person per night, in euros.
Transport assumes the bus from Chișinău. Very cheap.
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- Beds—
- Food and drink—
- Getting around—
- Doing things—
Soroca travel questions
The ones we get asked most.
Is Soroca worth visiting?
For the fortress, the Roma mansions and a view of rural Moldova, yes, but it is a long trip from Chișinău.
How do I get to Soroca?
By bus or marshrutka from Chișinău, about two and a half to three hours.
Can I visit it as a day trip?
Yes, if you leave early. A night makes it easier.
Can I visit the Roma mansions?
They are private homes. You can look from the street, respectfully.
Can I cross into Ukraine here?
Do not plan to. Stay away from the border area, and check your government's current advice on travel near Ukraine.
Are there hostels?
Very few budget options, mostly small guesthouses.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June and September.
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