Soroca
Located in the extreme north-east of Moldova, Soroca counts as the most attractive districts in this small Eastern European country. Its neigbours are Ukraine to the north and east, plus the domestic districts of Floresti to the south, and Drochia and Donduseni to the west. The region owes its importance above all to the Dniester River, whose crucial role as a thoroughfare has been well-known since the Middle Ages. The low hills along the river are covered with lush vegetation unlike the rest of the country. The intact nature is preserved in the protected area Rudy-Arionesti. One of the most stunning natural phenomena, the Struve Geodetic Arc, passes through the district and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Another magnificent attraction is the medieval Soroca Fortress, which originates from 1499. As a part of the mighty Moldovan defensive system, the impressive fortification has been the venue of some of the most heroic events in the history of the state. A recently built landmark is the national monument and is called 'The Candle of Gratitude'. It rises high above the valley of Dniester not far from the town of Soroca. The latter is notorious as the Gypsy capital, for more than two-thirds of its inhabitants belong to that minority.