One of biggest underground labyrinths placed in south-eastern district of Moldova

Chisinau, 14 September /MOLDPRES/ - One of the most extended underground labyrinths from Moldova is placed in the southern region of the country, the village, Leuntea, Causeni district.  

The catacombs from Leuntea have several entrances and can serve as a shelter for an entire village. It is about several underground tunnels constructed back in the 16th century, which were meant to connect the Tighina Fortress with the Leuntea Mansion. Presently, most of these catacombs are blocked; yet, local authorities, along with an economic agent from the village have managed to discover about 300 metres of labyrinth in the last years.     

According to local residents, unlike Ukraine, Moldova does not have a subway network, which might protect people in case of a war; yet, these catacombs might serve as a safe shelter, especially that some of them are at depth of 15-20 metres underground.  

According to historical documents, the underground labyrinths from Leuntea were built in 1538, being at that time strategic points of connection between the Tighina Fortress and the French mansion constructed in this region. The local authorities say that, during the World War II, the catacombs represented a refuge during bombardments, when the front was passing through this settlement.      

The catacombs from the Leuntea village are presently used as warehouses for wines. The length of tunnels is up to 25-30 km. At the moment, about 300 metres are discovered, while the others are blocked.

Photo: Studio-L