Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Duruitoarea Veche Gorge, one of country's oldest human inhabited places

One of the oldest human-inhabited places of Moldova – the Duruitoarea Veche Gorge, in the Rascani district, lies hidden between rocks and hill in the northern region of the country.

Here, a cave inhabited by prehistoric people over 20,000 years ago can be found, with stone tools, bones and fire pits discovered right in the rock.

The landscape is spectacular – limestone gorge, steep cliffs and a soothing panorama of the Duruitoarea river.

What else can you visit in the area?

The wooden church, St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel, from Duruitoarea Veche – built in a traditional, simple and authentic style.

The Village Museum in Costesti – with ethnographic exhibits and old household items.

The Costesti-Stanca Dam – impressive in engineering and with a leisure area nearby.

Duruitoarea Veche Landscape Reserve – perfect for hiking, birdwatching and photography.

A peaceful corner, perfect for a weekend excursion, where nature and history harmoniously intertwine.

Museum complex including the cave and gorge from the locality

History comes alive in the village of Duruitoarea Veche in the Rascani district. A museum complex was inaugurated there, which includes the cave and gorge in the locality.

In this way, the authorities aim to enhance the cultural heritage of the village and attract more tourists.

In the museum in the village of Duruitoarea Veche, visitors can see exhibits found during archaeological excavations made in the cave near the locality, as well as many old items brought by locals.

People hope it will become a tourist attraction: ‘’t's very interesting here; there are many historical objects. I enjoyed the mammoth bones and teeth.

Many are actively involved, showing a lot of interest. It's a tourist area, meaning they also have a future to earn something from crafting,’’ said Sergiu Briceac, a folk craftsman.

The cave near the village of Duruitoarea Veche is a former human settlement from the Paleolithic era. The cave has gained international fame.

There was an idea to revitalize this Cave, which is a special cave, one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. It should be a model for other localities with heritage, possessing exceptional values, said Nicolae Moscalu, director of Moștenitorii public association.

We are in one of the most representative caves, where archaeological excavations were conducted in the '70s, revealing multiple layers of prehistoric human culture. The area is very rich, emphasized Valeriu Ţarigraţchi, an official from Glodeni.

Through the creation of the complex, local authorities want to promote tourism and enhance cultural heritage.

This museum will be a European-level tourist complex. Because we have the Cave of Duruitoarea Veche, the Gorge of Duruitoarea Veche, which indeed presents some values, say the locals.

The project was initiated by the authorities in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Association “Moștenitorii.” Its value was almost 20,000 euros.

Reporter: Lilia Grubii