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Candle of Gratitude

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Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)

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The 'Candle of Gratitude' (Lumânarea Recunoștinței) is a monumental tower perched on a steep hill overlooking the city of Soroca in northern Moldova. Inaugurated in 2004, the monument is dedicated to the unknown Moldovan poet and to all those who have preserved the national culture and language through the centuries. The structure, designed in the shape of a massive 29.5-meter-high burning candle, was built based on an idea by the celebrated writer Ion Druță. Visitors must climb a long staircase of 650 steps to reach the summit, a journey that has both a physical challenge and a scenic forest walk. Once at the top, the observation deck provides a wide-open panoramic view of the Dniester River and the vast landscapes stretching into neighboring Ukraine. A small chapel is located at the base of the tower, serving as a place for quiet reflection and prayer. The Candle of Gratitude has become a powerful symbol of national identity, faith, and hope for the people of Moldova.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-5-3310162023221793-2
Rain mm393538435571633845444038

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Candle of Gratitude is a freestanding monument that can be viewed from the outside at any time. The interior is not accessible.
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Typical hours
As an outdoor monument, there are no opening hours. Best visited during daylight to enjoy the view.
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Photography
Photographing the monument and surrounding landscape is unrestricted. A wide-angle lens is recommended for panoramic shots.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes, including time for photos and the view. If walking from the parking area, allow extra time.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with Soroca's old town and the Soroca Fortress. Both are just a few kilometers away.
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Getting there
The monument sits on a cliff above the Dniester River, about 2 km from Soroca city center. Best reached by car or taxi.
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Insider tip
Visit the monument at sunset for spectacular colors in the sky. Bring a jacket as it can be windy on the cliff.

Geography

Coordinates
48.13640, 28.30310

Facts

  • Inaugurated on March 27, 2004, overlooking the Dniester River.
  • The monument stands at a height of 29.5 meters.
  • There are exactly 650 steps leading from the road to the top of the hill.
  • The project was initiated and funded by the famous writer Ion Druță.
  • The structure symbolizes an eternal flame of national culture and identity.
  • A small prayer room is integrated into the base of the candle structure.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bechir RavineBechir Ravine<1 km · SWExplore →
Soroca PlateauSoroca Plateau2 km · NExplore →
Cosăuți Stone QuarryCosăuți Stone Quarry10 km · NExplore →
Cosauti Landscape ReserveCosauti Landscape Reserve11 km · NExplore →
Vădeni HillVădeni Hill16 km · SExplore →
Cubolta RiverCubolta River16 km · SWExplore →
Wafra Desert StripWafra Desert Strip21 km · SEExplore →
Wafra FarmsWafra Farms22 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Candle of Gratitude (7)

Lumînarea Recunoștinției

Viewpoint in Soroca, Moldova, offering a panorama of the area.

Lumânarea Recunoștinței

Public forum monument in Soroca, formerly a national architectural and art monument of Moldova.

Schitul lui Bechir

Hermitage near Soroca, Moldova.

Muzeul de Istorie și Etnografie🏛 museum

Museum in Soroca showcasing local history and ethnography.

Gradina Publica ,,Petru Rares"🌳 park

Public park in Soroca, Moldova.

Soroca Fort🏰 castle

Historical and architectural monument of national importance in Moldova.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Candle of Gratitude'?
It is a 29.5-meter-high monument in the shape of a candle on a hill above Soroca city.
How many steps do you have to climb?
You have to climb about 650 steps to reach the monument.
What does the monument symbolize?
It is dedicated to all anonymous Moldovan cultural figures who preserved our values.
Is there a good view from there?
Yes, it provides a spectacular view of the Dniester River and the city of Soroca.
When was the monument inaugurated?
It was inaugurated in 2004 at the initiative of Moldovan writer Ion Druță.
Candle of Gratitude: where is it located?
Candle of Gratitude is located in Moldova.
Candle of Gratitude: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lumînarea Recunoștinției, Lumânarea Recunoștinței, Schitul lui Bechir.
Candle of Gratitude: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Candle of Gratitude: why is it worth visiting?
The 'Candle of Gratitude' (Lumânarea Recunoștinței) is a monumental tower perched on a steep hill overlooking the city of Soroca in northern Moldova.
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Nearby cities

Bălți — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Bălți
Bălți is the economic and cultural hub of northern Moldova.
Rîbnița — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Rîbnița
Rîbnița is a major industrial city on the left bank of the Dniester in Transnistria.
Ungheni — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Ungheni
Ungheni is located on the border with Romania, on the Prut River.
Soroca — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Soroca
Soroca is located on the right bank of the Dniester and is famous for its medieval fortress.
Dubăsari — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Dubăsari
Dubăsari is a city on the Dniester in Transnistria.
Edineț — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Edineț
Edineț is an important city in northern Moldova.
Drochia — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Drochia
Drochia is a city in northern Moldova known for its grand cathedral and its role in the sugar industry.
Sîngerei — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Sîngerei
Sîngerei is a city in northern Moldova.
Făleștii Noi — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Făleștii Noi
Făleștii Noi is a locality near Fălești.
Fălești — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Fălești
Fălești is a city in northwestern Moldova.
Călărași — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Călărași
Călărași is situated in a picturesque hilly area in central Moldova.
Camenca — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Camenca
Camenca is a city in northern Transnistria, known for its mild climate and as a popular spa resort.
Briceni — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Briceni
Briceni is located in northwestern Moldova near the Ukrainian and Romanian borders.
Rezina — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Rezina
Rezina is located on the right bank of the Dniester, opposite the city of Rîbnița.
Dondușeni — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Dondușeni
Dondușeni is the administrative center of the district with the same name in northern Moldova.

History & landmarks

Saharna — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Saharna
A major spiritual center of Moldova, famous for its cave monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and 22 scenic waterfalls on the Saharna R…
Soroca Fortress — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Soroca Fortress
A perfectly circular medieval fortress on the banks of the Dniester, built in the 15th century for defense against invasions.

Nature

Cosauti Landscape Reserve — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Cosauti Landscape Reserve
Cosauti is known for its geological formations along the Dniester, particularly the granite outcrops.
Vădeni Hill — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Vădeni Hill
Vădeni Hill in northern Moldova is one of the highest points outside the Codru massif.
Cubolta River — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Cubolta River
The Cubolta is a left tributary of the Răut River in northern Moldova.

More places

Bechir Ravine — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Bechir Ravine
Bechir Ravine near Soroca is a deeply incised valley with steep limestone slopes.
Soroca Plateau — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Soroca Plateau
The Soroca Plateau stretches along the Dniester River in the north.
Soroca Fruit Processing Cluster — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Soroca Fruit Processing Cluster
A major center for apple and plum cultivation and industrial processing in northern Moldova, with numerous drying and cold storage facili…
Cosăuți Stone Quarry — Candle of Gratitude (Moldova)
Cosăuți Stone Quarry
A significant site for the extraction of high-quality sandstone and granite in northern Moldova.