Emil Racovita Cave

The Emil Racoviță Cave, also known as 'Zoloushka' (Cinderella), is Moldova's largest cave and one of the longest gypsum caves in the world. It is located in the northern Briceni District, near the village of Criva. The cave was discovered in 1959 during blasting operations at a nearby gypsum quarry and extends for nearly 90 kilometers across several levels. Geologically, it consists of massive gypsum deposits hollowed out by groundwater over millions of years. This labyrinthine system houses impressive underground lakes like the 'Blue Lake' and vast chambers such as the 'Chamber of Moldovan Speleologists.' A unique feature is the presence of rare minerals like epsomite and selenite. Because parts of the cave are frequently flooded, exploration remains a continuous challenge for scientists. Named after the Romanian biospeleologist Emil Racoviță, the cave is a state-protected natural monument with highly restricted public access to ensure its preservation.

Nearby cities

Bălți

Bălți is the economic and cultural hub of northern Moldova.

Rîbnița

Rîbnița is a major industrial city on the left bank of the Dniester in Transnistria.

Ungheni

Ungheni is located on the border with Romania, on the Prut River.

Soroca

Soroca is located on the right bank of the Dniester and is famous for its medieval fortress.

Edineț

Edineț is an important city in northern Moldova.

Drochia

Drochia is a city in northern Moldova known for its grand cathedral and its role in the sugar industry.

Sîngerei

Sîngerei is a city in northern Moldova.

Făleștii Noi

Făleștii Noi is a locality near Fălești.

Fălești

Fălești is a city in northwestern Moldova.

Călărași

Călărași is situated in a picturesque hilly area in central Moldova.

Nisporeni

Nisporeni is located in a hilly region in western Moldova.

Camenca

Camenca is a city in northern Transnistria, known for its mild climate and as a popular spa resort.

Briceni

Briceni is located in northwestern Moldova near the Ukrainian and Romanian borders.

Rezina

Rezina is located on the right bank of the Dniester, opposite the city of Rîbnița.

Dondușeni

Dondușeni is the administrative center of the district with the same name in northern Moldova.

History & landmarks

Saharna

A major spiritual center of Moldova, famous for its cave monastery, the Holy Trinity Monastery, and 22 scenic waterfalls on the Saharna R…

Moldavian Switzerland (Fetești)

The area around Fetești village is nicknamed 'Moldavian Switzerland' due to its dramatic limestone formations and deep valleys.

Nature

Fetesti Landscape Reserve

Fetesti, often called 'Little Switzerland,' is a limestone reserve with steep cliffs along the Draghiște River.

La Castel Landscape Reserve

This reserve in the Racovăț valley impresses with its massive coral reefs and deep erosion valleys.

More places

Lipcani Historic District

A district with well-preserved buildings from the early 20th century.

Briceni Church

Historic church building of the late 19th century.

Briceni Plateau

The Briceni Plateau is located in the far north and is characterized by a calcareous high plain.

Trinca Gorge

The widest gorge in Moldova was carved by the Draghiste river into the limestone plateau.

Cuconeștii Vechi Gorge

The Cuconeștii Vechi Gorge on the banks of the Prut River features imposing limestone cliffs from the Miocene period.