Candle of Gratitude
A monument on a cliff above the Dniester at Soroca, reached up a long flight of steps.
Updated 3 September 2026
The Candle of Gratitude stands on a cliff above the Dniester near Soroca, a stone tower in the form of a candle raised in 2004 on the initiative of the writer Ion Druță as a memorial to those who kept the language and culture through difficult centuries. Around six hundred steps climb to it from the road below. From the top the Dniester bends away in both directions with the wooded slopes on either side.
What's there
- The tower - the stone candle raised in 2004 above the river.
- The stairway - the flight of around six hundred steps up from the road.
- The Dniester view - the river bending away below on both sides.
- The dedication - the memorial to those who kept the language and culture.
When to go
April to October is the pleasant season. Mornings are cooler for the climb. Winter makes the steps icy and unsafe.
Things to know
The climb is six hundred steps and there is no other way up. The monument is modern with no historic fabric. There are no facilities at the top.
Nearby
Soroca is nearby, and Cosăuți is north.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q7710587, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Candle of Gratitude
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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