An illustrated encyclopedia about the historical fortresses of Moldavia (Tara Moldovei) was presented in Chisinau on September 16. Author Mariana Slapac, architect and vice president of the Academy of Sciences of Moldova, said that the book also contains information about the fortresses that disappeared in time. It features the rulers that helped fortify the country, models for organizing the army of Stephan the Great, specific features and traditions of Moldavia, Info-Prim Neo reports. “My greatest passion is military architecture. Since I started to work in science, in 1992, I have had a special passion for fortresses. Therefore, the four books I wrote are about the fortresses,” Mariana Slapac said. Painter Vladimir Melnic employed a naturalistic manner to represent historical buildings. Work on the encyclopedia had lasted for four years. The historical documents needed for the volume had been selected during ten years, Slapac said. “Fortresses in Moldavia. Small Illustrated Encyclopedia” appeared in the collection of Arc Encyclopedias. It is available in bookshops for 112 lei.