Soroca Fortress reopens its doors to visitors and tourists on Wednesday, April 17. Previously, the fortress was periodically closed for carrying out a series of interior and exterior works, but these were already finished. “Nicolae Bulat” Museum of History and Ethnography in Soroca is also being prepared for reopening.
Contacted by IPN for details, director of “Nicolae Bulat” Museum of History and Ethnography Victor Botnaru said that the works planned at the fortress were fully completed. With the help of revolutionary technologies, the walls of the fortress were cleaned on the outside and inside. The stone was wet due to dampness that accumulated over decades. “Two out of three casemates (warehouses) were set up. As to the third, a decision is to be taken as to how to preserve it so that the joints of the old building are visible to visitors. We have a new balustrade. We also rehabilitated the “wolf'’s mouth” trap at the immediate entrance, near the threshold of the fortress,” explained Victor Botnaru.
Waterproofing and drainage works were also carried out at the upper and middle levels. Another achievement is the installation in one of the fortress’ towers of an elevator for people with disabilities.
“The fortress has always held great interest for all visitors and tourists, locals and those coming from abroad. We are waiting for them to come and see a trace of our glorious past that is unique for the entire South-Eastern Europe,” said Victor Botnaru.
The fortress is open to visitors from 08.30 until 17.30. For adults, the entrance fee is 30 lei, for pupils – 15 lei, while children up to 7 years old enter free of charge.
The director of “Nicolae Bulat” Museum of History and Ethnography in Soroca also referred to the reopening planned for May 18, when the International Museum Day is marked. In the Museum, there were also carried out particular works that were completed in fall. The exhibition which the museum will reopen its doors to visitors is almost ready.
“We focus on the medieval history of the Soroca area, which includes a special diorama of the transition from the log and earth fortress to the stone fortress. In addition, there will be presented several exhibits that will arouse the interest of the general public and of those who are fond of the history of the native land,” stated Victor Botnaru.