BEECHIR GULLY

The Bechir ravine is located in the commune of Zastânca (or Zastînca), where the Bechir River flows, which is a small tributary of the Dniester, and where the Duruitoarea River, which comes from Ocolina, joins the Bechir. The place is characterized by steep limestone slopes, partly wooded on 46 ha. The ravine, 100 m deep, is 10 km long and 375 m wide. It was studied in the 19th century by geologists Pavel Svinine and Karl Eichwald for its geological interest (Badeenian or Cretaceous deposits, Pleistocene alluvial deposits, loess, sandy clay, brown clay...). This unique site was placed under State protection on 13 March 1962, during the Soviet period. In addition to their importance from the point of view of the diversity of fauna and flora, the sites are also of scientific interest for geological mapping, stratigraphic study of the sedimentary formations of the Eastern European Platform or the collection of palaeontological, palaeobotanical and archaeological material.

Archaeological remains from the Cucuteni-Tripolia culture have been found on the site. The remains of a rock monastery dug into the rock by monks from the 6th to 8th centuries can also be seen. This hermitage is 14 m high, consisting of a room with an altar to the north and a French window to the south. Inside, the stone is carved and the resulting decoration imitates that of wooden churches. Walking in this environment is an enchantment.