THE CANDLE OF RECOGNITION

In Romanian "Lumânarea Recunoştinţei", but also called "Lui monumentul Badea Mior", this monument built in 2004 on the rocky banks of the Dniestr is the most important modern creation in the history of Moldova. The idea to build this monument came from Moldavian intellectuals and artists, including the writer Ion Druță, a native of Horodiște but living in Moscow. Constructed of hollow jointed stones, this monument is the symbol of the Moldovan people and was built as a tribute to the anonymous heroes who fought to preserve, protect and transmit the culture, language and history of Moldova through the generations. The monument appears on stamps of 90 bani issued in 2008 by the Moldovan postal service.

At 29.50 m high, the Candle diffuses visible light from its summit to Otaci in the northwest and Camenca in the southeast. This beautiful stone-cutting work is also a dedication to the existing Moldavian monuments and to those destroyed during the multiple invasions and conflicts of history. It can be reached by a road on top of the hill, but 600 steps will also take you to the banks at river level. Inside the monument you will find a small chapel with a beautifully carved wooden iconostasis. From the Candle, the view of the loop formed by the Dniestr is magnificent and in front of it you can see Ukraine. Nearby, you can also go and admire the famous Bechir ravine.