Dubasari: Nature, Culture and Tradition

The Green Waterfall in Molovata adds a striking natural feature to the Dubăsari District. Other highlights include the canyon with its distinctive flora in Oxentea and the “Farmecul Nistrului” ecotourism trail. Churches, museums, a cemetery and traditional crafts give other villages their own cultural character. This allows you to plan your trip around landscapes, history or local traditions.

Nature and Trails

The “Farmecul Nistrului” ecotourism trail is about four kilometres long and runs between Mărcăuți, Molovata and Molovata Nouă. Its route is therefore oriented around three specific place names. In 2025, the trail was equipped with trail markers, information boards and rest areas; the Eco App Moldova complemented it digitally with maps, biodiversity information and local stories. Before setting out, it is worth checking trail conditions and app availability.

The Green Waterfall in Molovata forms a wall of water about 25 metres wide and 8 metres high. By contrast, the canyon in Oxentea is characterised by its distinctive flora. Visitors choosing nature destinations will thus find different points of interest: a formation with specific dimensions and an area whose plant life is highlighted.

Churches and Historic Sites

The Church of Saint Alexei, a 19th-century architectural monument, is located in Pohrebea. The same village is also home to a monastery carved into the rock. If you plan to visit the monastery, check access arrangements in advance. The Church of “Acoperămîntul Maicii Domnului” in Marcăuți dates from 1816. These two churches provide specific historical points of reference, while the rock monastery represents another form of religious heritage.

The old cemetery in Molovata contains gravestones dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. In Pîrîta stands the Suvorov Oak, which is over 400 years old. The cemetery and the oak offer two different perspectives on the district’s heritage: the historical testimony of a place and a single natural heritage site with a long history.

Museums and Local Culture

Cocieri is home to a house museum dedicated to filmmaker Vlad Ioviță. The Doroțcaia Museum of History and Ethnography is located in the village centre. In Molovata Nouă, the Museum of the History and Ethnography of the Local Area reopened in early 2012 after extensive renovation. The three museums root different cultural themes in specific places. If you wish to visit one of the museums or the rock monastery, check visiting arrangements in advance.

Traditional crafts are also part of the cultural landscape: twelve folk artisans are active in the Dubăsari District. Their fields include pottery, artistic woodwork, embroidery, artistic weaving and weaving with plant fibres. The range of techniques extends from working with clay and wood to textiles and woven materials.

Traditions and Events

IA MANIA, a festival of folk traditions featuring live music, traditional cuisine, crafts, workshops and exhibitions, is held annually in Holercani. In Molovata Nouă, Village Day is celebrated every year on 28 August. If you plan your trip around either event, check the dates and programmes in advance; event programme details may change.

The Molovata ferry runs daily between Molovata and Molovata Nouă across the Dniester. Check the timetable before travelling if you plan to use this service.

Discover more destinations: Dubasari, Soroca District, Leova District, Rezina, Soldanesti, Cahul District, Ștefan Vodă District, Călărași District.

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