The Candle of Gratitude is a monument in Soroca, Republic of Moldova. It is located on a slope between the Dniester River and the Bechir Ravine.

At the entrance to the city of Soroca, on the banks of the Dniester, a distinctive symbol rises – the “Candles of Gratitude” Monument. This unique architectural sculpture is a mark of the region and an embodiment of cultural and historical values.

Inaugurated in 2004 on the highest peak of Zastânca Hill, this monument represents a significant achievement in the modern history of Moldova. Proposing a silhouette reminiscent of a candle raised to the sky, the “Candles of Gratitude” monument represents an expression of gratitude towards ancestors and inherited cultural values.

On March 27, 2004, the “Candles of Gratitude” Cultural Tourist Complex was inaugurated in Soroca. Initially, the monument was to be called “Badea Mior”, the idea being proposed by the writer Ion Druță, originally from Câmpia Sorocii, the inspiration coming from the popular ballad “Miorita”, a significant work of Romanian culture. With a height of 29.5 meters, its shape like a shining candle is a tribute to the anonymous creators and the invaluable cultural and artistic values left behind

This tourist attraction with a height of almost 30 meters was built based on the project of the architect Ion Pascal. The most attractive thing is the place itself, from where a beautiful panorama opens over the city of Soroca and the surrounding landscape. From the semicircular platform, specially arranged for tourists, one can admire the impressive view of the city of Soroca, the Dniester River and the surrounding areas.

Access to this panoramic perspective requires climbing over 600 steps, an experience that is worth every effort.

For active families and older children, it is recommended to start the journey from the bottom, from the Bechir bridge, where you can park your car. From here, climb the over 600 steps to the "Candle of Gratitude", and up to the top you can see several places worthy of a successful selfie. After the first 100 steps, there is a fountain dedicated to the teacher. There are numerous benches and gazebos for rest along the route.

Since 2018, the complex has been a public monument. From 2004 to 2018, it was classified as an architectural and artistic monument of national significance within the Register of State-Protected Monuments of the Republic of Moldova.

The “Candle of Gratitude” monument not only pays homage to the past and culture, but also offers a breathtaking view of the beauty of Moldovan nature.

The monument-chapel features a conical candle-shaped spire with a height of 25 m and a diameter at the base of 5 m, with an interior room for the chapel, with a door and windows. The construction is not heated.

* The spire is made of stone slabs - Cosăuți sandstone, with a casing and diaphragms of monolithic reinforced concrete.

* Above the spire rises the symbol of the candle flame, 5 m high, made of metal.

* The candle features a round construction in plan made of stone masonry with a skeleton with internal diameters in the lower part of 4.0 m, upper - 2.0 m and a height of 25.0 m. The basic volume of the building is joined by 4 pilasters in which niches with an internal diameter of 1.0 m are located.

* The chapel room is located in the lower part of the building and is covered with a dome at an elevation of 6,000. Above the dome, a vertical staircase is located in the body of the building for its service. The viewing platform is located around the building, with 8 edges in plan.

* The foundation, as well as the plate of the viewing platform, are made of monolithic reinforced concrete. The trunk of the Monument has a complex construction, the masonry being made of flat quarry stone M300-400 on M150 mortar and monolithic reinforced concrete pillars.

* The masonry serves as formwork for concreting the pillars. The reinforced concrete pillars are connected to the masonry by reinforcement whiskers. The body of the monument is divided into 5 floors by monolithic horizontal diaphragms of reinforced concrete, monolithically connected with vertical columns of reinforced concrete.

* A pipe sleeve is provided for the installation of the "flame" construction in the diaphragm at the height of 22.4 m. The stability of the monument is ensured by combining the function of the stone masonry and the monolithic reinforced concrete skeleton, consisting of columns and horizontal diaphragms, with monolithic bracing of the columns with a foundation through reinforcement whiskers, by combining the function of the monolithic reinforced concrete foundation and the rock base.

* The interior lighting of the Monument-Chapel is achieved with lighting fixtures, with incandescent lamps, since there is no heating of the room.