Soroca is a picturesque town located on the right bank of the Dniester River, boasting a rich and diverse history. Initially built of wood by the Moldavian ruler Stephen the Great in 1499 and later rebuilt in stone by Petru Rareș in the 16th century, the impressive Soroca Fortress remains the city’s defining landmark. The first documented mention of Soroca dates back to 1499, when the local governor (pârcălab) Coste was recorded as the administrator of the newly constructed fortress. Over the centuries, Soroca developed into an important military and commercial outpost of medieval Moldavia. Its multicultural character—shaped by Moldovans, Russians, Ukrainians, Jews, and Roma communities—is still visible today in the city’s architecture, traditions, and everyday life. One of Soroca’s most striking features is the Roma Hill, a district known for its lavish mansions built by the local Roma community. These unique constructions, often compared to palaces, attract international visitors fascinated by their extravagant architecture and the strong contrasts they create within the urban landscape.